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View of the Zittau market square from above
©iStock.com/mediartist Matthias Schloenvogt

Studying in Zittau

Zittau offers you 2 degree programmes in English at 2 higher education institutions.

“Studying without borders”. This campaign of the local higher education institution is a living reality in Zittau: the city is located in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic and when you go hiking in the Zittau Mountains you will cross a border every now and then. This border setting is also noticeable in the cultural sector when cities of all countries organise festivals together.

The idyllic town of Zittau lies in the middle of Oberlausitz (Upper Lusatia), in the east of Germany. Its location directly on the border with Poland and the Czech Republic brings an extraordinary cultural atmosphere to the small town: the municipalities of the three countries work together not only in terms of business or urban development but also in culture or sports. In short, they also celebrate together! For example, the citizens' festival ("Bürgerfest") takes place every year at the Dreiländerpunkt, where the countries meet. For this day alone, a temporary bridge is sometimes built over the Neisse River, which is intended to connect the three countries more closely in a European spirit.

You can also "taste" the border location! In addition to international cuisine, regional specialities from Upper Lusatia, Bohemia and Silesia are particularly popular in Zittau. If you have a sweet tooth, try Oberlausitzer Quarkkeulchen, Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen and Palatschinken!

Approximately 25,000 people live in Zittau, more than 1,300 of whom are students. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is known for its application-oriented research and international atmosphere. Research focuses on topics such as "Energy and Environment" or "Transformation Processes in Economy and Society".

Life in Zittau

25,000 residents

  • High-speed train connections

    Dresden train station in 78 km distance

  • International airport

    Dresden airport in 78 km distance

  • Coast

    Baltic Sea in 340 km distance

  • Mountain range

    Zittau Mountains in close vicinity

  • Other countries

    Poland in close vicinity

  • Attractions within 100 km

    • Zittau narrow-gauge railway in close vicinity

    • St. Marienthal Abbey in 14 km distance

    • Nonnenfelsen rock formation in 11 km distance

    • Dresden in 77 km distance

2 higher education institutions in Zittau

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Zittau

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Zittau. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Zittau are mainly offered in the subject group Engineering Sciences, followed by Economic Sciences, Law and Mathematics, Natural Sciences. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.
  • 0

    Agricultural and Forest Sciences

  • 3

    Humanities and Social Sciences

  • 6

    Mathematics, Natural Sciences

  • 0

    Art, Music, Design

  • 1

    Language and Cultural Studies

  • 0

    Medicine, Health Sciences

  • 9

    Economic Sciences, Law

  • 21

    Engineering Sciences

  • 0

    Teaching Degrees

The monastery ruins on Mount Oybin under a blue sky
©Mario Hoesel – stock.adobe.com

You have a great view over the Zittau Mountains from the ruins of the Oybin monastery.

Close to the Jonsberg in the Zittau Mountains, you can admire over 200 species of butterflies in the butterfly house!

Zittau is a cosy town with a rich past. You can experience the city's history in the museums, in many exhibitions or on a walk along the historic old buildings and baroque city palaces. Today, the old buildings are home to numerous cafés, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy time with your friends. You won't have to go far after lectures, because it's only a few minutes' walk from the higher education institution to the picturesque old town. Maybe after your lectures, you'll want to climb the lookout tower of St. John's Church: from here you can admire the beauty of Zittau with its small streets and red roofs from above. As tranquil as Zittau usually is, it gets particularly lively in the summer months. At events such as the "Zittauer Stadtfest" (city festival), the "Zittau Film Nights" or the historical festival "Spectaculum Citaviae" you can admire theatre performances, dance to live music and make new friends.

By the way, did you know that some years ago Zittau was named the "European City of Sport"? Accordingly, you can look forward to a diverse, colourful and large range of sports here: from student sports, indoor sports to adventurous outdoor sports, there's a lot on offer! If you like to be outdoors, you shouldn't miss the Sächsisch-Böhmische Gebirge, a nearby mountain range. Here you can not only go hiking or walking but also marvel at the spectacular rock formations. The most famous mountain is Oybin - a sandstone massif with a castle and monastery.

Another local recreation area and especially popular on warm days is the Olbersdorfer See, a lake. Here you can relax on the beach over the weekend, cool off in the water or even rent a boat. Beach loungers and beach volleyball courts are also available. You will come back to class full of energy!

A young woman walks through the city
A young woman walks through the cityJan von Allwörden / DAAD

You can find more information at study-in-germany.de

For more information on living and studying in Zittau, visit the city portraits at study-in-germany.de