(SeaPRwire) – Potsdam, Germany, 22.04.2026 – The German University of Digital Science (German UDS) has earned an exceptional outcome in the newly released SZ Ranking of the Best Private Universities 2026. Only one year after its establishment, this fully digital university has already ranked among the top private higher education institutions across Germany, which highlights the growing recognition of its innovative academic model.
Top Rank in “International Orientation”
Most remarkably, German UDS claimed the number one position (“Best”) in the “International Orientation” category, rated by both students and HR industry professionals. In addition, the university landed a top spot in several other key categories, including Practical Relevance, Quality of Graduates, Innovation & Future Orientation, Reputation / Image, and Subject and Thematic Focus.
The ranking was organized by the SZ Institute in partnership with market research institute INNOFACT, and it is based on a representative survey of 1,265 participants, covering HR decision-makers, recruiters, plus current, former and prospective students.
Comments from the university’s founders
Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen, Co-President and Founder of the German University of Digital Science, said of the ranking: “I am incredibly happy that, as a young and fully digital university, we have already earned a place in a major private university ranking after just one year.
This result proves that our vision of modern, flexible, and high-quality digital higher education does not only exist on paper, but is also gaining increasing recognition in the market. Most of all, this achievement belongs to our committed team, our trailblazing first cohort of students, and our partners who had the bravery to walk this new path with us.”
Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel, Co-President and an internationally well-known computer scientist and innovation researcher, also stressed the importance of the ranking result: “Earning recognition this early in a well-established, comprehensive ranking from Süddeutsche Zeitung validates our strategic strategy of consistently combining digital excellence, global perspectives, and practice-focused teaching.
Our mission is to prepare students from all over the world for the core technological and societal challenges brought by digital transformation. Our strong results in the categories of international orientation, practical relevance and innovation show we are on the right track – and that digital higher education made in Germany can set international benchmarks.”
About German UDS
Founded in 2025, the German University of Digital Science is Germany’s first fully digital university that provides English–taught degree programs with a strong international focus, high practical relevance and flexible study models. Its strong performance in the SZ Ranking underscores the rapid growth and rising appeal of this model among both students and employers.
Contact Information:
German University of Digital Science
Email: press@german-uds.de
Web: www.german-uds.de
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