University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.4/5
11 Verified Reviews
3.6 Internships- 3.9 Part time work
- 4.3 Post study jobs
- 4.6 Quality of faculty
- 4.5 Student Life
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4.2/5
36 Verified Reviews- 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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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCourse Comparison
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg MS
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg M.A.
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg Others PG
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.E. / B.Tech
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.Sc.
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Other courses
- M.Sc. (10 courses)
- BBA (14 courses)
- B.A. (35 courses)
- MDS (5 courses)
- MIM (6 courses)
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- M.Sc. (15 courses)
- MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
- BBA (7 courses)
- B.A. (45 courses)
- B.Ed (74 courses)
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCollege Comparison
About College
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1743
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCampus Comparison
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Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
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Country Facts
Study in Germany
No Cost of Studying
Public Universities are free of cost for international students.- Universities in Germany are among the top universities in the world.
Career Opportunities- 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.
Safety and Diversity- 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
No Cost of Studying- Public Universities are free of cost for international students.
- Universities in Germany are among the top universities in the world.
Career Opportunities- 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.
Safety and Diversity- 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 University of Duisburg-Essen campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Education in Production, Logistics, Sales (minor vocational specialisation) - Batch of 2027
4.5
Duisburg-Essen university has various courses both in English and German. Also canteen food good
Tips: Find accommodation because it is very hard to get one here in Germany. Also, if you have any friends, tell them to find one for you, and also try to get an appointment at the foreign office ASAP. Also, beware when finding accommodation because of fraud. Most public universities give you a free transportation pass for every semester.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 45000
Y
Yash Dilipbhai Rajani
Master of Science in Technical Logistics - Batch of 2027
4.9
It is a nice university for studies.
Tips: A little transition is necessary when you shift to a new country; you need to change your attitude and lifestyle a little according to the country or society. Here, we have temples in nearby cities, so we visit it ocationally or regularly, and we also celebrate our festivals. I am very satisfied with my university, the studies, atmosphere, events, campus, and professors.
Likes (Public transportation): The Bus stops, and the tram station is very near the university. The university is 3 to 4 stops away from the main railway station. And the frequency of buses and trams is also good during the day time, in night, there is also good connectivity, but a little less to day time.
Dislikes (Internships): The competition in obtaining an internship is rather high; therefore, it is necessary to be ready mentally, even if you spend two months or even eight months trying to obtain an internship opportunity, and, additionally, a good knowledge of the German language is also very important in interviews.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes24 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 52050
A
Anonymous
BA/BSc in Computer science - Batch of 2026
4.4
University of Duisburg-Essen
Tips: Massive cultural shift: German is required to be able to live properly and enjoy university life to the fullest. Personally quite satisfied with the university because I was able to take advantage of its benefits, but several students do not know about them. I received a scholarship of 300 euros per month.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 950
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 53600
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Automation and Safety, ISE - Batch of 2023
3.9
A Rollercoaster worth taking
Tips: Concentrate on Language and Planning Your semester ahead is important. The cultural shift I have experienced is about communication and punctuality. Student life often feels lonely and stressful—it's up to us how we tackle it. I made many friends; it worked for me.
Likes (Student Life): I really enjoyed my student life—it's the balance of fun, classes, the canteen, and friends. All because I know the language and I have my own bunch of friends—these people around me made my life easy. I was part of the student union—so I happened to organize many parties funded by the university.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Not many Indian restaurants are around the university, but there are many other cuisines available. Usually we prefer the university canteen—it's one of the best options for students. It's budget-friendly, and students can choose multiple cuisines. My flatmates and I usually cook dinner together.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1075
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 57700
N
Naveen Kumar Bharathi
Master of Science in Technical Logistics - Batch of 2019
4.6
A great choice for higher education
Tips: Before coming to Duisburg-Essen, you need to brace yourself for a seriously research-heavy curriculum where nobody is going to hold your hand. The professors expect a massive amount of independent learning, so if you don't stay on top of the readings and lab work on your own, you'll easily fall behind. Also, while you can technically survive an English-taught master's with just basic German, you absolutely need it to get through daily life in the Ruhr area, handle the city registration office (Bürgeramt), or grab a decent part-time student job.
