Start of the semester
Your start of the semester will not be the same as in previous years. The coronavirus pandemic and its consequences mean that starting university will be a rather different experience for you, our new first year students. However, one thing will stay the same: FAU, its institutions, faculties and partners will still offer a wide range of services and introductory events to help you find your feet as you start out at university. One thing you should always bear in mind: no matter what your question is, there is always an answer and someone who can help you.
Study programmes
First things first. Do you want to attend a full-time programme or a short semester stay? Undergraduate or postgraduate? We have a selection of postgraduate programmes that are taught exclusively in English.
Undergraduate programmes, and the remaining postgraduate programmes, 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.
Language classes
Erlangen is a really welcoming city. The different events like the Laufgelage and the 1000 Miles Run organized anually by Technik ohne Grenzen are great to get to know people or just have a nice time with friends. I also recommend the cost-free language courses at the Sprachenzentrum.
Silvana, Medical Engineering
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.
No tuition fees
No tuition fees! FAU is one of many public universities. As such, it receives government funding to maintain Germany’s high standards in higher education. Take a look at our video to find out more!
Funding
We have a guide to help you find suitable scholarships and funding to finance your studies.
Scholarships
We’ve summarised the various options for scholarships in Germany for you in this handy video.
Affordable cities
The city of Erlangen has kind of everything, you only need to know where to find it. The public library is especially beautiful. Here you can read all kinds of books – or you can borrow them. I never buy books about sport, hobbies or health, because I can find all the latest books in the public library. So, this is my tip for book lovers!
Hanisa, Lexicography
Germany is a relatively inexpensive country to study in, compared with other European countries. Compared to Munich, Berlin and Cologne, Erlangen and Nürnberg are much more affordable with lower rents for student accommodation. Food and drink prices are comparatively low in general in Germany.
Germany’s students benefit from extensive student discounts for anything from cinema tickets to special rates for mobile phones. Travel is particularly affordable. The full semester ticket gives you unlimited travel throughout the region. Munich and Prague are also just around the corner, with inexpensive bus connections in addition to train travel.
Information for parents
We understand that it’s a difficult decision to let your child come to another country. And it is one that is not taken lightly.
Bavaria is the most prosperous state in Germany, and one of the safest. Here are 10 reasons why your child should study at FAU. Studying in Germany is also very affordable. No tuition fees, reasonably priced student accommodation and living expenses make their stay here relatively inexpensive.
Support services
Nothing is more important to us than your wellbeing. We are here to provide you the support you need to help you make the most of your studies. Academic, legal, psychological – comprehensive care is important to us. Below are the main points of contact to point you in the right direction.
IBZ (Student Advice and Career Service)
Do you have a quick question or are you in need of more detailed consultation? The IBZ has dedicated professionals ready to help you where they can. Either stop by during one of the drop-in sessions for a quick chat, or make an appointment for an in-depth consultation.
IBZ provides support on issues of the various programmes on offer, entry requirements and applying. They provide consultation on students’ academic and personal issues, as well as providing you with advice on how to enhance your career prospects.
RIA (Central Office for International Affairs)
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.
Welcome Packages
Getting help when you are relocating to a new country and a new university can make all the difference.
And with our brand new range of welcome packages, we offer you the option of receiving a more personalized service that goes beyond what we provide to all our incoming students – all designed to take you by the hand and guide you through each step as you adjust to your new life at FAU.
