About Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz
Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) is a public University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) in the easternmost region of Germany, operating across two campuses in Zittau and Görlitz in the state of Saxony. Founded in 1992, it offers over 57 degree programmes across six faculties spanning engineering, natural sciences, business, social sciences, and managerial and cultural studies.
The university is characterised by small seminar groups, close lecturer contact, and a strong emphasis on applied research and practical semesters integrated into the curriculum. Research priorities include energy and environment, digital transformation, and materials science, with third-party research funding of approximately €14.3 million in 2024.
With around 2,486 enrolled students (2024) and roughly 628 international students from 36 nations, HSZG is a genuinely international institution in a border-region setting. Its Studienkolleg Zittau offers preparatory courses for international applicants whose qualifications do not yet meet direct-entry requirements.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1992
- Students
- 2,486
- International
- approximately 628 international students from ~36 nations (c. 25% of enrolment, 2024)
- Faculties
- 6
Public Fachhochschule with tuition-free first-degree programmes and a semester fee of €332 (WS 2025/26)
Dual campuses in Görlitz and Zittau — Germany's easternmost university, at the Polish and Czech border triangle
57 degree programmes across 6 faculties including engineering, business, social sciences, and natural sciences
Integrated Studienkolleg Zittau for international students needing a preparatory foundation year
~628 international students from 36 nations; India is among the top source countries
Affordable cost of living: estimated €500–€600/month for rent, food, and health insurance
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Tuition-free for first-degree students at this public Fachhochschule. Semester contribution of €332.13 (WS 2025/26), which includes the student union fee and a semester public-transport ticket. A one-off student ID card fee of €10 applies. Second-degree students pay €300/semester. Saxony does not impose a general non-EU surcharge. Studienkolleg preparatory courses: DSH course €800/semester; assessment-test preparation €2,100/semester.
Admission requirements
International applicants apply as full-time degree students or as exchange/Erasmus students. Required documents include all foreign educational certificates with officially certified German translations, a gap-free CV, and (where applicable) transcripts from prior university study. Applicants from India, China (including HK/Macau), and Vietnam must present a valid APS certificate before the student visa can be issued — the university's admission page explicitly flags this requirement. Applicants whose school qualification does not meet direct-entry standards may apply to Studienkolleg Zittau (preparatory foundation year). Application window for the winter semester: 2 May – 30 September (documents must arrive by 15 May). Summer semester: 1 December – 15 February (documents by 15 November). NC (restricted-admission) programmes have an earlier winter semester cut-off of 15 July.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (Oct start): 2 May – 30 September for open-admission programmes; 2 May – 15 July for NC (numerus clausus) programmes. Documents must arrive by 15 May. Summer semester (Apr start): 1 December – 15 February. Master's and higher-semester applications: 1 December – 15 January (winter) or 1 December – 15 February (summer). Studienkolleg: 1 March – 30 April (winter); 1 September – 31 October (summer).
Languages of instruction
Primarily German-taught; select programmes in English including European Business (bachelor's) and Applied Nursing Science. German language requirements vary by faculty: DSH-1 / TestDaF TDN 3 for engineering/technical programmes; DSH-2 / TestDaF TDN 4 for business and social science programmes.
Campuses & locations
Main campus; location of most faculties, Studienkolleg, and the International Office
Second campus in the border city of Görlitz; also hosts the first international liaison office opened in Zgorzelec (PL) in 2019
Living in Sachsen
Zittau and Görlitz are small historic cities in south-east Saxony, on Germany's border with Poland and the Czech Republic. Görlitz — split by the Neisse river from its Polish twin city Zgorzelec — has a well-preserved Altstadt and a growing creative scene; it is sometimes called Germany's most beautiful city. Zittau is compact and affordable, with a relaxed student atmosphere. Both cities offer significantly lower living costs than major German student cities, with monthly expenses (rent, food, health insurance) typically in the €500–€600 range.
Student life & support
Campus life at HSZG is shaped by small class sizes and close interaction between students and teaching staff. The university provides sports facilities, language centres, career services, and a student union (Studierendenrat). Both Zittau and Görlitz have active student communities despite their small size, with the border-region setting enabling easy day trips to Dresden (~90 min), Prague (~2 hrs), and Wrocław (~2 hrs). The on-campus Studienkolleg and a dedicated International Office support international students with orientation, housing guidance, and academic integration.
42
Accredited Programmes
27
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
15
Master
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