Quick Summary
Based in Erlangen and Nuremberg, Germany, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is a public research university with roots dating back to 1743. Ranked #233 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 38870 students including 18% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
FAU is consistently ranked as Germany's most innovative university, offering a unique blend of historical tradition and cutting-edge high-tech research in the Medical Valley region.
Subject Strengths
Materials ScienceChemical EngineeringMedicinePhysicsChemistryMechanical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Founded1743
TypePublic Research University
Total Students38870
Intl Students18%
Faculty Ratio39
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsUniversitätsklinikum Erlangen
AccreditationACQUIN (System Accreditation)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#233
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#193
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor,Master,State Examination,PhD
Programs
55
PhD Programs
8
Online Programs
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light,Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS),Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
ACQUIN (System Accreditation)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA2.5
GREOptional / Required for specific Masters
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For undergraduate programs, proficiency in German (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4) is mandatory. For international Masters, emphasize matching ECTS credits in core subject areas as German admissions are strictly qualification-based.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€10,500/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€10,840/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableDeutschlandstipendium,DAAD Scholarships,FAU Graduation Grants
Avg Scholarship$3,900
Financial AidBAföG (for eligible students)
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor,Master,State Examination,PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Materials and Processes | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Information Systems | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementExcellent; FAU has strategic partnerships with Siemens, Adidas, and Audi.
Industry Connections
SiemensAdidasAudiSchaefflerPumaFraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Notable Alumni
Emmy Noether,Hans Geiger,Ludwig Erhard,Justus von Liebig,Eduard Buchner
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
FAU University Sports (HSP) with over 100 different sports.
Student Clubs
Over 60 student organizations including Formula Student team.
Library Resources
University Library Erlangen-Nürnberg (one of the largest in Bavaria).
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, EELISA Alliance, Global Exchange Program
Summer Programs
FAU International Summer Schools (Materials Science, Physics, Law)