Undergraduate Programs at ZU
You don't want to decide between economics, culture and politics? Neither want we.
We prefer good in-between solutions – don’t you? The four undergraduate degree programs at Zeppelin University (ZU) are designed for generalists who are also capable of specialization.
In other words, students who are equally interested in exciting issues at the crossroads between economics, communication, culture, politics, and administration – such as globalization, migration, climate change, digitization, ecology – but who also want to become experts in their chosen field.
Daily life at ZU is very different to what students typically experience at many large state universities.
Our small institution engenders personal, supportive relationships between students, academics, and administrative employees –with flat organizational structures and small study groups.
If you have already lost your way in the state university jungle, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we will get you back on track!
Thanks to our module mobility within the four-country region, you can study at ZU without borders: in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. From the beginning of the winter semester 2023/24, ZU students will be able to take one course or module per semester at one of the partner universities of the network and thus compose their own study orientation from an even greater variety of courses.
Our undergraduate programs
ZU was one of the first German universities to introduce four-year bachelor’s degrees in all four undergraduate programs. This was the university’s response to the abbreviated Abitur (school-leaving examination), new international standards and our belief in developing research-focused and character-forming courses of study.
Start application
Start of studies & selection process
Spring Semester 2024 | Start 27. Januar 2024 |
Fall Semester 2024 | Start 1. September 2024 |
Spring Semester 2025 | Start 25. Januar 2025 |
As an applicant, you must be a good fit for our university – but our university must also be right for you. As a small, private higher education institution, Zeppelin University is able to carry out its own selection process. We call it “Pioneers Wanted!” It stems from our belief that an applicant’s grades in general – and their GPA in particular – are not grounds enough for a decision on their acceptance to our university. Indeed, our goal is to invite highly motivated individuals to commence their studies with us.
Interested? Please note the language requirements
Although quite a few courses at ZU are offered in English, it is not possible to complete a undergraduate program entirely in English. Language skills in English are preferred, while German is an absolute necessity. ZU requires very good proficiency in German language on C1 level for all degree-seeking applicants.
Team Admissions
Application Advice Undergraduate Programs
Phone: +49 7541 6009-2000
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Do you have any questions about the study programs and the application process? Then please contact our applicant advisory service.
The Zeppelin University approach
At ZU we believe that, to meet the future challenges of an increasingly globalized, knowledge-based society, a generation of responsible decision-makers and creative thinkers with an eye for – and an understanding of – inter-connectedness is needed.
Above all, we believe that our students should be given more time for their own research and project-based studies.
We are pleased to announce two new additions to our range of multiple award-winning, top-ranked study programs – firstly, the interdisciplinary and method-based “Zeppelin Year” in the first two semesters, combined with an original research project in small groups. Secondly, the “Humboldt Year” in the 6th and 7th semesters, which involves an individual research project in one department or research association at ZU or a partner university.
The four phases of study after the internship required for enrollment:
The Zeppelin Year
Project work + multi-disciplinary foundations for theories + scientific methods. The idea is to bring “dry” theory and methods to life, i.e. by making them more understandable through specific practical assignments or research projects – whether they pertain to urbanity, migration, administrative reform, civil society, cultural sciences or political networks.
The Major Phase
From semesters three to seven. Alongside the few compulsory modules, every student can compile his or her own unique syllabus with specializations.
You can now also choose to study the following zu|sätze (ZU extras): StudentStudies and GlobalStudies.
The Humboldt Year
By the sixth semester, diligent students will want to try something on their own initiative – in the form of a freely selected, specialist and unique research focus in collaboration with a department head or one of the eight ZU research groups in Germany or abroad.
The Bachelor Phase
In the eighth semester it’s time to find your own research topic + 12-week time window + colloquia to exchange ideas with fellow students and a supervising professor at the university.
Complementary pages
Applicant Advisory and Admissions
| Phone: | +49 7541 6009-2000 |
| Room: | FAB 3 | 0.31 |