Although students may attend Zeppelin Universität in several capacities, international students generally enrol as either degree-seeking students or as guest students from a partner university. Students whose aim it is to enrol in a course of study at ZU leading to the completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree apply for admission alongside other applicants from Germany. This formal application process is guided by the Zeppelin Universität Office of Admissions.

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

Procedures for Admission: Degree-seeking International Students

Students who intend to enrol at ZU as degree-seeking students should contact the Office of Admissions at:

Miss Andrea Böttcher
Am Seemooser Horn 20
88045 Friedrichshafen
GERMANY

Tel. +49 (0) 7541-6009-1195
Email: andrea.boettcher@zeppelin-university.de

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.


1. 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.

2. 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: Overall score of 233 computer-based; 90 internet-based

ZU TOEFL Code: 8966 (or you may send certified copies of your results)

IELTS: Overall score of 6.5

Helpful addresses.

Carl Duisberg Centre http://www.cdc.de

Carl Duisberg Centre, Radolfzell, Germany:
Frau Petra Heintze
Fürstenbergstraße 1
78315 Radolfzell am Bodensee
Tel.: +49 (0) 7732- 9201
Email: radolfzell@cdc.de

Goethe Institute http://www.goethe.de


Procedures for Admission: Exchange Students

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 guest students will receive notification of formal admission as a guest 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. Guest students are not required to demonstrate proficiency in the German language, for they will enrol in English language courses. TOEFL and IELTS scores are not required for one-semester guest students.