Portrait and mission statement

The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has been located in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic since 1992. Like almost no other university, it embodies new beginnings and change. Thanks to its location, the HSZG serves as a bridge between Central and Eastern Europe. The topic of energy has been in its DNA since its founding. And studying the transformation of the economy, the workforce, and society is good in Germany—it’s better done in Upper Lusatia.

In the heart of Europe, students are researching solutions for the future. They find ideal conditions here: a first-class student-to-faculty ratio, no overcrowded lecture halls, modern laboratories and technical facilities, exciting research projects and internships, international exchange opportunities, short commutes, affordable rent, and a charming region. Here, students can feel at home and fulfill their potential. They conduct research on cutting-edge topics and, well-equipped as problem-solvers, help improve our world.

To ensure the university remains ready for the future, it is constantly evolving. Green Engineering, the Health Campus, and the Continuing Education Campus are just three key elements of the comprehensive “University for the Future” initiative. Students and professors, as well as our approximately 500 employees, are all involved in shaping the “University of the Future.”

Well-Connected Internationally

Our students, as well as our faculty, benefit from a wide range of exchange opportunities and gain in-depth exposure to other languages and cultures. International contacts are organized by the International Office in Zittau and Görlitz. The office also provides advising on international exchange programs such as ERASMUS+ and internships abroad.

The university has partnerships with a wide range of international universities and business institutions. To foster international cooperation, the HSZG is a member of three networks: The Baltic University Program consists of 225 universities and research institutions from countries in the Baltic Sea region. It supports courses, conferences, research projects, and summer schools at the Bachelor’s and master’s levels. The focus is on topics such as sustainability, democracy, and environmental protection.

HSZG is also a member of the Sino-German University of Applied Sciences (CDHAW). Students majoring in mechatronics or Engineering Management have the opportunity to participate in the CDHAW program at Tongji University and the consortium of German universities. The Indo-German Center for Higher Education (IGCHE), in turn, is an alliance of Indian and German universities. Students from both cultures gain in-depth insights into the academic and economic systems of their host countries.

Applied Research

Whether it involves optimizing power plant processes and automation technology, biotechnology, specific surface properties for high-voltage fittings, or regional and social development processes—the subject-specific competence of Zittau University of Applied Sciences/Görlitz is widely recognized and in high demand among partner institutions in business and society as well as among researchers.

Three research priorities define the HSZG. In addition to energy and the environment and transformation processes in business and society, the university specializes in materials, structures, and surfaces. Five university-affiliated institutes conduct research in these fields. Close ties to local small and medium-sized businesses and large companies both domestically and abroad ensure a continuous transfer of knowledge to the real world. This close connection to real-world experience pays off when entering the workforce. The high employment rates of our graduates prove it.