Technische Universität Darmstadt Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Technische Universität Darmstadt Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Technische Universität Darmstadt Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Technische Universität Darmstadt Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Technische Universität Darmstadt Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Technische Universität Darmstadt
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Technische Universität Darmstadt
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.4/5
4.3 Internships
4.1 Part time work
4.2 Post study jobs
4.8 Quality of faculty
4.6 Student Life
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4.2/5
3.8 Internships
3.9 Part time work
3.8 Post study jobs
4.4 Quality of faculty
4.3 Student Life
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg MS
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg M.A.
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.E. / B.Tech
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.A.
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.Sc.
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Other courses
- M.Sc. (5 courses)
- B.Ed (14 courses)
- BBA (3 courses)
- Others PG (6 courses)
- MIM (2 courses)
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- MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
- M.Sc. (15 courses)
- B.Ed (74 courses)
- BBA (7 courses)
- Others PG (4 courses)
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1877
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
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Campus Size
612 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+2 More
Established Year
1743
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+1 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
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Accepted Exams
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TU Darmstadt V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCampus Comparison
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Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
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Country Facts
Study in Germany
Public Universities are free of cost for international students.
Universities in Germany are among the top universities in the world.
Germany is a growing economy with unemployment as low as 3 to 5 per cent.
Germany is home to top companies likes Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen.
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world.
Germany is a diverse community of people from every section of society.
Study in Germany
Public Universities are free of cost for international students.
Universities in Germany are among the top universities in the world.
Germany is a growing economy with unemployment as low as 3 to 5 per cent.
Germany is home to top companies likes Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen.
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world.
Germany is a diverse community of people from every section of society.
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Student’s views on campus
Views on TU Darmstadt campus
A
Anonymous
MS in Computer Science - Batch of 2027
4.5
One of the Top universities with a strong research core.
Tips: Language is the most shocking one; I will definitely need to learn German to be able to thrive here. English will only help you survive! There are multiple scholarships available which we can apply for with few requirements for qualifying for the same. I am really satisfied with the University and the course as it helps me build a strong foundation in the Core subjects and also be able to connect with a strong alumni network, enabling me to explore work opportunities and build a career.
Likes (Public transportation): Really good; we get to use the semester ticket for students, which enables free travel in trains/bus and trams across Germany except for the premium ones! Makes life easier. DB is, however, another story, which isn't so reliable with timing but does get the job done.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): 8/10, there are strong chances that I will settle in Germany, as the work culture and supportive environment help a lot in making life easier. Yes, I would definitely like to work here for a while before I explore options elsewhere. The work culture is really good.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 75000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Distributed Software Systems - Batch of 2026
4.3
My Review about TU Darmstadt
Tips: People in Germany are quite friendly and welcoming. There are too many indians which does not let you feel a cultural difference. As it is a government university, the fees are nominal. You pay only 350 euros per semester, which also includes the public transportation ticket. I was completely satisfied with my university and the course. The only thing you need to worry about is the language issue. You will probably not survive if you do not know basic German.
Likes (Quality of faculty): This is one of the most recognized universities in Germany. It is a government University. We have all kinds of diverse faculty, and they are easily approachable through email or personal visits. I like the teaching methodology as it includes more practical lessons instead of only theory.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I prefer to eat outside, and there are not many options for Indian restaurants in town. Even when you wish to cook at home, there are not enough green vegetables available. Vegetables are costlier than non-veg. Fresh vegetables are not available, only imported are available.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1000
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 70000
A
Anonymous
MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Batch of 2028
4.3
Life is a rollercoaster ride: Ups and Downs
Tips:
For students coming from India, one thing I want to say is that studies can be a lot of energy draining here. You need to put in daily hard work; it isn't like India, where teachers spoon-feed us. We need to do a lot of self-study here and need to read books as well, but if you manage to do that, then it is a really great university and has a lot to offer. No, I didn't apply for any kind of scholarship, and I'm not aware of one either. I am extremely satisfied with my university and the course as well. And about Germany, it's always thrilling, like every day is a new challenge, but it is fun to tackle those; it makes you more mature, and I guess it's exciting to have some challenges in life, or else life feels boring.
