Valuable skills and cultural diversity
At the graduation ceremony for the graduates of the HSZG preparatory program, the outstanding achievements of the international students were recognized.
Ceremonial Presentation of Diplomas to the Graduates of the Studienkolleg
On Friday, February 7, 2025, the graduation ceremony for the graduates of the Studienkolleg at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for the 2024–2025 winter semester took place in the festive setting of the Bürgersaal at Zittau City Hall. The event honored the outstanding achievements of the international students who successfully passed their placement exam (FSP) or the German Language Exam for University Admission (DSH).
A Ceremony Full of Recognition and Music
Following a welcome address by the director of the preparatory college, Ellen Leuschner, Mr. Andrri Hryb from Ukraine provided the musical opening of the ceremony on the piano. In their remarks, City Councilor Ute Wunderlich and the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Sophia Keil, emphasized the importance of international students to the university and the region. The musical performances by Ms. Palacz on the piano and Mr. E. Edwards Solano lent the ceremony a dignified atmosphere.
International students, scholars, and researchers are an invaluable asset to our university and our region. They bring new perspectives, valuable skills, and cultural diversity that enrich and strengthen our community.
”Certificate Ceremony and Special Honors
A total of 20 graduates received their FSP certificates:
- 14 in the Technology track (TI course)
- 6 in the Economics track (WW course)
In addition, 8 students were awarded a DSH certificate, including one graduate who achieved the highest level, DSH 3. The graduates come from 11 different countries, underscoring the diversity and international character of the Studienkolleg.
Special recognition was given to the top graduates of each track, whose outstanding achievements were once again honored separately.
Successful Degree and Outlook
Most graduates completed their degree within the intended timeframe:
- 16 students completed the FSP in just two semesters.
- Six of the eight DSH graduates passed the exam after just one semester.
At the conclusion of the event, Ellen Leuschner offered an optimistic outlook on the graduates’ futures and the continued development of the preparatory college. The ceremony was rounded out with a celebratory address by Mario Linack. The chairman of the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences e. V. praised the work of the preparatory college as well as the great dedication of its staff and congratulated the students on their academic achievements.
The motto of our certificate ceremony this semester is "To be successful, you need two things: clear goals and a burning desire to achieve them". We hope that the Studienkolleg students will remember their time at the Studienkolleg in Zittau and their teachers fondly and continue to take this motto to heart in the future.
”Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences extends its warmest congratulations to all graduates on their successful attainment of their degrees and wishes them every success in their future academic and professional endeavors!
During the ceremonial presentation of certificates to this year’s preparatory college students, Jeremy Cope, an English teacher at the University Language Centre, took the opportunity to unveil the photo exhibition “Faces of Hope” for the first time. The exhibition features striking portraits of international students who came to Germany with high hopes to continue their education at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
A selection of the exhibition is now on view at Zittau City Hall, before the full exhibition will be on display at the Zittau University Library from March 12 through April 30, 2025. The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the diversity and international character of the university and to tell the stories of young people who are pursuing their academic paths in Germany with diligence and courage.
The portraits give the students a voice—their hopes for the future are as diverse as their countries of origin: ranging from personal happiness and professional success to peace and equal opportunities for all. The exhibition showcases not only faces but also the hopes that young people from all over the world bring with them to Zittau.
2nd upper floor