History
Founded in 1743, FAU has a rich history. It is a strong research university with an international perspective and one of the largest universities in Germany, with 40,174 students, 258 degree programmes, 4,000 academic staff (including over 579 professors), 180 million euros (2014) third-party funding, and 500 partnerships with universities all over the world.
Education
Studying at FAU is a gateway to new learning experiences and a unique range of subjects to broaden your horizons. At FAU, you can choose from 265 degree programmes – an unparalleled range of interdisciplinary, research-oriented and applied study choices. On the following pages you can find all the information you need choosing your subject, getting started and during your studies at FAU.
Research
Supporting cutting-edge research, strengthening German universities and research facilities and improving Germany’s international competitive position – these are the goals of the Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments to Promote Science and Research at German Universities. The University of Erlangen-Nürnberg has participated very successfully in the Excellence Initiative, being chosen as the location for both the Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT) and the Cluster of Excellence ‘Engineering of Advanced Materials’ (EAM).
Career
At FAU, we continue to support our students after they have finished their studies. We offer help and advice on finding your first job, organise further training and support you with life-long learning. We also help you stay in touch with your fellow students, professors and lecturers. You will find everything you need to know about our Career Service, opportunities for further training and services for alumni on the following pages.
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16000 GBP
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
A Brighter Future Through Education
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
04 Jul 2025
EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Government Scholarships Programme Oman
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
744 EUR
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Evangelical Student Association Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
480 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
SBW Berlin Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16000 GBP
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
A Brighter Future Through Education
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
04 Jul 2025
EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Government Scholarships Programme Oman
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
744 EUR
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Evangelical Student Association Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
480 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
SBW Berlin Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16000 GBP
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
A Brighter Future Through Education
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
04 Jul 2025
EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Government Scholarships Programme Oman
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
744 EUR
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Evangelical Student Association Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
480 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
SBW Berlin Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16000 GBP
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
A Brighter Future Through Education
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
04 Jul 2025
EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Government Scholarships Programme Oman
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
744 EUR
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Evangelical Student Association Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
480 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
SBW Berlin Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16000 GBP
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
A Brighter Future Through Education
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
04 Jul 2025
EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Government Scholarships Programme Oman
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
744 EUR
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Evangelical Student Association Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
480 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
SBW Berlin Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16000 GBP
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
A Brighter Future Through Education
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
04 Jul 2025
EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Government Scholarships Programme Oman
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
744 EUR
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Evangelical Student Association Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
480 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
SBW Berlin Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
201 -8
2024
193 3
2023
196
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
201
2023
201
2022
201
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
224 5
2024
229 111
2023
340
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
281 -25
2023
256
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
The diverse range of professional events and consultation services for members of all of FAU’s faculties are designed to support students, graduates and doctoral candidates when planning and starting their careers. This service is available for up to one year after graduation.The services:
- career advice
- advice on applications
- application workshops and seminars
- career information and talks
Housing services
Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs apartment buildings and housing complexes with about 3800 housing places in Erlangen, Herzogenaurach, Nuremberg, Ansbach, and Ingolstadt. International students with a Bachelor’s degree can find information and apply for accommodation on the Student Services website . Information for international students with a Master’s degree, scholarship holders, doctoral candidates and visiting professors from abroad is currently being compiled and will be available shortly.
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is not able to offer accommodation. The University does not operate any student accommodation and is not allowed to act as an estate agent.Library services
The university collections at FAU cover a wide range of areas – from instruments and models to organisms and minerals. Some of the collections, such as the Anatomical Collection, are as old as the University itself, while others, like the Computer Science Collection, represent newer areas of research.
ICT services
There are many telephone and internet providers in Germany. Contracts for telephone and internet connections can be either fixed-term or without a set duration (notice period of one month for cancellation). You can choose between a land line or a mobile phone with a pre-paid SIM card. It certainly pays to compare the offers from various providers.
Campus life
FAU has five faculties which cover the entire spectrum of academic disciplines – from medicine, sciences and engineering to humanities, social sciences and theology as well as business and economics. The individual disciplines are organised into departments, and there are 24 Interdisciplinary Centres which make a significant contribution to interdisciplinary collaboration at FAU. Management, administration and decision processes at FAU mirror the clear structure of the faculties, making the University’s entire organisational structure effective and simple.
Student clubs
Scholarship organisations
- Cusanuswerk
- Evangelisches Studienwerk e.V.
- Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk e.V. (ELES)
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
- Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung
- Hans-Böckler-Stiftung
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
- Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
Accreditation
After submitting an application, FAU was admitted to start the system accreditation process by the accreditation agency AQAS in November 2013.