Likes (Value for money): Umm, since my university is a public university, there is no tuition fee for me. But yes, there is a semester contribution that all the students are supposed to pay, but it's around 400 euros; I guess it is totally worth the money because the facilities they provide are simply awesome, and it's like they give you access to 3 world-class libraries across the city. They have 2 Mensa (university canteens) where they have different menus on each day and provide the students of TU Darmstadt special discounted food. The faculty over here is superb, and they are relatively easy to approach regarding any kind of doubts, and they have a lot of part-time job opportunities as well.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Umm, there are a few good Indian restaurants around in my locality, and prices are also okay, but it's about the authenticity of the taste, like Germans prefer less spice, so they are not up to the spice level even though you specifically ask for it. Hence, I prefer cooking by myself and eating at home rather than going out for meals, and it's like a personal decision, not like there aren't any good restaurants available. There are a lot of good restaurants out there. I guess döner is one of the most popular dishes among the youngsters out here in Darmstadt, Germany.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50850
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Synthetic Biology - Batch of 2027
5.0
Great support and opportunities.
Tips: Students should know that they will have a great time if they are willing to put in the effort. Be open minded and be open to learning new things. The sooner you merge to the German education system the easier it will be. Otherwise it's smooth sailing.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): There are a lot of opportunities to learn, meet people, engage and enjoy in various parts of the German and international community. There are various student clubs/ projects. Moreover, the university is also quite supportive if you are interested in working on a student project.
Dislikes (Quality of faculty): Professors are super helpful and easy to reach out to. They sometimes go out of their way to help students. There's a lot of support especially for international students. All lectures are super engaging and insightful. The way the courses are designed is creative.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 750
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Synthetic Biology - Batch of 2027
4.6
Academics, especially courses with lab work and academic projects, demand time.
Tips: Cultural shocks and imposter syndrome are part of the process but the more you force yourself into the new and comfortable setting, the more it'll start getting easier. A few cultural socks include the fact that the bureaucracy is crazy and everything, from doctors' appointments to other official appointments, requires meticulous planning beforehand. Being on time is considered late, and I'm still working on that. All shops and supermarkets remain closed on Sunday, so you've got to plan your week around it. It can get really quiet and really gloomy if you don't have people to reach out to, so have a tribe. Deutschland Stipendium is one of the best scholarships available, but it is also super competitive.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): The decision about a permanent settlement can change over the years and many factors can affect it. It's only been close to six months in this country and it demands top tier awareness and hard work for an immigrant to peacefully stay here. The first step towards permanent settlement is knowing the language at least up to B2. No integration is possible without this. The job market is pretty bad but I believe it can be smartly navigated with some patience.
Dislikes (Part time work): Academics especially a course with lab work and academic projects, demand time, so it totally depends on how efficiently one manages their schedule and how much one decides to spend on their part-time, self-study, and also leisure. HiWi jobs are quite competitive but not impossible to get from the second semester onwards. Off-campus opportunities increase considerably if you have an A2/B1 level of the German language. Just keep in mind the maximum number of hours you can work and earn as a student. Not obeying it will have legal consequences. Doing mini-jobs is also a good alternative.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 780
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Synthetic Biology - Batch of 2027
4.7
Great academic environment with strong research opportunities in Germany.
Tips: Before coming here students should know academic structure is quite independent and research oriented. Students are expected to manage their time well for studies but you will also get plenty to tike to explore life do activities so it's not just about studies. Look for scholarships as it makes your study logically free.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Professors in my department are highly knowledgeable, we have access to state of the art technology and equipment. Their expertise and commitment significantly improve the learning experience. They also use creative ways to teach and exams that make learning easier and fun. Teaching is research oriented. I gained a lot of hands on experience that is actually required.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1000
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 81350
P
Puneet Kaur Sachdeva 
Bachelor of Education in Building Technology Vocational-Technical Education (In German) - Batch of 2026
4.4
The university has a focus on academic research and has strict scientific standards.
Tips: The university has a focus on academic research and has strict scientific standards. The Bachelor's degree programmes require a B2-C1 level of German language to understand the course material. The University offers student jobs in many departments for students to work part-time in research with professors. I am fully satisfied with the course and the country.
