Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz

Key Highlights

• Public university of applied sciences operating in Zittau and Görlitz
• Founded in 1992 in the Germany–Poland–Czech Republic border region
• Official 2024 data reported 2,486 students and 57 degree programs
• Research priorities include energy and environment, societal and economic transformation, and materials and surfaces

Student Life & Environment

Student life is distributed between two relatively small cities rather than concentrated on one campus. HSZG’s campus-life service brings together university sports, housing guidance, student representation, clubs and associations, financing information, and the MyHSZG campus app. The Campus Card is used for university and student-service functions. Studentenwerk Dresden provides the main welfare infrastructure in both locations, including residence halls, dining, student-finance guidance, social and psychosocial counseling, legal advice, cultural support, and assistance for students with children. HSZG separately provides general academic advising and information on accessible study and examination accommodations. Housing is available through Studentenwerk residences, but applicants must submit a separate accommodation application; admission to the university should not be treated as an automatic room reservation. Organized sports include health and fitness activities, martial arts, outdoor sports, games, and dance. Student representatives, clubs, and local venues offer additional ways to participate, although the range is naturally different from that of a large-city campus. International students can use university and Studentenwerk support services, including orientation information and a dedicated career service. Students deciding between programs should consider both academic content and campus location, since daily services, housing choices, and social networks are city-specific.

Location & Surroundings

HSZG is located in Upper Lusatia in eastern Saxony, with campuses in Zittau and Görlitz. The region sits near Poland and the Czech Republic, giving students access to a distinctive cross-border setting. Zittau is close to the Zittau Mountains and supports outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, climbing, and winter sports. Görlitz stands on the Neisse opposite the Polish city of Zgorzelec and is known for its preserved historic center. The Zittau campus is based around Theodor-Körner-Allee and accommodates engineering, natural and environmental sciences, and business-and-engineering subjects. The Görlitz campus on Brückenstraße hosts computing and the managerial, cultural, and social-science faculties. Students should check where their program is delivered before arranging housing or commuting. Studentenwerk residences and dining facilities operate in both places, including multiple halls near the Zittau campus and the Vogtshof residence in Görlitz’s old town. Dresden, Prague, Wrocław, and nearby mountain areas broaden regional travel possibilities, but prospective students should independently assess transport frequency and journey times for their intended routine.

Costs & Career Outcomes

HSZG states that it does not charge general tuition fees, but enrolled students must pay a semester contribution. The official re-registration notice for winter semester 2026/27 sets that contribution at €350.13. Newly enrolled students should also check whether a one-time Campus Card charge applies. The contribution and its components can change by semester, so the 2026/27 figure should not be projected into later years. Certain continuing-education, part-time, cooperative, or externally delivered programs may have different charges; applicants should rely on the relevant program page and enrollment notice. Living costs are separate. Studentenwerk Dresden offers residence-hall rooms and apartments in Zittau and Görlitz, with utilities and internet included in many published rents. Availability and prices vary by building and room type, and accommodation requires a separate application. International students should budget additionally for health insurance, food, study materials, residence-permit expenses where applicable, and personal travel. HSZG’s career services support students with employability skills, applications, networking, and the transition into work. A dedicated Career Service for Internationals provides guidance from the start of study through entry into the German labor market. The university also operates a start-up academy for students, graduates, and research staff considering entrepreneurship. Applied projects, practical semesters, cooperative KIA routes, and links with regional employers can provide work-related experience, but no verified salary or graduate-employment rate is presented here.