Study in Saxony (Germany): All private universities at a glance

Study here in Saxony

Saxony's largest cities are also home to private universities in the state.

Leipzig

Leipzig has become the showcase city of Saxony and impresses not only with its history and culture. The city has created a recognisable higher education landscape and has gained a nationwide reputation among prospective students and in the business world.

Leipzig's cityscape is characterised by its university, the students in the city, cosmopolitanism and diversity.

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of the oldest universities in Europe. As a comprehensive university, it is known for its strong research orientation and its medical faculty. The state-run Leipzig University of Applied Sciences and the private HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management are other universities with their main campus in Leipzig.

Apart from its academic excellence, Leipzig offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts a lively cultural scene and its charming old town with lovingly restored architecture and lively market squares. Cafés, bars and pubs as well as many different city festivals and a lively nightlife create the atmosphere of a city that never sleeps. The Barfußgässchen is one of the many highlights in summer.

Leipzig is also known for its picturesque parks and green spaces, which provide ample opportunities for recreation and leisure activities in the city. In particular, the botanical garden of Leipzig University is very popular among students and locals.

The city also boasts notable landmarks, including Augustusplatz (with Mendebrunnen, City-Hochhaus, Neues Augusteum and Universitätskirche), St Thomas' Church, the iconic main railway station and Leipzig Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. The city's architectural jewels, such as the Renaissance town hall, the imposing Monument to the Battle of the Nations and the Old Stock Exchange with Goethe statue, are testimony to Leipzig's rich history and cultural heritage.

Leipzig functions as an important economic centre in eastern Germany and attracts both national and international companies. The infrastructure with good transport links, efficient public transport and the ongoing expansion of fibre-optic and 5G networks further underline Leipzig's attractiveness as a location for business and commerce.

You will find private universities in Leipzig here:

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management: Jahnallee 59, 04109 Leipzig

IU International University of Applied Sciences: Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse 23, 04103 Leipzig

FOM University of Applied Sciences: Katharinenstrasse 17, 04109 Leipzig

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences: Nordstrasse 3-15, 04105 Leipzig

Carl Remigius Medical School: Lindenauer Markt 13b, 04177 Leipzig

University of Applied Management: Augustusplatz 1-4, 04109 Leipzig

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences: Comeniusstrasse 17, 04315 Leipzig

Mende Fountain on Augustusplatz, Leipzig

Dresden

Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is a university city that is academically respected, especially in technical and cultural circles, and is a city that impresses with its history and architecture.

The Technical University of Dresden, one of the oldest and most renowned technical universities in Germany, as well as the University of Fine Arts and the Carl Maria von Weber University of Music shape the image of academic life in the city. As a subsidiary of the TU Dresden, the Dresden International University (DIU) offers itself as a private-sector alternative in the city.

In addition to a high-quality education, Dresden offers a high quality of life with a rich cultural scene, historic architecture and an impressive natural backdrop along the Elbe. The modern infrastructure and good transport connections make Dresden an attractive place to study.

In addition, numerous leisure facilities such as theatres, museums, parks and sports facilities offer students a wide range of opportunities for relaxation and active recreation. Famous sights include the Frauenkirche, the Residenzschloss, the Semper Opera House and the Baroque Quarter.

The city is also home to a thriving economy and great innovative power with a focus on mechanical engineering and robotics, smart systems, the food industry and tourism and creative industries.

You will find private universities in Dresden here:

Dresden International University: Freiberger Strasse 37, 01067 Dresden

Dresden University of Applied Sciences: Guentzstrasse 1, 01069 Dresden

IU International University of Applied Sciences: Schweriner Strasse 5, 01067 Dresden

SRH Berlin, Dresden School of Management: Georgenstrasse 7, 01097 Dresden

Steinbeis University: Cossebauder Strasse 42, 01157 Dresden

Chemnitz

Chemnitz presents itself as an attractive university city with renowned educational institutions, a pleasant quality of life and a diverse economic structure.

In addition to the TU Chemnitz, the University of Applied Sciences and the University of Applied Sciences Mittweida enrich the city's educational spectrum. Of the private universities in Saxony, the IU International University of Applied Sciences has one of its branches here.

The city offers a good quality of life with a comparatively low cost of living and a relaxed atmosphere. Chemnitz is surrounded by picturesque nature, which invites you to hike, cycle and relax.

Chemnitz also offers a wide range of cultural and sporting leisure opportunities. Theatres, museums, concerts and numerous events provide a varied cultural offering. Places of interest include the Chemnitz Industrial Museum, the Schlossberg Museum and the Karl Marx Head.

