Potsdam

All programmes in Germany

Potsdam is well-known for being one of Germany's most beautiful cities. With its stunning baroque architecture and grand palaces, and surrounded by lakes, rivers, and forests, Brandenburg's capital is an inspiring place for international students.

The city is a popular tourist destination for its picturesque views of the River Havel and relaxed pace of life. Visitors can explore the city's many cultural and historical attractions, including Sanssouci Palace, the Prussian palaces, the Brandenburg Gate, the Old Town Hall and much more. 

Located 25 km southwest of Berlin's city center, Potsdam offers the best of both worlds. Students can find affordable accommodation, have access to quality education, and still visit Germany's capital in less than 30 minutes by public transport.

Potsdam also has a long history of welcoming international students, providing them with a great cultural and educational experience. Nowadays, the city has a vibrant community, with many events and activities for students to get involved in.

Living in Potsdam

Life in Potsdam is easygoing and enjoyable, with plenty of parks and forests to explore, lots of cultural and historical sites to visit, and many restaurants and cafes for socializing.

The city has a vibrant nightlife and a great number of events and activities to enjoy. Moreover, Potsdam is also known for its many festivals, including the International Potsdam Music Festival, the Film Festival, and the Jazz Festival. 

For outdoors lovers, there are also cycling and walking trails, which make it easy to explore the city and the surroundings. The local rivers and lakes offer a wide variety of water activities, from leisurely paddling to more adventurous sports in the area's rapids. Kayaks can also be rented from several local companies - or you can bring your own boat for a great day out on the water!

Universities in Potsdam

Potsdam is well-known for its excellent educational opportunities, with many universities offering a wide range of courses in English:

• University of Potsdam: Founded in 1991, it is the largest university in the state of Brandenburg and one of the largest in Germany. The university offers more than 140 degree programs and has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and is home to numerous research institutes, centers, and laboratories.
• University of Applied Sciences Potsdam: Founded in 1991, it is a public university and one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Germany. FH Potsdam offers a wide range of degree programs in fields like engineering, business, media, design, computer science, and social work. The university has a strong focus on research and industry collaboration, with a wide network of international partners.
• XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences: XU is Germany’s first university that focuses exclusively on digitization and technology. At Studio Five, on the premises of Studio Babelsberg, the university has created a space committed to providing an international learning environment and exposing students to the latest technology and business trends.

• CBS International Business School: CBS has a long tradition of providing high-quality education in the fields of business and economics. The school offers a variety of degree and certificate programs in the areas of management, finance, accounting, and economics. With its main campus located in Denmark, CBS has a particular focus on the European business environment, and its faculty and students come from all over the world.

• GISMA Business School University of Applied Sciences: GISMA is committed to providing students with a high quality and international education that is tailored to the needs of the modern business world. The faculty is composed of experienced professionals who can provide students with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen field. 

• University of Europe for Applied Sciences: UE educates the designers and decision-makers of tomorrow in the fields of Business, Sports, Media and Event and Art & Design. Its educational approach combines theory and practice, and it promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible leadership.

Job opportunities

Potsdam is thriving. The proximity to Berlin, the high quality of life, and the strong university and research environment, has turned the city into a great place for international students to find employment opportunities. 

There are a variety of businesses in the area, ranging from retail and hospitality, to tech startups and research centres. Additionally, there is also a large number of organizations and institutions offering internships and other part-time opportunities. 

The film industry has also been active since the middle of the 19th century, when the first films were made in Potsdam. The city has since become a world-renowned center for film production and has produced films for both the German and international markets. Babelsberg remained the centre of German filmmaking for many years, becoming the largest film studio in Europe and producing most of the films in this "golden era" of German cinema. In essence it was "the German equivalent to Hollywood".

Transportation

Every day, more and more students prefer Potsdam better than living in Berlin due to its relaxed atmosphere and budget-friendly cost of living . 

Moreover, the excellent public transportation allows them to be connected to Germany’s capital through a wide network of trains that operate every 10 minutes. The trip takes between 20 minutes (Regional trains) and 60 minutes (S-Bahns), depending on the particular location and transport.