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Friedrichshafen is a small city of around 62,000 residents on Lake Constance and home to Zeppelin University. With around 13 interdisciplinary programmes bridging business, culture, and politics, ZU ranks among Germany's most distinctive private universities. Around 3,500 students are enrolled. All programmes have no NC restriction.
What makes Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen special?
Zeppelin University is not a typical university of applied sciences but a full university with the right to award doctoral degrees. Its interdisciplinary approach – business meets culture meets politics – is unique in Germany. The lakeside location adds to the appeal.
Interdisciplinary profile
Zeppelin University offers around 13 programmes across three faculties: business, culture and communication studies, and political and administrative science. The distinctive feature: the faculties are deliberately interlinked – students take modules across disciplines.
Lakeside campus
The ZU campus sits on the shores of Lake Constance – lectures with lake views included. The compact size (around 3,500 students) enables personal supervision and short distances. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Anglo-Saxon liberal arts colleges.
Industrial hub with strong employers
Friedrichshafen is the headquarters of ZF Friedrichshafen (automotive supplier, over 160,000 employees worldwide), Rolls-Royce Power Systems, and Airbus Helicopters has a presence in the region. For students in business and technology, this offers excellent working student and internship opportunities.
What does it cost to live in Friedrichshafen as a student?
Friedrichshafen is not cheap for a small city – the lake and industry drive up prices. The cost of living index is 70 (Numbeo). Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €820 and €1,020.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €400 and €500 per month on average. Supply is limited – early searching is essential. Many students live in neighbouring towns like Immenstaad, Markdorf, or Tettnang.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €450
- Health insurance: €110
- Public transport: €35
- Groceries & household: €220
- Leisure & culture: €80
- Total: approx. €895 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at Zeppelin University?
Zeppelin University admits students without an NC but has a demanding proprietary selection process. This includes a motivation letter, a written assignment, and a personal interview. ZU looks for applicants with curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking.
International applicants
ZU offers some English-taught master's programmes. Bachelor programmes are primarily in German (C1 level required). Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. The university has an international network and exchange partnerships with institutions worldwide. The compact campus creates a close-knit international community.
How can you finance your studies at Zeppelin University?
Tuition fees are around €600–800/month. ZU offers its own scholarship programme and income-dependent financing models. You can apply for BAföG (maximum €934/month). Working student positions are available at ZF, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, and regional companies.
Frequently asked questions about studying at Zeppelin University
Yes. ZU is one of the few private universities in Germany with the right to award doctoral degrees. You can study through to a PhD – an advantage over universities of applied sciences.
The three faculties (business, culture, politics) are deliberately interlinked. You take modules across all areas and develop your own interdisciplinary profile. Project work and research-based learning are central.
Friedrichshafen is compact – nightlife is limited. However, the Lake Constance location offers unique leisure opportunities: sailing, swimming, hiking. Konstanz is reachable by ferry in 40 minutes, Zurich by train in about 1.5 hours.
ZF Friedrichshafen is the region's largest employer with over 160,000 employees worldwide. Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Airbus Helicopters are also present. ZU maintains close contacts with regional businesses.
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