Likes (Student Life): Usually there are at least 1-2 seminars or lectures in a day on campus and after attending those, one can also go to the library with other students. The city provides an abundance of opportunities to spend quality time with friends in the city and rooms to study in the library, as well as many intercultural events to network with other students.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are restaurants from several different countries, including Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Oriental restaurants. As a student the prices at restaurants do not make it possible to eat out regularly, however the University Campus has its own canteen where students can eat food at a discounted price. I usually prefer to cook by myself.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 2875
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 58575
P
Prabhath C 
Master of Science in Materials Science - Batch of 2023
4.2
Academically renowned and internationally friendly.
Tips: Culturally, especially for Indian students, it is not a huge shift, given the number of students from India. Naturally, learning German will help, but as a city, Darmstadt is immigrant-friendly. As for scholarships, you can apply for some from the university and from the EU directly.
Likes (Public transportation): The Stadtmitte campus, along with the Lichtwiese campus, is very well connected by trams and buses. Especially as a student, it is compulsory to take a public transport ticket for each semester, making it all the more reason to use it whenever possible.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There were not many Indian restaurants, especially ones with good quality. The ones available were rumoured to have really unhealthy kitchens. And also, I prefer to cook for myself. Indian groceries were always available, though, making it easier for me.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes8 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Akshata Gundeti 
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2026
3.7
Research driven education.
Tips: As an international student, the transition to TU Darmstadt was a mix of excitement and adjustment. The biggest shift was adapting to Germany’s independent study culture and its more structured, punctual lifestyle. Although the cultural change felt challenging at first the international community made it smoother. TU Darmstadt also offers university stipends, and the overall cost of studying is low the Aerospace Engineering course costs only around 300-350 per semester, which even includes public transportation. For living expenses, there are both technical and non-technical student jobs that help cover monthly costs. Academically, the university and the country are above average, with strong academic standards, solid support, and a well-structured aerospace program that is practical, research-oriented, and rich in opportunities in areas like aerodynamics and flight systems.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
Views on Fau Erlangen Nuremberg campus
A
Anonymous
MSc in Marketing (In German) - Batch of 2024
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.1
More than a University, A Global Experience
Tips: Before joining FAU, students should know that the university has a rigorous academic environment with a strong focus on independent learning, so it helps to start accommodation and visa formalities early. My transition was smooth overall, and the biggest cultural shift was adapting to Germany's punctuality, independence, and structured way of life. I did not avail of any scholarship during my exchange semester. Overall, I am very satisfied with FAU, my course, and Germany, as the experience provided excellent academic exposure, an international learning environment, and valuable personal growth.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1750
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
T
Tarun Ponala 
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2027
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.6
Its a really good college with lot of facilities and support for your career growth.
Tips: Before joining this college, just understand that before you sit in a class, the professor uploads the lecture slides that he is going to teach the Next day. Study that and go to the class, it will be beneficial. You will understand well and can able to participate in the discussions represented in the lecture.
Likes (Value for money): The feel of FAU is 72 euros per semester which is the least I have seen on any public university in Germany. For the number of feels, the facilities and infrastructure it provides is really good. The library has a wide collection and plenty of study space for everyone, the lecture halls are big and it feels like an ideal university class.
Dislikes (Internships): Getting an internship depends on student skill set and experience and not on college. There are plenty of internships available related to the field, compared to a full-time job. I rate it as 3, as it is not relevant to college. Moreover, companies prefer students who have mandatory internships in their curriculum. So if you have a mandatory internship on your curriculum, then you will get it if you apply consistently, keeping your options open.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes5 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Physics - Batch of 2023
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.6
Top research, zero fees, quality life
Tips: Before joining, students should know that FAU is a large, research-heavy university where you are expected to be independent. Nobody chases you about deadlines or paperwork, so it helps to be organised from day one. Sort out housing early, since rooms in Erlangen go fast, and be ready for the bureaucracy.
Likes (Value for money): FAU charges no tuition fee for my programme. The only regular cost is the semester contribution, roughly 150 euros to 200 euros a semester, which covers student services and includes a public transport ticket for the region. For what that pays for, I think the rating of 5 is easy to justify.
