11. November 2026

Prospective international students get to know KIA companies

Thirteen students from the 'Studienkolleg' at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences gained insights into regional companies and potential paths to the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course during the “Late Shift” event.

Ten young people are standing in front of a factory complex at night. In the background, the words “Siemens Energy” are illuminated.
Photo: HSZG Prospective students from the HSZG 'Studienkolleg' during a visit to Siemens Energy in Görlitz.

What happens after the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) ? For 13 international prospective students at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, this question is becoming more pressing. Their final examinations are scheduled for early 2027, after which they hope to begin their studies in Germany. At the “Late Shift – Open Company Day” on November 6, 2026, they took the opportunity to get to know three regional KIA partners and learn about the connection between academic studies and professional practice.

KIA as a Pathway After the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college)

The participants are currently enrolled in the second semester of the TI course or the DSH course at the HSZG’s 'Studienkolleg'. There, they are preparing for the placement exam (FSP) or the German Language Proficiency Test for University Admission (DSH). Upon obtaining a successful degree, they will be able to begin their studies in Germany.

They are particularly interested in computer science and technical degree programmes such as Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. The Cooperative Study Program with Integrated Training (KIA) offers them a promising opportunity. Depending on the study model, it combines a university degree with vocational training or extensive practical study phases at a company. This allows students to gain professional experience even while they are still in school.

To learn more about this study model and potential internship partners, the students at the preparatory college visited fit GmbH, TKG Turbinen Komponenten Görlitz GmbH, and Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG as part of a group trip. While there, they gained insights into work processes and learned about training and internship opportunities.

“

I came here today with the University's help because I really want to start the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course. I think it's great that this program allows you to combine your studies with hands-on experience at a company and earn money at the same time.

”
Deepak Malhotra from India, student at the preparatory college (Studienkolleg)
Several young people are wearing yellow safety vests and standing outside an industrial building. A young woman wearing glasses can be seen in the foreground.
A group of young people is standing in front of a large industrial machine. Two employees in blue work clothes are leading the tour.
Several young people are sitting in a minibus. Some are smiling at the camera, waving, or giving a thumbs-up.
In the evening, several people are standing in front of a blue-lit industrial building, gathered around a table with drinks and sandwiches.
Five young people are standing in a factory hall among industrial machines and shelves. They are all looking intently in the same direction.
A young man wearing a white cap and a yellow safety vest is kneeling next to a large green stuffed animal with a face. He is holding a beverage bottle in his hand.

Your contact person

KIA International
B. A.
Oliwia Sikorska
Oliwia.Sikorska(at)hszg.de
University Executive Board/University development and communication Division/KIA Department
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.47
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4671