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Pioneers Wanted!

As a private institution, Zeppelin University follows a unique selection process designed to identify highly motivated and passionate students. We aim to attract individuals who are eager to start their academic journey with us, ensuring that only those truly committed to their studies become part of our community.

“The whole life of a university depends on the kind of people who come together within it. The life of a university depends no less on the kind of students it admits than on its resident professors.”

Karl Jaspers, Die Idee der Universität, Berlin 1946, p. 91

Ready for the Challenge?

Are you prepared to tackle questions with no clear answers? Can you balance multiple disciplines while staying focused on your own inquiries? Do you draw on diverse perspectives to enrich your work? Are you curious, humble, and passionate about research, with a practical approach to problem-solving? What unique contributions can you bring to Zeppelin University and your peers? And what will your fellow students gain from learning alongside you?

Why a selection process?

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be invited to participate in Zeppelin University’s unique selection process, Pioneers Wanted!, if your profile fits our criteria. This process is a vital part of your application for a study place.

Why do we have it? Because we believe that your grades alone don’t tell the full story. They shouldn’t be the only factor in determining your place at our university. That’s why all our degree programs are NC-free. We recognize that you have many talents and qualities that make you a strong candidate, and we want to discover them through a personal interview.

Applicants must be a good fit for the university, but equally, the university must be the right fit for you. Discovering this is a shared responsibility between you and our selection team.

To the application

What to Expect at the Virtual Pioneers Wanted! Selection Day

On the day of your selection interview, we offer a dedicated info session to help you learn more about the university and connect with your future peers. The selection process is not just about getting to know you; it’s also an opportunity for you to experience Zeppelin University and feel the ZU spirit firsthand.

While the ideal place to do this is on our beautiful campus in Friedrichshafen, we understand that this may not be possible for our international applicants. That’s why we also offer a digital version of the Selection Day, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can still experience what ZU is all about.

Together, we’ll explore: Is Zeppelin University the right place for you?

Getting started together

The round of talks offers you a unique opportunity to engage with students and fellow applicants, gaining exciting insights into daily life at ZU. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn more about the ZU experience. Participation is optional, but we highly recommend it. The digital interview round typically takes place at 11 am.

Students working in groups | Photo: ZU, Ilja Mess

Selection Interview

In a 35-minute selection interview with three university representatives—one of whom may be an external member—you’ll have the opportunity to present your motivation, skills, and personality. This is your chance to determine whether you’re a good fit for ZU, and whether ZU is the right fit for you. The interview will be based on the CV you submitted and the thought-provoking unanswerable questions from your application documents.

As a central part of the selection process, the interview is carefully evaluated. And remember, every interview is unique—just like you! We want this to be a real dialogue, so feel free to ask questions and share your interests and passions!

The selection interview can take place either in the morning or the afternoon. We make every effort to accommodate your time zone, especially for international applicants participating in the selection process from around the world.

Please note: The selection interviews for our Master's degree programs CME and IRGP are held in English. Furthermore, your English proficiency will be evaluated in a test.

The selection interviews for all other degree programs are held in German.

How to Register for the Digital Selection Day

Registration for the digital selection day follows the same process as for the on-site selection day and takes place through the Zeppelin University applicant portal. Several dates will be available, so please take your time to select the one that best suits you. You can choose to participate either digitally or on-site. While the digital option is available, we highly recommend attending the selection day on-site, as it provides a more immersive and comprehensive experience.

Selection interviews | Photo: ZU, Anna Weber

When Will You Know the Admission Decision?

After the interviews on selection day, the selection committees will meet to decide on the admission or rejection of each applicant. The day following your selection day, you will receive an email directly informing you whether a study place is being offered to you. If you have applied for a scholarship, you will also be notified of the acceptance or rejection of your scholarship application at the same time as your study place decision.

Please note that after successful participation in the selection process, our contract offer is generally subject to a two-week response period.

Dates & deadlines for the next Selection Days

Experience the Selection Day on Campus

If your location allows, we highly encourage you to attend the selection day on our beautiful campus in Friedrichshafen. There’s no better way to experience the spirit of Zeppelin University firsthand and connect with your future peers.

The day typically begins at 11 a.m. with a round of talks, where you’ll have the chance to connect with students and fellow applicants.

At noon, you can enjoy lunch at our university cafeteria, recharge for the selection interviews, and network with others. Participation in the round table and lunch is optional, but we highly recommend it.

In a 45-minute selection interview with three university representatives, you’ll present your motivation, skills, and personality. This is also your opportunity to determine if Zeppelin University is the right fit for you and vice versa.

The selection day concludes with two farewell sessions, one at 3:30 p.m. and another approximately at 5 p.m. These sessions offer you a chance to reflect on your visit, share your thoughts on the day, and ask any final questions. We’re eager to hear your feedback and will take the time to have a personal conversation with you before you leave.

Please note that there may be slight variations in the schedule or format to ensure the day is tailored to the needs of all participants.

Students on the roof terrace | Photo: ZU, Anna Weber

The Pioneers Wanted! Selection Day from the perspective of a participant

"I was nervous before the selection day, but the open and warm atmosphere on site quickly took away my excitement. You immediately feel that you are not alone and that the other applicants also support each other. Today, some of the people I got to know back then are even my fellow students and friends.

So my tip: don't see the selection day as a test, but as an opportunity. Show who you are, what you are passionate about and why you want to come to ZU. Be open to new impressions, enriching conversations and maybe even first friendships. It's not about having perfect answers or a flawless CV, but about being authentic and finding out whether you want to be part of the ZU community."