Dislikes (Part time work): On-campus HiWi (student assistant) jobs are fairly easy to find at FAU, especially in Physics, engineering and computer science. Most of them involve lab support, data analysis, coding, tutoring or correcting exercise sheets. Research groups like ECAP, where I worked, tend to hire students already doing a project or thesis with them, so knowing the professors helps.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 750
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Chemistry - Batch of 2023
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.7
Friedrich alexander universiteit
Tips: I experienced some culture shock, the course was academically advanced and practically challenging. I received a Deutschland scholarship. Since there is no tuition fee and public transportation is covered in the semester fees, overall I am satisfied with my university and studying in Germany.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Not so many Indian restaurants around. I prefer cooking at home, but sometimes going out can be good if there a re indian options. Had a to travel a bit to go to indian restaurants, but this was 3 years ago, now there are more restaurants in Erlangen.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 950
Prepping time for classes38 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 42800
S
Srijita 
MSc Advanced Optical Technologies - Batch of 2027
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.2
Learning to enjoy academia beyond exams and placements: getting a master's degree in FAU Erlangen
Tips: 1. You have to manage everything by yourself. In India, students usually get to dedicate all of their time to studies, and in general there isn't much of a practice of simultaneously working elsewhere for income. Abroad, you have to work part-time alongside studies, manage your own living (do weekly groceries, cook your own food, clean your house, manage your finances, pay bills on time). And you have no break from these duties. So we can't really study all day as we can in India. So it is extremely necessary to have excellent time management skills, otherwise, it can get very difficult to live day to day. 2. Culture-wise, Germans are more introverted and quiet-loving people than Indians. They don't encourage small talk as much. And their directness can be hard for us to understand sometimes. Having said that, they are very simple, rule-abiding people. So there is very little ambiguity in their communication. They are not afraid to speak their mind, so it is important for us to also be very straightforward in communication with them. Don't tell them "I'll SEE what I can do" or "I'll think about it" if you really mean to say "No, I can't do this. They don't mind. 3. I am not that aware of scholarships. The most I know is that Max Planck schools offer scholarship programs. You can always ask your course coordinator/university interview board about scholarships during the interviews. 4. It is okay to take longer than the stipulated number of semesters to complete your degree. Nobody cares about things like this. The point of studying here is knowing the subject material. If you repeat an exam, that's also fine, infact it's sometimes a really good thing.
Likes (Value for money): Yes. The coursework is interesting, you get to interact with amazing professors and alumni, and the thesis or internship projects are very interesting and worthwhile. The university is introducing tuition fees from 2027, though, and they could be anywhere between 2000-6000 euros per semester. So it might make it less accessible for many students.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Currently, the job market is tight in all avenues. I am not sure about sponsor visas, as my specific focus is on Ph.D. and research. My seniors and friends are also mostly in the Ph.D. line of work. In general, research tends to pay slightly less than industry roles. However, there are more employment opportunities when the candidate is fluent in German (most places now ask for at least a B1 or B2 level of language skills).
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1000
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 48000
S
Srishti Bansal 
Master in International Business Studies (MIBS) - Batch of 2028
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
5.0
Great University and City: Watchout the downtime for shops.
Tips: For me it was pretty simple in the transition as I have already lived before in Germany. However, the city is really quiet and shops gets close at 8pm dot. In Bavaria, things get close very early so that is something I hate. I have applied to few scholarships and I am expecting their replies currently. Overall good experience till today.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): Student Life in Germany is great thanks to a better crowd than in NRW. Finding good friends is easy here, and the campus keeps you connected with plenty of clubs and communities to join. I have had a crazy experience till today, I would like to recommend my university to everyone!