In terms of business, Chemnitz is an important centre for mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and information and communication technology. The close cooperation between the universities and industry creates optimal conditions for internships, student projects and entry into professional life.

You will find private universities in Chemnitz here:

IU International University of Applied Sciences: Annaberger Strasse 73, 09111 Chemnitz

Dual study at private universities in Saxony

The dual study programme is also becoming increasingly popular among students and companies in Saxony. This is a study model in which the theoretical phases at the university alternate with practical assignments in companies.

The students have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge directly in practice and to deepen questions and tasks from their everyday working life in the lectures. The most obvious advantage of this form of study is that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which creates the best conditions for a successful takeover by the training company or a job entry.

Another advantage is that the costs of the studies are covered by the training company and the practical work is remunerated, which provides financial relief for the students during the training.

In Saxony, dual study programmes at private universities are offered primarily by Dresden International University, SRH Dresden School of Management and IU International University of Applied Sciences.

Here is a selection of interesting dual study programmes offered by private universities in Saxony:

Teaching profession - the alternatives at private universities in Saxony

For the teaching profession, there are only a few private universities that offer this study programme and unfortunately none of them are located in Saxony. However, there are several other degree programmes in the field of education that are also offered by private universities in Saxony.

An important difference between teacher training and pedagogy is that the teacher training programme is specifically designed to prepare students for the teaching profession. In addition to pedagogical content, it also includes subject didactic and practical school elements. Pedagogy, on the other hand, is a broader field of study that deals with general pedagogical theories, methods and approaches.

Pedagogy can be an alternative to teacher training and opens up a broad occupational field that goes beyond teaching and, depending on the degree programme, is not specifically designed for the teaching profession. Graduates of a pedagogical degree programme can, for example, work in educational counselling, youth and adult education or in personnel and organisational development.

The IU International University of Applied Sciences, for example, offers degree programmes in education and adult education by distance learning, which provides students with flexible learning opportunities. DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences, on the other hand, offers the degree programme in Special Education and Inclusive Education, which prepares students for a career in, for example, early intervention, child and adolescent psychiatry, working with people with disabilities or in rehabilitation clinics, both as a campus study programme in Leipzig and as a distance learning programme.

In addition, both universities offer the B.A. Childhood Education programme - the IU as a dual or distance learning programme, the DIPLOMA as a campus study programme.

Here is an overview of the degree programmes mentioned:

Medical studies at private universities in Saxony

Although medical studies at private universities in Saxony do not offer a direct opportunity to graduate as a doctor, there are interesting alternative courses, especially at Dresden International University.

Here, students can choose, for example, the B.Sc. Emergency Paramedic, B.Sc. Treatment Assistant or B.Sc. Prevention, Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences programmes.

In addition, the IU International University of Applied Sciences offers the B.Sc. Physician Assistant in distance learning. The Physician Assistant differs from medical studies in that it qualifies as a medical assistant and enables independent medical and organisational tasks under the supervision of doctors, but not independent medical work.

Here is an overview of the medical degree programmes at DIU and the Physician Assistant at IU:

Distance learning in Saxony: Popular providers and study programmes

Distance learning also makes it possible to complete popular degree programmes at renowned private universities from any location in Saxony. It offers students advantages in terms of location-independent participation, individual time management and a broad range of courses. With this flexible form of learning, they can meet their individual needs and adapt their studies to their personal circumstances.

IU International University of Applied Sciences

In addition to dual study and campus study,  IU International University of Applied Sciences also offers state-recognised distance learning programmes with Bachelor's and Master's degrees that are popular throughout Germany. With flexible and independent distance learning, students can work on their study content online and with 100% flexibility.

The university places great emphasis on innovative learning concepts and offers a variety of digital learning tools, virtual live formats and personal support. With a wide range of study programmes in different subject areas from health and social affairs to business and management, students have the opportunity to meet their individual interests and goals.

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany with a broad range of distance learning programmes. With a total of 17,045 students in the winter semester 2021/2022, it is a renowned institution. The university focuses mainly on degree programmes in the fields of business and natural sciences.

It offers a variety of study formats such as face-to-face courses, distance learning courses and evening study courses, as well as the option to change location during your studies.

Distance learning at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is characterised by a flexible learning environment, individual examination options and the recognition of non-university achievements. It is an ideal choice for working students to achieve their career goals.

