FAU University campus

A significant portion of FAU's campuses is located in the city of Erlangen, with a smaller presence in the neighboring city of Nuremberg. Additionally, several minor facilities can be found in other locations, such as Hof, Fürth, Bamberg, Pleinfeld, and Ingolstadt, making FAU's presence felt across the entire Nuremberg metropolitan area. In total, FAU manages several hundred properties throughout this region, contributing to the university's diverse academic and research environment.

 Erlangen

In Erlangen, the university is spread across two main sites. The North site is in the city center, where the iconic Erlangen Castle, or Schloss, houses much of FAU's administration. Nearby is the historic Kollegienhaus, a central building that serves as a lecture hall and one of the university's landmarks. Students often gather at the Schlossgarten, an elegant garden surrounding the castle, which becomes a popular spot for relaxation and study, particularly during the summer months. 

The North site is home to the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology, as well as the Department of Law, part of the Faculty of Law and Economics. The Faculty of Medicine and the Erlangen University Hospital, one of the largest university hospitals in Germany, are also situated here, along with the University Library Erlangen-Nürnberg. This library, which supports the academic needs of students and faculty, is known for its extensive collections. 

To the south of the city lies FAU's South site, where the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering are based. Additionally, the Röthelheim Campus, located to the east of Erlangen, hosts minor engineering and medical facilities, further showcasing FAU's wide-ranging academic and research capabilities.

 University Library

The University Library Erlangen-Nürnberg is a crucial academic resource, serving both FAU and the broader region of Middle Franconia. As Bavaria's largest library outside Munich, it boasts a vast collection of approximately 5.4 million volumes. The library system operates as a two-tier structure, with four central libraries and 15 branch libraries spread across around 200 locations. The Main Library and the Technical and Natural Sciences Branch Library (TNZB) are in Erlangen, while the Economic and Social Sciences Library (WSZB) and the Educational Science Branch Library (EZB) are based in Nuremberg. 

FAU’s libraries not only provide a comprehensive collection of resources but also facilitate interregional lending. The university's online catalogue, OPACplus, consolidates access to these materials, making it easier for students, researchers, and faculty to find what they need.

 Nuremberg

In Nuremberg, FAU's academic presence is equally notable. The Department of Economics, part of the Faculty of Law and Economics, is located just northeast of Nuremberg’s historic Old Town. Meanwhile, the Department of Education, housed at Campus Regensburger Straße, lies in the city’s southeast, near the historically significant Nazi party rally grounds.

Busan Campus

FAU is also pioneering international education as the first German university to establish a branch campus in Busan, South Korea. Approved by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology in 2009, this campus offers a graduate school with a master’s degree program in Chemical and Bioengineering. FAU’s Busan campus also collaborates with international companies and universities, contributing to the educational development of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone. This initiative underscores FAU’s commitment to expanding its global influence and promoting international research partnerships.

Germany is an increasingly popular destination for higher education, especially among international students. Universities in Germany for international students offer a wide range of high-quality programs in fields such as engineering, business, and the sciences. With many institutions providing courses in English, it has become easier for students from around the world to study in Germany. German universities for international students are renowned for their academic excellence, affordable tuition, and strong focus on research and innovation. Additionally, students benefit from Germany's rich cultural history, vibrant cities, and excellent career prospects post-graduation, making it a top choice for those seeking an international education.

FAU University courses 

According to the QS World University Rankings for 2024, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is ranked 229th globally and 12th among German universities. In the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, FAU holds the 193rd position internationally and 19th nationally. The 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) places FAU in the 201–300 bracket worldwide and between 10th and 19th at the national level, showcasing its consistent performance as a leading academic institution.

While FAU excels in global rankings, it remains accessible with affordable tuition. FAU University fees are minimal, particularly in comparison to institutions in other countries. For most programs, students pay only a semester contribution that covers administrative costs and student services. This low fee structure makes FAU a popular choice for both domestic and international students seeking a high-quality education without the burden of hefty tuition.

In terms of its impact on industry, FAU ranked 25th in Germany in 2019 for producing top managers in the German economy. In 2017, FAU ranked 4th in Germany for Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences, 6th for Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy, and 7th for Natural Sciences and Mathematics, according to ARWU.

FAU's research output is also widely recognized. In 2018, QS World University Rankings named FAU the German university with the most widely cited publications, ranking it 21st globally. Reuters, in 2017, ranked FAU as the 50th most innovative university in the world, 2nd in Germany, and 6th in Europe. By 2019, FAU was rated the most innovative university in Germany and 2nd in Europe, further establishing its leadership in research and innovation.

In 2014, FAU ranked second among German universities in Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences across all ARWU ranking parameters, reflecting its academic strengths and commitment to technological advancement. With its affordable FAU University fees and strong academic reputation, the university continues to attract students from around the world.