Dislikes (Internships): That's because I was able to reach the Coordinator of the programme before getting admitted. She was very polite and sweet! She politely answered my questions and is still very easily available. The faculty is very international and has mixed nationalities.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1000
Prepping time for classes3 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
MS in Autonomy Technologies - Batch of 2028
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.0
My experience at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg
Tips: The city is student-friendly, but I would strongly emphasize learning German before you arrive. Would make the social life and job hunt much easier. Classes and academics should not be taken lightly, as the examinations tend to check the grasp of the subject thoroughly.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.2
A good acedemic journey: High caliber Research Meets a Driven, Competitive Environment
Tips: Book accommodation a month or so in advance, because it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere to stay in Erlangen/Nuremberg. Also, you must speak some German, at least at the B1 level, so you have some idea of what’s going on there, otherwise, you can get very confused by the constant babbling going on around you. You will need to be very self-disciplined because getting around on public transport requires some effort since shops are closed on Sundays. The courses, education, research, and job opportunities at the university are great, but the exams can be really challenging, and accommodation is expensive.
Likes (Safety): Erlangen consistently ranks among the safest cities in Germany. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, and the general environment is calm, orderly, and academic. You can comfortably walk, run, or ride a bicycle through the city or on campus late at night without feeling unsafe.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Lack of Pure Vegetarian Options & Cross-Contamination Finding 100% vegetarian restaurants locally is quite difficult. Most general eateries, including local Du00f6ner shops, Italian places, and standard German restaurants, share kitchen equipment, oil fryers, and utensils between vegetarian and meat dishes.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 750
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 52050
A
Akshat Sharma 
MSc Advanced Materials and Processes - Batch of 2024
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
3.8
A challenging but satisfying experience!
Tips: FAU as a university is great, especially if you are keen on research. There are lots of good research labs and facilities. The programme prepares you academically rather than practically. The exam period is quite stressful, but there is a lot of flexibility. The onus of finding internships, jobs, etc. Is entirely on you. The job market is getting more and more competitive, especially if you don't speak German!
Likes (Safety): Erlangen is very safe as a city, no complaints at all. I did not face any discrimination, although the caretaker of my building was rather rude. Overall, I never felt unsafe even when I was out late at night. There are support groups in the university if you require help.
Dislikes (Quality of faculty): The coursework is quite rigorous, sometimes a bit too much. The professors are top-notch, but the emphasis is on lecture-based learning rather than project-based. I found it a bit too theoretical. The exams are not easy, and mostly you depend on self-learning!
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1200
Prepping time for classes8 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 55000
P
Prudhvi raj Chalapaka 
MS in Autonomy Technologies - Batch of 2028
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.2
My Personal Indepth review of FAU Erlangen
Tips: Future international students need to know about future fee changes. Presently, all I need to do is pay my semester fee, however, FAU is introducing a new system of fee charging for non-EU international students. Along with this, they need to know about the wonderful student ticket provided by DB at a cost of just 43 euros that gives you free regional travel around Germany. My shifting to Germany to study M.Sc. in Autonomy Technologies has indeed been a major shift in my life. The biggest cultural shift I have seen has been in my habits of eating and traveling. As of now, I have not made use of any financial aid scheme. There are many ways of getting financial assistance at FAU including Deutschlandstipendium which provides you with 300 euros every month for a year.
Likes (Value for money): The cost of attending FAU is totally worth it. As an international Current student, my studies are totally tuition free. I only have to make payment of the regular semester contribution. One very important factor is the cheap student transport ticket which costs about 43 euros every month and gives you the opportunity to travel within Germany without any limits on the regional DB transports including some neighboring stations. As the FAU introduces a new fee structure for international non-EU students starting at 1500 euros up to 6000 euros per semester depending on the degree programme. This is still a great investment. Compare to three extremely high tuition fees in English-speaking countries such as USA UK and Australia.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are a lot of eating places in Erlangen, particularly near the central area of the city. Nevertheless, foreign students might not have many places which serve genuine food of their native countries. Although one can get a quick bite starting from just 1 euro, the cost depends a lot on the type of food ordered. In any case, cooking in dormitories or at home will be the most sensible and inexpensive way for international students.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 992
Prepping time for classes22 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
2.5
My uni is good and all you need is good German skills and hard work
Tips: Yes Germans won't accept immigrants; university is tough Getting scholarship is bit hard, not so easy Especially in my state, Bavaria, it is a bit hard for new people. You can see a lot of culture here, so it is better not to visit the southern part of Germany. The uni is good, but you need to work hard.
