Welcome to the Heart of Europe

Students in Nuremberg
“At first I expected to stay for a few months but this region has won my heart and I don‘t want to leave.” Alberto from Brasil with Beatriz from Spain. (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel)

What FAU can do for you

August 21, 2015

At the heart of Europe lies the metropolitan region of Nuremberg – home to one of Germany‘s oldest and most distinguished universities: Friedrich-Alexander-University. We offer 40,000 students from around the world the ideal innovation-driven environment to kick-start their careers in Engineering, Business, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, and the Humanities.

Take advantage of our strong partnerships with top global companies and research organisations including Siemens, Audi, Adidas, the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society, and the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.

At FAU, you will not amass huge student debts: under Germany‘s education system no tuition fees are charged in most courses. You don‘t have to pay to receive an excellent education!

FAU is the ideal springboard to a job with one of the top global companies in this region. The university and its career service provide many events and opportunities to make direct contact with world-class employers.

Beatriz, 23, from Spain

Springboard to success

“I felt at home at FAU from the moment I arrived. The lecturers and my fellow students have made me feel very welcome.” Beatriz, 23, from Spain. (Image: FAU/David Harfiel)
“I felt at home at FAU from the moment I arrived.” Beatriz from Spain. (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel)

Research is a key strength of FAU. In many fields, our university counts among the major global players in higher education with connections to more than 500 universities worldwide. This strength feeds directly into your education because research and teaching at FAU are intertwined, bringing the latest breakthroughs and insights straight into the classroom.

International students thrive at FAU, not least thanks to our broad range of degree programmes taught entirely in English especially at the postgraduate level. You will join a young, bustling community fluent in English and open to cultural exchange, so it‘s easy to settle in. If you wish to improve your German or English, look no further than FAU‘s free language courses!

Quality of life

Compared to other parts of Europe, the cost of living is highly affordable. Bavaria‘s medieval jewel – the imperial city of Nuremberg – and its neighbouring town of Fürth offer value-for-money accommodation. Travel is effortless with the region‘s well-developed rail and bus services.

If you require advice, our wide range of student services is here to help, from guidance prior to arrival and finding accommodation to student counselling, intercultural training, and leisure activities. We help you land on your feet in your new home and make new friends!

 

Erlangen is a dynamic and diverse university town – around a quarter of its 100,000 inhabitants are students. (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel)
Erlangen is a dynamic and diverse university town – around a quarter of its 100,000 inhabitants are students. (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel)

A world-class region

Nuremberg and Erlangen are situated in one of the most picturesque and economically developed parts of the world: Bavaria. The Nuremberg area is one of the most cosmopolitan in the heart of Europe and has been a cultural hub for centuries. Historic cities such as Prague and Munich as well as sublime Alpine landscapes with fairy-tale castles overlooking mountains and lakes are all within easy reach.

Building on its tradition and location, the Nuremberg region has established itself as an industry powerhouse driving Germany‘s economic success. It is home to innovative start-ups and leading global corporations that have partnered with FAU to form world-class research networks such as Energy Campus Nuremberg, Medical Valley European Metropolitan Region Nuremberg, and Nuremberg Campus of Technology.

I couldn‘t believe that no tuition fees are charged in Germany while the quality of the education is excellent.

Alberto, 24, from Brazil

The region also provides a haven for leisure and adventure. More than half a million people live in the city of Nuremberg, which rates as one of the cities with the best quality of life in Germany. Its historic architecture, green spaces, and safe environment also make it one of Europe‘s foremost tourist attractions. Erlangen is a dynamic and diverse university town – around a quarter of its 100,000 inhabitants are students. Nearby, a pristine natural paradise awaits: the ancient forests, hills, and meadows of “Franconian Switzerland” attract hikers, rock climbers, and cyclists in equal measure.

Nuremberg rates as one of the cities with the best quality of life in Germany. (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel)
Nuremberg rates as one of the cities with the best quality of life in Germany. (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel)

A special attraction of Bavarian life is the world-renowned quality of its beer. Local brewing traditions have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The Erlangen-Nuremberg area – home to the world‘s oldest beer festival – boasts the highest density of breweries in the whole of Europe and an equally impressive number of beer gardens for open-air relaxation during the warm summer months.

Here are a few tips to help you settle in:

  • You can stay up to date with the latest news from the University via FAU’s social media channels.
  • The FAU App makes it easy to access the services you will need to use the most at FAU.
  • You can find explanations of terms used in University life in our Student A–Z

Contact information:

FAU Student Advice and Career Service
ibz@fau.de
www.fau.eu/study