On March 22, 2025, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) once again opened its doors to all prospective students and guests. At both campuses—Zittau and Görlitz—numerous visitors took advantage of the opportunity between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to learn about degree programmes, tour laboratories, and talk with students and faculty.

Presentations, such as the opening talk featuring university staff and students, outlined the path to studying at HSZG and provided valuable general information, while prospective students gained very concrete insights into the diverse degree programs through program presentations, introductory lectures, and panel discussions.

The Open House was aimed not only at prospective students but also at their families and residents of the region. During the lab tours, they were not only able to get a behind-the-scenes look at research at HSZG, but also gained an immediate impression of the affordable cost of living and the cultural diversity of both cities through the dormitory tours offered.

Through engaging introductory lectures and hands-on, practical activities—such as the workshop “Successfully Using AI in the Job Application Process”—those interested were able to get involved firsthand at the Zittau campus and gain valuable insights.

Particularly popular were the information booths run by the faculties of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration and Engineering Management, and the department of electrical engineering, as well as the guided tours of the modern high-tech laboratories, where the latest research topics were presented in an engaging way. During the LaNDER³ tour, visitors learned firsthand what is important in the production of natural fiber-reinforced materials. In addition, the faculties offered an in-depth look at their work—from the CAVE’s virtual 3D laboratory to the fluid dynamics experiments conducted by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Those interested in new degree programmes could learn more about the English-language “European Business” degree programme and “Environmental Sciences.”

The ZukLOS team provided information on the “Zukunftslernort Oberlausitz” project, and the Student Council convinced visitors—not only with sound arguments but also with delicious cake—why it’s worthwhile for students to get involved in university committees.

Rides on the hydrogen scooter were especially popular. Thanks to the efforts of the Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology (IPM), visitors of all ages were able to take laps along the campus axis in good spring weather. In addition, the IPM wowed guests with the EnerSTRIX demonstrator—a 3D-printed functional unit for treating process air.

Campus and city tours, information booths on topics such as financing a degree, internship opportunities, and apprenticeship programs, the company fair for those interested in dual study programs, as well as information sessions offered by Fraunhofer IWU, Fraunhofer IEG, and the DLR rounded out the event’s offerings.

Interest was also high in Görlitz: Visitors learned about degree programmes such as “Health care management, ” “Social Work, ” “Childhood Education, ” “Computer Science, ” “Economics and Computer Science,” and “Applied Nursing Science” for first-year students and people in professional occupations. Presentations on topics related to the Social Sciences, an open-stage program organized by the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies, information on study abroad opportunities, and events like “Meet Your Professor!” and “Student Talks” left virtually no questions unanswered about studying at the HSZG in Görlitz.

At the Görlitz campus, the Mobile Lab—the HSZG Airstream trailer —which was good. Inside, visitors found various experiment and hands-on stations that invited them to marvel and try things out. The University Library was open all day and provided all its usual services.

Visitors particularly appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with faculty, students, and staff at the university. Many took advantage of the chance to receive personalized advice and get a firsthand look at campus life.

“It’s impressive to see how many young people are enthusiastic about our diverse range of degree programs,” says Prof. Dr. phil. Małgorzata Maćkowiak, Vice President for Education and Sustainability.

This year, there was a special focus on the new degree programme “Secondary School Teacher Training with Special Needs Education”, which will launch for the first time in the winter semester of 2025/2026 in cooperation with Leipzig University of Technology. The response was overwhelming—many young people took the opportunity to learn all about the program’s curriculum. This was particularly pleasing to the Rector of HSZG, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch.

He also emphasized that the Open University Day was a collaborative effort by the HSZG and praised the tremendous dedication of the approximately 200 participants, who—through program presentations, laboratory tours, and the setup of hands-on stations, all of whom played a key role in the success of the more than 75 program items.

The 2025 Open University Day not only answered many questions but also sparked an interest in studying at HSZG—all in a region known for its high quality of life, innovative ideas, and close personal connections.

In the end, many guests agreed that, in addition to the practice-oriented teaching based on the latest scientific findings, it is above all the unique location in the tri-border region—with its international flair and short distances to Poland and the Czech Republic—that makes the HSZG so attractive. The close-knit academic environment, small seminar groups, and close interaction with faculty are also particularly appreciated.

Photos from Zittau: Tom Richter
Photos from Görlitz: Sven Müller