Likes (Safety): So all over Germany is safe except for big cities like Frankfurt and Berlin When I went to Food All Match, you will feel unsafe and there are more racist people; please kindly avoid going there A good experience is that Germans are very helpful and kind people.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Currently, we have no part-time jobs; the market is too slow now and very hard for everyone Very few companies sponsor visas. They are all looking for the medical field currently, so all the IT people, please do not come here; it is very hard now and requires learning a language.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1000
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 45100
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in International Information Systems - Batch of 2023
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.5
A great learning experience with excellent opportunities
Tips: We need to have an open mindset when coming to a new country, as the cultural shift is real. The way we approach things in India is quite different, and you will definitely learn a lot from adapting to a new culture and environment. I did not avail myself of any scholarship. FAU is a publicly funded university, so there was only a nominal semester fee of around 300 euros every 6 months (each semester). I am very satisfied with the course, university, and Germany as a country. It has been a very positive and enriching experience.
Likes (Internships): There are always openings for internships in the companies. You just need to be proactive to find those. Companies hire interns to get their work done cheaper, and for students it provides a great atmosphere to explore working in the corporate setup. Yes, there are a lot of vacancies and openings for internships. There can sometimes be paid internships as well.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): I rated it 4 because I bagged 3 successful job roles upon completing the degree. Once you successfully clear an interview and have a work contact, the visa office provides you with a relevant work visa based on your salary. And as a student, you can stay in the country for 18 additional months to find jobs. Salary package range is between 52k and 62k for a fresher in the IT industry.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 65500
S
Satyaki Chatterjee 
MSc Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering - Batch of 2022
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.0
FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg: Germany's #1 innovator
Tips: Transition is in general a character build-up that Germany does to you. It makes you take ownership of your own career with your own responsibilities. That itself is a big cultural shift. From taking care of your personal lifestyle needs to taking care of your studies and then part-time jobs, the level of independence and ownership that you are supposed to take, for example, preps, assignments, projects, and thesis—it's a wide range of spectrum.
Likes (Value for money): There was zero tuition fee in my course. Hence, the value for money in terms of the expertise that can be gained with little investment is, of course, highly positive. Currently the job opportunities are a bit fewer in the market for students, especially relevant technical ones. Otherwise, a high positive value for money is there.
Dislikes (Internships): The majority of the courses do not have a "mandatory internship," which becomes a problem for being hired as an intern because the majority of internship opportunities are for mandatory interns. There are sufficient available internship opportunities relevant to my study program in industry and academia, both.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 850
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 68000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Medical Technology - Batch of 2023
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
3.8
The university is in itself one of the best for the chosen course of study.
Tips: Knowledge of German is an almost must-have. The presence of Siemens in the city makes it easier for students to get a job, provided they know all the right documentation before coming here. Sometimes consulting an education and transition counselor helps, and I also help with this.
Likes (Public transportation): The city of Erlangen is extremely well connected via public transport. Be it local trains, buses, or in the nearby adjoining cities by the metro or U-Bahn, as they call it here. The Deutschland ticket makes it easier to avail any kind of public transport except the ICE trains.
Dislikes (Internships): In Germany, you have to find such options on your own, and it has nothing to do with the university. More than internships, people tend to lean more towards part-time or student jobs known as HiWi. Internships are often unpaid or overworked, and that stresses your studies.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 2000
Prepping time for classes45 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 62000
A
Anonymous
M.Sc in Data Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
5.0
International Exposure with strong academic and research opportunities.
Tips: Before coming to FAU, be ready to take 100% ownership of your studies. Professors won't check up on you, so managing your own study schedule and prepping for Klausuren (exams) well in advance is essential. Outside the classroom, Germany—and the Erlangen-Nuremberg region in particular—offers a great quality of life. The VGN transport network makes commuting between campus buildings and neighboring cities effortless, and the local industry ties give you solid career prospects once you settle in.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1100
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 56000
A
Abhishek Pandey 
MSc Advanced Optical Technologies - Batch of 2025
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.4
Excellent education system with a lot of freedom
Tips: Yes, many things were different but smooth because people were very supportive and helpful. Traffic rules, punctuality, cooking on my own, managing budget and time. No, there was no scholarship involved. 100% satisfied with the course and the people. I learned so much and developed.
