Incoming Students

Students who intend to spend a semester exchange at ZU will apply as non-degree-seeking guest students directly to the ZU International Office.

1. Students who wish to visit ZU for one semester within the framework of a partnership agreement should first notify the international office at their home institution.
2. Incoming students will receive notification of formal admission as an exchange student to ZU, assistance with questions regarding the student visa, housing, and general day-to-day activities associated with studying at ZU as well as life in the community.
3. Click here for the application form.
4. Exchange students are not required to demonstrate proficiency in the German language, for they will enroll in English language courses. TOEFL iBT or IELTS is required for one-semester exchange students. TOEFL iBT: 90 internet-based or IELTS 6.5 (applies to non-English Nations only)

Application deadlines
1 November for Spring Semester, 1 June for Fall Semester

The application process at ZU consists of two parts. First, students complete an online application (called a ‘kick-off’) and send all appropriate application material to the Office of Admissions. Important: The application material are in and must be completed in the German language. Applications submitted in English or any other language may not be considered.

At this point, a panel of ZU professors and administrators screen all applications for qualified students. Second, students designated as formally qualified for admission by this panel receive an invitation to travel to Friedrichshafen for a day of exercises and interviews. Final decisions concerning the applications are then transmitted to the candidates by mail approximately one week following the interview event.

Students who intend to enroll at ZU as degree-seeking students should contact

Educational Qualifications: Undergraduate applicants must show the equivalency of a German Abitur upon submission of application material. International applicants seeking admission to the ZU graduate school must demonstrate the equivalency of an undergraduate university degree.
Language Requirements: Although a good number of courses are offered in English at ZU, students will not be in a position to complete a degree program in English. Knowledge of English is preferred; knowledge of German is an absolute necessity. ZU requires that all degree-seeking applicants demonstrate a minimum of intermediate-level German skills. Evidence of German competency can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, such as submitting a TestDaf score of 4.0. Language institutions, such as those listed below, also offer examinations that are recognized by Zeppelin Universität as evidence of German language proficiency.

In addition to demonstrating intermediate German skills, applicants from China are required to submit APS documentation.

Regarding English, students may opt to submit a TOEFL or IELTS report as proof of English skills. Although Zeppelin Universität does not require students to submit standardized test scores concerning English skills, applicants’ English abilities may factor into the ultimate admission decision.

TOEFL iBT: 90 internet-based or IELTS: Overall score of 6.5

Spring Semester 2017
orientation week | january 21, 2017 - january 27, 2017
start of classes | january 23, 2017
block week | january 23 - january 28, 2017
reading week | may 8 - may 13, 2017
examination period | may 15 - may 31, 2017


Fall Semester 2017
orientation week | september 2, 2017 - september 8, 2017
start of classes | september 4, 2017
block week | september 4 - september 8, 2017
reading week | december 2 - december 7, 2017
examination period | december 8 - december 22, 2017

The international office is subdivided in the following responsibility areas:

• Erasmus and countries within Europe: please contact our Erasmus Student Coordinator Barbara Reinhardt.

• All other countries: please contact our International Student Coordinator Nina Möller.