Authorities

The authorities are required to uphold the law in an orderly manner. The same laws apply to everybody – they are clear and cannot be negotiated. When dealing with the authorities it is important to remain polite and respectful; it is also essential to observe opening hours, appointments and deadlines.

Legal matters

It does not happen very often, but sometimes you may require legal assistance. Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg provide a free legal counselling service for students. Some information about legal matters is also available in this video.

In addition, you should be aware of the following:

German law treats all individuals as equal regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status or sexual orientation.

All individuals must possess an identity card or passport in Germany. We recommend that you always carry this with you, should you need to identify yourself to the police.

Smoking is banned in public buildings, restaurants and bars in most parts of Germany.

Emergencies

The emergency number for the police in Germany is 110. Dial 112 for the fire brigade and ambulance services. All other emergency numbers for Erlangen are available on the website of the Universitätsklinikum.

Visa and residence permit

If you have arrived in Germany from outside the EU with a student visa, you will need to extend your visa to a residence permit for study purposes (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zu Studienzwecken).

All the information you need concerning entry formalities and residence permits is available on our website.

Local authorities

Everyone who lives in Germany has to register with the local authorities. You have to register with the local authorities in the town you live in within 14 days of arriving in Germany and de-register when you leave. You also have to register correctly when you move house. Failing to register or de-register is an offence and will put your residence status in Germany at risk.

De-registration

Students and doctoral candidates can de-register from the University themselves in order to change university or withdraw from their studies, and after completing their degree or doctoral degree.

The university will de-register you if you have missed the date for re-registration, if you have failed an examination at the final attempt or after the end of the semester in which you have successfully completed your degree.

You can apply for de-registration at the Student Records Office at any time throughout the year. In contrast to enrolment, there are no fixed deadlines for de-registration.

Bank account

If you are staying in Germany for more than three months you should open a German bank account. Please note: Some banks charge fees for managing accounts; ask the banks for more information. Only close your German bank account once you have made all outstanding payments for rent, electricity, telephone, etc. for the entire duration of the contract. Before you leave, you can close your bank account in person and inform the bank on what date the account should be cancelled. This means that you could withdraw your returned deposit from your home country.

Insurance

All students in Germany must have health insurance. You cannot enrol at FAU if you do not have health insurance.

Detailed information on the obligation for students to have health insurance is available on the page about health insurance.

We would also recommend taking out liability insurance which protects you in the event that you cause any damage to property. Several departments require you to take out laboratory liability insurance in order to be allowed to use the laboratories. Please remember to cancel the contracts for all insurance policies in good time before you leave Germany.

Exchange students must inform the Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) if they have an accident. The staff at RIA will provide assistance and contact your home university.

Costs of living

The question as to the costs of studying can only be answered very generally as the needs and living conditions of every student are different.

You can find a breakdown of the estimated costs and more information on the websites of the FAU and of the German National Association for Student Affairs.

Internships and placements at FAU and in Germany

If you are completing an internship, you are not automatically given student status. You will be registered if possible, but this is not always an option. FAU does not have an internal office responsible for organising internships/placements.

Index