I didn't receive any scholarships to study here—like most international students at public universities, I'm completely self-funding my life. Despite the academic pressure and having to watch my budget, I'm genuinely happy with my choice to come here. The level of education you get at UDE is top-tier, Essen and Duisburg are super safe cities to live in, and being in the heart of Germany's industrial hub means the long-term career and networking opportunities are definitely worth the hustle.
Likes (Safety): I rated safety 5/5 because I always felt safe on campus and in the city. The campus is well-lit, secure and easily accessible by safe public transport. I had only positive experiences and never faced safety issues. People are friendly and most of them are willing to help you whenever you ask.
Dislikes (Value for money): Okay, so even though Duisburg-Essen is a public university with no actual tuition fees, I still rated the value for money on the lower side because the hidden costs of studying here really add up. Yes, you only pay a basic semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), but that fee has been creeping up every single semester. Plus, finding a cheap room through the Studierendenwerk dorms is an absolute nightmare—the waiting lists are endless, so most of us are forced into the private market where landlords completely rip you off for basic apartments.
When you factor in the rising cost of groceries, health insurance, and student rent in the Ruhr region, 'free education' doesn't actually feel that free. On top of that, the university facilities can be a total mixed bag. Some of the campus buildings and libraries feel incredibly outdated and crowded, and trying to get actual administrative support from the uni offices feels like pulling teeth. When you're working a part-time job just to survive month-to-month, the overall experience doesn't feel like the amazing bargain they promise on the brochure.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1100
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 57000
D
Divyangana Kothari
Master of Science in Computer Engineering, ISE - Batch of 2025
4.1
Friendly university with lot of practical experience
Tips: The course has a lot of assignments, but that too depends on the subject one chooses, which we have to balance along with internships and household work. The university is very friendly, with good faculty and lots of practical experience in labs. There are a lot of semester-starting parties, which is a good place to get to know many people. Although in the beginning everything seems a little too much to manage all on our own, slowly it seems like a part of life. Yes, the scholarship can be availed if one is struggling financially with not getting part-time/internship; we have to apply for financial help at Asta, the student representative community of the university. So the overall experience of university is good, with friendly faculty and student communities, and NRW should be the preferred choice for any student due to a lot of student advantages related to traveling.
Likes (Public transportation): The transportation is very good, and as a student, it's free, as the cost is covered in the semester ticket. So we don't have to pay anything if using public transportation even across all of Germany. There are buses running all over the city every few minutes, so the transportation is very good.
Dislikes (Indian Food): As a vegetarian, the food options would be limited, as Europe is a heavily meat-driven place. There are some Indian restaurants, but again, as a student, eating out daily would be quite expensive. So the feasible option is to cook at home mostly. In a supermarket one can get all kinds of daily food items, although if one wants to eat Indian vegetables, then they would have to visit Indian stores, which are also present in Duisburg.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60525
A
Adithye Nambiar
BA/BSc in Computer science - Batch of 2027
4.0
Good Beginners College
Tips: 1. Learn cooking; force yourself to parties and other events in the start even if you don't feel like it, as they will help you mentally in the long run. Connections are as important as studies. 2. I am a Deutschland Stipendium holder, and I get 300 EUR every month plus events. The university does a good job of making us aware of scholarships by way of events such as StipendienTag. 3. I am glad I came here. Besides academics, living alone in another place makes you ready to face anything, as there can be 100 different problems you may face, but you force yourself to solve all of them.
Likes (Indian Food): There are a lot of types of restaurants available nearby, including Indian. The prices can range from 4 eur to upwards of 15 eur. Besides Indian food, options might be limited for vegetarians. Student housing here provides a kitchen. Cooking for yourself is one of the best ways to eat cheap and healthy.
