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17. November 2023

Building bridges through education

The HSZG in Ulaanbaatar - promoting international cooperation and academic exchange at the Saxon Education and Science Days

The Saxon Education and Science Days in Ulaanbaatar, an initiative to strengthen higher education cooperation and the development of skilled workers between Saxony and Mongolia, took place from November 6 to 11, 2023. This event, organized by the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism in cooperation with the Saxon Rectors' Conference and the Mongolian Ministry of Education, offered an ideal platform for intensive knowledge exchange, discussions on joint educational topics and cooperation.

A delegation from the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, consisting of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen I. Schoenherr, President of ZIRKON, Dr. rer. nat. Matthias Kinne, Cluster Manager of LaNDER³, and Susanne Fentzel, staff member in the Rectorate Office for University Development and Communication, took part in these important days.

New perspectives through international cooperation

The trip offered Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences numerous opportunities to establish new collaborations. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed with the

  • German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT),
  • Mongolrostsvetmet SOE, a leading mining company, and the
  • Berkh Mongolian Center for Mining, Training and Tourism.

In addition, a further MoU has been prepared with the Mongolian National University (MNU). Furthermore, the extent to which a MoU can also be concluded with the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) is currently being examined. These agreements offer extensive opportunities for future student, lecturer and knowledge exchange as well as for research cooperation.

These collaborations are an important step in our international network and open up excellent opportunities for the mutual exchange of knowledge and research, explained Professor Schoenherr.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen I. Schoenherr

Knowledge exchange and research initiatives

A workshop at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) brought together representatives from German and Mongolian universities. Prof. Dr. Schoenherr presented the HSZG as an attractive educational institution for international students, while Dr. Kinne presented the innovative Natural "Fiber Reinforced Plastics Research Project", underlining the innovative research ambitions of the HSZG. These presentations led to exciting discussions and further potential cooperation offers.

Education fair: Great interest in German universities

The education fair, opened by Mr. Tamir Kh., Head of the Department of Administration and Regulation of Higher Education and Vocational Education Policy of the Mongolian Ministry of Education, and the Saxon Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow (both digital), was an important meeting point for German and Mongolian educational institutions. Over 400 pupils, high school graduates and students were advised, many in German, which clearly underlines the great importance of the German language in Mongolian education. Where necessary, advice was given in English or translators were called in.

The young people were particularly interested in STEM subjects, and it became clear time and again that environmental protection plays a major role. For example, the subjects of ecology and environmental protection, mechatronics, green engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science at the HSZG were central topics in the consultations. The civil engineering course, which is expected to be offered as a dual course at the HSZG again in the future, was also in great demand.

The HSZG's dual study program (KIA) attracted particular attention. This program offers students the opportunity to work during their studies and gain practical experience at the same time. This option was very popular with prospective Mongolian students. Models of this kind are not yet known in Mongolia and were therefore perceived as particularly exciting, both in terms of the possibility of financing studies and the direct work experience.

Participating educational institutions and organizations at the German-Mongolian education fair
  • University of Cooperative Education Saxony
  • German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) GmbH
  • Dresden Chamber of Crafts
  • Dresden University of Applied Sciences
  • Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
  • International University Institute Zittau (TU Dresden)
  • Junior Researcher Project TU Bergakademie Freiberg
  • TU Bergakademie Freiberg
  • TU Chemnitz
  • TUDIAS (TU Dresden)
  • UN University Flores
  • University of Leipzig

Cultural highlights as a bridge between cultures

The events were culturally framed by the Brass Quartet from the Dresden University of Music and by Mongolian musicians from the University of Music in Ulaanbaatar, who performed the famous throat singing. This impressive musical performance not only offered the audience an unforgettable experience, but also promoted mutual understanding and appreciation of the different cultural backgrounds.

Summary: Strengthening the international partnership

The HSZG's participation in the Saxon Education/Science Days in Ulaanbaatar represented a significant step towards strengthening international relations and promoting academic cooperation. The event provided a fruitful platform for exchanges and laid the foundations for future cooperative projects that will be of great benefit to both the university and its partners in Mongolia.

I would like to thank the delegation from Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for their dedicated work at the Saxon Education and Science Days in Ulaanbaatar. Your participation and the international cooperation developed during the event are valuable for our university and contribute to strengthening our international relations. We greatly appreciate your commitment. I would also like to thank all HSZG employees who contributed significantly to the success of the delegation with their knowledge and active support in the run-up to the event.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences

Two ways to study in Germany for prospective Mongolian students

Route 1: Direct university admission

Prerequisites:

  • Completion of one academic year in Mongolia. This is a prerequisite for direct university admission in Germany.
  • German language skills at level C1
Route 2: Access to studies via the preparatory college

What is the Studienkolleg? The Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course. It offers linguistic and subject-specific preparation for the subsequent study of a subject at a German university.

Prerequisite:

  • German language skills at level B1
  • Passing the entrance examination
  • Passing the assessment test

Your contact persons

Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Jürgen Schoenherr
ZIRKON | Zittau Institute for Process Development, Circular Economy, Surface Technology, Natural Materials Research
02763 Zittau
Friedrich-Schneider-Strasse 26
Building Z IX, Room 112
Upper floor
+49 3583 612-4804
Photo: M.A. Susanne Fentzel
M.A.
Susanne Fentzel
Office of University Development and Communication
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z l, Room 1.65
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4484