Ursula Keller was born in Zug, Switzerland, marking the beginning of her life journey. Details about her early childhood and family background in Zug are scarce but shaped her initial exposure to the world.

Keller pursued her undergraduate and graduate studies in Physics at the prestigious ETH Zurich. This period was crucial for her, providing a solid foundation in physics and setting the stage for her future specialization in laser physics and photonics. She would have engaged with fundamental concepts and early research experiences that sparked her scientific curiosity.

Continuing at ETH Zurich, Keller completed her Ph.D. in Physics. This involved intensive research and the development of her expertise in a specific area of physics. This period would have entailed rigorous study, experimentation, and the completion of a doctoral thesis, marking her transition to an independent researcher.