AKAD University of Applied Sciences

The AKAD University of Applied Sciences is a private distance learning university based in Stuttgart with over 30 examination centres throughout Germany. It was founded back in 1959 and currently has around 6.000 students. It offers degree programmes in the fields of business and technology as well as communication, health and social affairs.

The AKAD University of Applied Sciences is distinguished by its many years of expertise in distance learning. As a pioneer of distance learning in Germany, it has been offering part-time study options for over 60 years. The flexible AKAD study model enables students to organise their studies individually and independently of location. The course content is taught via online seminars, self-learning phases and face-to-face events.

Through the virtual AKAD Campus and interactive learning methods, students are in constant exchange with each other and with the lecturers, which enriches the learning process.

Overview of other providers

Of course, the above are only a selection. In addition, there are still many opportunities for distance learning. Therefore, here is an overview of other providers for the most popular degree programmes in Saxony-Anhalt:

State universities in Saxony

There are 16 state universities in Saxony:

• Leipzig University: The Leipzig University was founded in 1409 and is home to 14 faculties. With a student population of 29,927 (as of winter semester 2021/22), it is a renowned university that offers a wide range of degree programmes in various subject areas.
• Dresden University of Technology: Dresden University of Technology was founded in 1828 and is the largest university in Saxony with 14 faculties. With a student body of 29,286 (as of winter semester 2021/22), it covers a wide range of degree programmes in various subject areas.
• Chemnitz University of Technology: Chemnitz University of Technology was founded in 1836 and has 8 faculties. With a student population of 9,670 (as of winter semester 2021/22), it offers a wide range of degree programmes in the fields of technology, natural sciences and humanities.
• TU Bergakademie Freiberg: The Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg has its origins in 1765 and attained the status of a university in 1899. With 6 faculties, it focuses on the fields of mining, geosciences, material sciences and energy. It currently has 3,574 students (as of winter semester 2021/22).
• Dresden University of Fine Arts: The Dresden University of Fine Arts was founded in 1764 and has 549 students (as of winter semester 2021/22). It is a state-run art college that focuses on fine arts in research and teaching.
• Palucca University of Dance Dresden: The Palucca University of Dance Dresden, founded in 1925, is a state art academy with 170 students (as of winter semester 2021/22). It specialises in dance and performing arts.
• Dresden College of Music Carl Maria von Weber: The Dresden College of Music Carl Maria von Weber was founded in 1856 and is home to 742 students (as of winter semester 2021/22). As a state-run conservatoire, it offers a wide range of degree programmes in the fields of music and performing arts.
• The Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst / Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig (HGB): The Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig (HGB), founded in 1764, is a state art academy with 521 students (as of winter semester 2021/22). It specialises in fine arts, graphic arts and book arts.
• University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" Leipzig: University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" Leipzig was founded in 1843 and is home to 1,084 students (as of winter semester 2021/22). As a state-run conservatoire, it offers degree programmes in the fields of music and performing arts.
• Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden - University of Applied Sciences (HTWD): The HTWD was founded in 1992 and has 8 faculties. With a student body of 4,830 (as of winter semester 2021/22), it offers practice-oriented degree programmes in the fields of technology, economics and social sciences.
• Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig): The HTWK Leipzig was founded in 1992 and is home to 44 degree programmes in 7 faculties. With a student body of 6,529 (as of winter semester 2021/22), it focuses on applied sciences in the fields of technology, business and culture.
• Mittweida University of Applied Sciences: Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, founded in 1867, has 6 faculties and is home to 6,849 students (as of WS 2021/22). It offers a variety of degree programmes in the fields of technology, business, media and social sciences.
• University of Applied Sciences Zwickau: The University of Applied Sciences Zwickau was founded in 1897 and has 8 faculties. With a student body of 3,102 (as of WS 2021/22), it offers practice-oriented degree programmes in the fields of technology, business and applied arts.
• Fachhochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung und Rechtspflege Meißen: The Meißen University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration and Administration of Justice is a state university founded in 1991. It offers degree programmes and further education in the field of public administration and administration of justice. In the winter semester of 2021/2022, it had a student population of 1,092.
• Hochschule der Sächsischen Polizei (FH) Rothenburg/Oberlausitz: The University of the Saxon Police (FH) Rothenburg/Oberlausitz is also a state university. It trains future police officers and offers degree programmes in the field of police science.
• Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG): The HSZG is a state university in Saxony that was founded in 1992. It is a university of applied sciences and had a student population of 2,657 in the winter semester of 2021/2022.