Likes (Indian Food): Vegan and vegetarian options are there, and the supermarkets have a lot of options, apart from Indian stores where you can get Indian ingredients. For meat eaters, there are many options too. I prefer eating at home, but sometimes I go out to eat. Food at the canteen is cheaper than in the restaurants.
Dislikes (Part time work): Part-time work gets a low rating because landing a job here has become extremely competitive. On-campus student assistant roles (HiWi positions) are scarce due to faculty budget cuts, and dozens of students apply for every single open spot. As a result, most of us end up taking off-campus jobs—like working shifts in warehouses, delivery, or gastronomy around Nuremberg—just to pay rent and cover monthly expenses, even if it has zero relation to our field of study.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 520
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
S
Samip Patel 
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.6
A Rewarding Journey of Academic Growth and Cultural Adaptation in Germany.
Tips: The academic culture shock coming from India to Germany is real. At FAU, self-study is everything—you are responsible for managing your own time and mastering lecture material independently. Juggling daily cooking and chores on top of your coursework feels overwhelming for the first month, but everyone adapts quickly.
Financially, there is no scholarship for me, but the student Semesterticket cuts down monthly transit expenses significantly across the VGN region. I'm really happy with my choice—FAU offers fantastic education standards and a very welcoming setup for international students.
Likes (Safety): I gave safety a 5/5 because living between Erlangen and Nuremberg feels completely secure, even late at night. The VGN public transport network—buses, night lines, and S-Bahns—runs smoothly and feels safe to take alone after dark. In Erlangen especially, everyone bikes everywhere at all hours without any hassle. The streets and train stations are well lit, people are generally helpful if you ever get lost, and I’ve honestly never felt unsafe or run into trouble while out in the city.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Germany offers an excellent fast-track pathway to permanent residence within two years for local university graduates. While I would love to settle here permanently due to the high quality of life, the intense bureaucracy and heavy language barriers make the actual process quite challenging.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60000
A
Atharva Sinnarkar 
MSc Computational Engineering - Batch of 2027
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.2
A hidden gem of Erlangen
Tips: It is academically challenging. You have to be passionate about your course. After all, it's rewarding at the end. There are scholarships, but I did not take any. I am satisfied with the university and country. Yes, I have transitioned a lot after coming here.
Likes (Indian Food): I cook at home. But there are options for eating outside. There are a lot of Indian restaurants. You might not miss Indian food. But it might be expensive for you as well. There are Indian, South Indian, and Maharashtrian restaurants. You can get a proper Indian meal.
Dislikes (Internships): There are no campus placements. You have to find jobs for yourself. You can find relevant internships. It could be stressful, but you have to do it by yourself. You can find it on LinkedIn or on the job portal. It is also possible to go to the job fairs.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2028
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.8
Great University with diverse range of exposure.
Tips: What you should know before coming to FAU is that the academic flexibility here is fantastic. The department organizes schedules well, which gives you room to work part-time while keeping up with your studies. On the financial side, international students can apply for various merit-based scholarships and grants through DAAD or internal FAU schemes to help cover living costs. As long as you stay organized, managing work and study here is totally doable.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 825
Prepping time for classes16 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Akshar Soni 
MSc Advanced Materials and Processes - Batch of 2022
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.4
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg: Holistic education hub in the heart of technology and innovation.
Tips: The education here promotes a hands-on approach of understanding, learning, and applying your theoretical knowledge via various opportunities. FAU recently started a tuition fee, but back then it was a tuition fee, so the new students should take finances into account while preparing for FAU.
Likes (Part time work): Erlangen and the nearby region of Franconia provide ample opportunities for all disciplines. The university itself promotes students to do part-time research work, jobs, projects, and thesis work. Several companies have their HQs providing opportunities for students. Part-time jobs are manageable, and I was able to sustain my living expenses while studying my master's.
Dislikes (Internships): I gave internships a low rating because in Germany, finding a position is 100% on you. FAU will post openings on job portals or host career fairs, but the university isn't going to place you anywhere. If you're targeting a specific niche or specialized science field, you have to do all the legwork yourself—hunting down openings on LinkedIn or company career pages, tailoring CVs, and handling endless applications solo.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes12 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60000
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