Cottbus

The center of Germany's Sorbian cultural group

Located in the state of Brandenburg, Cottbus is a university city, with a mixture of striking modern architecture, and some gorgeous Baroque palaces. But it's biggest claim to fame is as the unofficial capital of the Sorbs -  a people who are culturally distinct from mainstream Germans and speak a very different dialect to the rest of the country. It's also known for a vibrant Film Festival, and the soccer-playing exploits of Energie Cottbus.

More about Cottbus

Created as a Sorbian fortress, Cottbus is now a city of 100,000 people, with one of Germany's leading science universities, a thriving financial sector, and cultural institutions like the Staatstheater Cottbus.

Studying and Working in Cottbus

Situated roughly the same distance from Dresden and Berlin, Cottbus is one of Brandenburg's most important cities, and the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) plays a major role. Famous for its physics research, BTU also excels in civil engineering and architecture, and has a dazzling modern library building.

International students are regularly admitted to BTU and some courses are conducted entirely in English. However, many do require HZB German language certificates. When enrolled, buddy programs and the Language Centre help to prepare visitors for the job market. Cottbus itself offers plenty of attractions, from film festivals, and historic architecture, to sports facilities. Students also enjoy free transport to nearby Dresden and Berlin - a handy way to explore other German cities.