Dislikes (Internships): The university doesn't do much for finding internships. It is up to us to find them. One of the biggest hurdles that most students face is finding internships. As for bachelors, an internship is obligatory; this can cause graduation to be delayed for a lot of people.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 850
Prepping time for classes6 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Technical Logistics - Batch of 2027
4.8
There are many events within the University. Students need to utilise them properly
Tips: The education systems in India and Germany are completely different. Also, the exams for each subject, which are similar to government exams, are there. Candidates need to answer 50 short questions, including math, within one hour, and one needs to study pretty well.
Likes (Public transportation): Public transportation is very good; all corners of Duisburg and Essen are very well connected with buses and trams. Also, there are trains between these two cities very often. There is also shuttle service between two campuses of the university. With the Deutschland ticket provided by the university, all public transportation is available.
Dislikes (Internships): Getting internships is very difficult due to the bad job market in Germany. Candidates need to apply a lot and also shouldn't get disappointed when some initial interviews get rejected. This tenure of rejection can last pretty long, and one should remain mentally tough till the end.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes16 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 55275
V
Vikas Anantharapu
Master of Education in Production, Logistics, Sales (minor vocational specialisation) - Batch of 2020
4.9
Decent University with standardised principles
Tips: Look, if you're coming to UDE, you’ve got to actively force yourself out of the international bubble. Actually make an effort to connect with the local German students, and seriously, start using the campus libraries—like the LK in Duisburg or the GW over in Essen—on a regular basis. Also, just don't skip your lectures. German professors do not sit around waiting for you to catch up, and if you miss even a couple of classes, you're going to completely struggle to wrap your head around the material later on.
Honestly, the absolute biggest roadblock at Duisburg-Essen is just adjusting to how things work here. Way too many people come in and treat learning German like a side project. That is a massive mistake. If you want any real shot at landing a working student gig or an internship around the Ruhr area, fluent German is your main ticket. Oh and try to get your German driving license squared away as soon as you can. It sounds like a random chore, but if you’re eyeing engineering or logistics roles across NRW, it’s a total game-changer.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 48000
A
Anonymous
MSc Computational Mechanics - Batch of 2021
3.7
Very good studies but not for middle class people from India
Tips: The first thing to know before coming here is that any exam that you want to pass only has 3 attempts. If you fail on your 3rd attempt, not only your admission but also your visa will be cancelled. Indian students mostly cannot avail scholarships. University of Duisburg Essen is very strict and advanced in teaching compared to Bachelors or previous studies compared from India. Keep it in mind that anyone who wants to join here has a shift in their entire perspective of thinking on how to study and how much time to spend on studying. Almost more than 90% of Indian students who pass out from this university were spending 3 or more years for master's and 5 or more years for bachelor's studies. If you want to do the part-time job while studying at this university, you must add at least one extra year to these timelines.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty are very experienced, and teaching is always good if you want to study here. There is no point in saying otherwise if you are not keen on studying. International friendly staff and you will rarely experience racism. You will find good diversified faculty here. Reaching out to any faculty requires a prior appointment. So planning ahead is always essential here.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Let’s be real, the current job market is pretty brutal right now. If you're planning to do your master's at Duisburg-Essen, just know that the surrounding cities are absolutely packed with international students and expats. Because of that, the competition for every single part-time job or internship in the area is insane—you’re basically competing with a massive crowd for the same few roles. On top of that, the courses at this uni are heavily geared toward research and academic theory. They do a great job of pushing a passion for science and further studies, but they honestly don't prepare you at all for how cutthroat the actual job market is.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 48000
Y
Yash Kaushik
MSc Computational Mechanics - Batch of 2024
4.4
Bilingual courses with 0 tution fee
Tips: Learning the German language is necessary till an intermediate level at least. This will help you settle in the city and in your work. The courses, however, are bilingual and education in Germany is the most affordable.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1781
Prepping time for classes6 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 150000
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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