FAQ
Before starting university
FAU offers you the chance to explore your options at some of its faculties:
Free German courses
We provide you with free German classes alongside your regular studies to get you up to speed. Find out more about placement tests and German courses.
You have no or little prior knowledge of German? Contact our Sprachenzentrum to find out about other means of learning German quickly and efficiently.
There are several options at FAU for studying a degree program with practical phases or a degree program that includes vocational training.
More information: dual.fau.de
Undergraduate programs, and the remaining postgraduate programs, will be taught predominantly or entirely in German. That is why we help you acquire the requisite language skills (you will need to already possess A2-level language skills at minimum) in the offers outlined further below.
In Germany, undergraduate programs are the equivalent of Bachelor programs, while postgraduate programs are equivalent to Masters and Doctors’ programes.
At a university like FAU, knowledge isn’t just imparted, but also generated. This is what makes it different to a vocational college. The professors and lecturers at FAU are not only university teachers, but also researchers, and many of them are among the best in their fields. Our students reap many rewards from this; they are always supplied with the latest insights in lectures and seminars, they can contribute directly to projects as student assistants and then can even use their work on projects as material for their Bachelor’s or Master’s theses. In short: our students are simply closer to the source.
Application and admission
Some tips to get started
The Central Office for International Affairs is well-versed when it comes to welcoming international students from all over the globe to our community. They are perfectly equipped with the expertise to help you get settled in and answer all your queries.
Look out for information on the special orientation courses for internationals. They are organised both by faculties and the RIA itself to provide help on specific topics.
We’ll help to keep you abreast of all the networking events and parties that are aimed at bringing people together.
Like our Facebook page for incoming internationals “FAU Volunteers for Internationals”. In their own words, you will be kept you updated on “mind blowing events and epic trips” among other things!
We’re also here to provide you with help concerning visa and insurance issues.
Everything you need to know about organizing studies, dates, schedule, introductory events, student associations (FSI etc.)
FAU’s student ambassadors can give you useful tips on how to find your feet at the University.
Studying and living in Erlangen and Nuremberg
University Sports at FAU offers a huge range of sports for all students, from A for aerobics to Z for Zumba.
These reasonably-priced courses are a great change from studying and are also the perfect way to find new friends.
FAU’s student ambassadors can give you useful tips on how to find your feet at the University.
At the FAU Language Centre, students can attend language courses in more than two dozen languages – free of charge and geared toward the right proficiency.
Students from all subjects at FAU can join one of the several musical ensembles.
Expenses, funding and accommodation
Apart from a small number of exceptions, FAU does not have tuition fees. All students just have to pay the semester fee for Student Services per semester. It is difficult to provide an answer to the question of what other costs can arise in connection with studying at university. The circumstances and needs of each individual are too varied. Further information about potential monthly costs of studying and various funding options is available here.
Scholarships, BAföG, part-time jobs – We can support you with making your studies possible.
After graduation
The Career Service can support you in planning and managing your career with a wide variety of professional cross-faculty events and counseling.
The FAU campuses are located in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, one of the most vibrant and economically dynamic regions in Germany. Contributing to this environment are major global businesses such as Siemens, Audi, adidas and Schaeffler, while innovative start-ups offer young academics the best opportunities for a successful future. And this trend is continuing. According to the Brookings Institute in the USA, the region exhibits the highest rate of economic growth among the more populous regions in Germany.