FAU University rankings

Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) has consistently climbed the global academic rankings, demonstrating its growing prestige and commitment to excellence. According to the QS World University Rankings for 2025, FAU now holds the 224th position globally, reflecting a positive trend from its 2024 ranking of 229. This improvement underscores the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international reputation, academic programs, and research contributions. FAU’s focus on interdisciplinary research, innovation, and partnerships with industry has enabled it to rise steadily among its global peers.

The university’s success is also evident in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. In the 2024 edition, FAU secured the 193rd spot, advancing from 196th in 2023. This continuous improvement highlights FAU’s growing influence in areas such as teaching, research, international outlook, and knowledge transfer. The rise in THE rankings also indicates the university’s success in attracting international students, faculty, and collaborative projects that contribute to its global standing.

FAU’s enhanced performance in these global rankings is a testament to its strong research output across diverse fields, from engineering and natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences. The university’s strategic focus on fostering innovation, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, and sustainability, has led to significant advancements. Its collaboration with global research institutions and industries has bolstered its reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research and development.

Moreover, the university’s rise in rankings reflects its commitment to providing high-quality education and an enriching student experience. FAU offers a wide array of programs that cater to both domestic and international students, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse academic environment. Its efforts to continuously improve its academic standards and infrastructure have made it an attractive choice for students worldwide.

In sum, FAU’s steady climb in both QS and THE rankings underscores its determination to remain at the forefront of higher education and research. Its success not only elevates its status within Germany but also strengthens its global presence, making it a key player in shaping the future of higher education.

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Erlangen-Nuremberg University acceptance rate

The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg has an acceptance rate of approximately 50%, reflecting a moderately competitive admissions process. With about half of the applicants being offered a place, the university maintains a balance between selectivity and accessibility. This rate signifies that while the university seeks to attract a diverse and talented student body, it remains an inclusive institution, welcoming students from various academic backgrounds and countries.

For international students, the university's relatively open admissions process is especially appealing. It offers numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields ranging from humanities to cutting-edge sciences. However, the 50% acceptance rate also suggests that applicants must meet rigorous academic standards, particularly in terms of previous educational achievements and language proficiency.

While a 50% acceptance rate may seem accessible, it’s important to note that competition can vary greatly depending on the program. Certain fields, such as medicine, engineering, and computer science, tend to be more selective due to higher demand and limited seats. These programs often require strong academic records, additional testing, or language certifications, particularly for international applicants.

Overall, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg’s acceptance rate reflects its mission of fostering an inclusive, yet academically robust environment, ensuring that students who are admitted have the potential to thrive in their chosen fields. The university continues to appeal to both domestic and international students, making it a popular choice for those seeking quality education in Germany.

The FAU University Admission Requirements

International applicants to the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg must meet specific academic and language requirements. Applications are primarily assessed based on educational background, and proficiency in German is essential, as most courses are taught in the language. Submissions are made through the Campo Application Portal, which does not charge a fee.

Undergraduate applicants need to provide a completed application, certified transcripts, and a school-leaving certificate. Graduate applicants must submit a Bachelor’s degree, relevant transcripts, and other documents such as a CV, letters of recommendation, and writing samples, depending on the program. Proof of both German and English language proficiency is required, with exams like DSH (Level 2) or TestDaF (Level 4) for German-taught programs. English-taught programs have their own specific requirements.

Non-EU students must apply for a student visa, which may take 6-8 weeks. This requires an approved university application, a valid passport, proof of financial resources, health insurance, and a rental contract. Upon arrival, students apply for a residence permit and, if necessary, a work permit.

The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg offers over 30 undergraduate programs, including fields like Computational Linguistics and International Economic Studies. Graduate programs include Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Education degrees, with specific admission requirements such as ECTS credits and program-specific documents. The admissions process ensures that qualified international students can study at one of Germany’s top universities.

The FAU University Deadlines

The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg has specific admission deadlines that prospective students must adhere to in order to be considered for admission. For undergraduate programs, including Bachelor's degrees and State Examination courses, the deadlines vary depending on the intake season. Applicants aiming for the summer intake must submit their applications by early January, while those applying for the winter intake typically have until July 15, with an extension sometimes offered until August 20. 

Doctoral candidates must also follow set timelines. For the summer intake, doctoral applications must be submitted by January 15, while for the winter intake, the deadline is July 25. This ensures that the university can properly assess and evaluate candidates for its research-focused doctoral programs, which are highly competitive.

For master's programs, which often have more specialized and diverse entry requirements, the deadlines differ. For summer intake, master's applications are due by December 16, while for the winter intake, the submission deadline is April 1. These deadlines apply to most master’s programs, but it’s always advisable for students to check specific program requirements, as some courses may have unique deadlines.

By adhering to these timelines, prospective students maximize their chances of being considered for the wide array of academic programs offered at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.