FAQ on choosing what to study

Choosing what to study is an important decision that may leave you inundated with questions. In the following, we have collected answers to questions that typically arise when it comes to deciding what to study.

Teaser: Questions and answers that typically arise when it comes to deciding what to study.

Before starting your degree

FAQ on choosing what to study

Are taster courses available so that I can find out about as many subjects as possible?

FAU offers orientation courses or taster courses at some of its faculties:

Good reasons for choosing to study at FAU
Where can I learn German?

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.

Which cooperative degree programs can I study at FAU?

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

Which degree programs can I study at the FAU?

First things first. Do you want to attend a full-time program or a short semester stay? Undergraduate or postgraduate? We have a selection of postgraduate programes that are taught exclusively in English.

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.

Why should I study at a university?

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.

Studying and living in Erlangen and Nuremberg

FAQ on choosing what to study

Some tips to get started

FAQ on choosing what to study

How can I get off to a good start at university?

Everything you need to know about organizing studies, dates, schedule, introductory events, student associations (FSI etc.)

Starting out at Univeristy

Expenses, funding and accommodation

FAQ on choosing what to study

How can I finance my studies?

All you need to know about BAföG, part-time jobs, scholarships

How can I find accommodation?

Information and tips about student accommodation and the private housing market

How much does it cost to study at FAU?

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. We can only give a very general answer to the question about additional costs for studying. This is because the circumstances and needs of each individual vary greatly. 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.

Information for applicants from non-EU countries about application fees is available here: https://www.fau.eu/studying/international-students/application-and-enrollment-for-international-applicants/fees-for-applications-from-non-eu-states/

After completing your degree

FAQ on choosing what to study

How can I plan and manage my entry to the jobs market?

The Career Service can support you in planning and managing your career with a wide variety of professional cross-faculty events and counseling.

FAU Career Service

What are my career prospects in the region?

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.

The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region