FAQ - Frequently asked questions

The 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) prepares you for college in Germany. You’ll deepen your subject-specific knowledge and German language skills and complete the program with the placement exam —which grants you access to a University degree program. In addition, you can prepare for language exams such as the DSH (German Language Test for University Admission), which is required for enrollment at many Universities.

You need a high school diploma that qualifies you for higher education in your home country but does not receive direct recognition in Germany. In this case, the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) is the necessary step to obtain admission to higher education. In addition, you can prepare here for language exams such as the DSH, which many Universities require for enrollment.

Applications are submitted online—directly to Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. You can find the exact deadlines on our website.

To take the entrance exam, you must have German language skills at the B1 level.

The TI and WW courses usually last two semesters (one year). The DSH course lasts one semester.
More information about our courses.

TI course (technology/engineering) - 2 semesters for technical degree courses: Subjects: German, mathematics, physics, computer science, technical drawing/CAD, English. Degree: Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)

WW course (economics) - 2 semesters for economics courses: subjects: German, mathematics, economics/economics, computer science, business statistics, business psychology, English. Degree: Assessment test (FSP)

DSH course - 1 semester
Intensive preparation for the German language examination for university entrance (DSH)

More information about our courses.

Classes: Classes are held in groups. Attendance at all classes / courses is mandatory (usually Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).

Assessments: There are regular quizzes and invigilated (written) examinations throughout the semester. To advance to the second semester, students must earn at least a “sufficient” grade in all courses.

At the HSZG 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college), depending on your course, you will take either the placement exam (written and oral in several subjects) or the German Language Exam for University Admission. Here you'll find an overview of all exam details.

By passing the Qualifying Examination (FSP) at the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, you’ll be able to study at any university of applied sciences in Germany—in a program that matches your area of focus.

Many graduates choose to enroll directly at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences , since the transition is particularly straightforward here and there is a wide selection of suitable degree programmes.

If you do not pass the final examination, you may submit a request to the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) to repeat the semester. If this request is approved, you may repeat the semester and retake the examination.

The German Language Examination for University Admission (DSH) can be taken twice at our institution. If the exam is not passed on the second attempt, it may be retaken, but not at the HSZG 'Studienkolleg'.

The Proficiency Examination (FSP) may be taken a total of two times, generally at the same 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college). If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, no further retakes are permitted.

Yes. After passing the placement exam or the DSH, you can enroll in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Diplom program at HSZG that does not require an entrance exam and continue your studies there.
Learn more about the programs offered at HSZG

We are unable to offer you in-person assistance. However, you will receive all the important information in a handout that is available online along with your test results. In it, you will find the forms for registering for student housing, as well as additional information about housing options in Zittau, enrolment, and the required textbooks. You can also find some initial information on the website.

Yes, but only to a limited extent. International students are subject to certain rules regarding how many days per year they are allowed to work. You can find more information here.

Yes, you can take part in university sports, join sports clubs and take part in campus events. You can find more information here.

The Deutschlandsemesterticket is a discounted ticket for students that allows you to use public transport throughout Germany for one semester - digitally on your smartphone. More about the Germany semester ticket