Virginia Tech Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Virginia Tech Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Virginia Tech Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Virginia Tech Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Virginia Tech Vs Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.1/5
15 Verified Reviews
3.8 Internships- 4.3 Part time work
- 4.1 Post study jobs
- 4.5 Quality of faculty
- 4.5 Student Life
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4.2/5
26 Verified Reviews- 3.6 Internships
- 3.8 Part time work
- 3.7 Post study jobs
- 4.3 Quality of faculty
- 4.3 Student Life
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg MS
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.E. / B.Tech
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.Sc.
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg B.A.
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen Nuremberg MEng
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Other courses
- BBA (13 courses)
- M.A. (12 courses)
- B.J.M.C. (5 courses)
- B.Arch (4 courses)
- M.Agri. (5 courses)
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- BBA (7 courses)
- M.A. (45 courses)
- MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
- B.Ed (74 courses)
- MPH (1 course)
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Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1872
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
2600 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 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
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
Virginia Tech V/s Fau Erlangen NurembergCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
Virginia Tech Campus
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Residence Life
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Virginia Tech
Burruss Hall
Cowgill Hall
The Graduate Life Center
Davidson Hall
Lane Hall
Patton Hall
Biocomplexity Institute
Norris Hall houses
Bishop-Favrao Hall
Eggleston and Owens Halls
English Field
Virginia Tech's Cassell Coliseum
Lane Stadium
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Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
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Country Facts
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
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 Virginia Tech campus
S
samarth mehta
MEng in Computer Science & Application - Batch of 2024
4.6
A university that gives you multiple opportunity, be sure to knock and achievfe multiple.
Tips: Joining Virginia Tech was the best decision I could've made. The academic environment completely sharpens your technical, research, and problem-solving skills within the first few months. One massive perk is the research funding—I secured a Research Assistant position that cut my tuition in half for a semester. Between the world-class lab facilities, the sheer amount of campus resources, and the collaborative student community in Blacksburg, it's an incredible place. If you get accepted here, do not pass it up.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty gets a high rating because Virginia Tech professors are surprisingly accessible for a massive research university. They hold regular office hours, host extra Q&A sessions before exams, and genuinely want you to succeed. The research coming out of the labs here is top-tier—and more importantly, professors actively recruit students to join their projects. Getting a paid research assistantship to work directly alongside leading experts in your field makes a huge difference.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration gets a low rating because staying long-term in the US is a massive headache. Outside of finishing a PhD and going for an EB-1 fast-track visa, international students are stuck with the H-1B lottery system. Even with a 3-year STEM OPT extension from Virginia Tech, you're completely at the mercy of luck and company sponsorship. Personally, I have no desire to settle in the US long-term anyway. The career growth and technical exposure here are incredible, but as far as easy permanent residency goes, it's just not realistic.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes24 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 120000
A
Akhil Anand
MS in Environmental Engineering - Batch of 2023
4.1
The university helps you to grow and be independent.
Tips: I did experience a cultural shift in a good way. The people here are more open and friendly and there is a lot of mutual respect one holds for others including strangers. On the same token, the environment is a lot more competitive and lonelier so that can be tricky to navigate.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4250
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 82900
A
Aahana Sharma
MS in Chemical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.8
It was a fulfilling and enlightening experience.
Tips: Students should enjoy their time here and try to avoid getting too stressed as the academic pressure can be intense. Keep a healthy work life balance. Talk to your professors and keep up your classroom engagement as these points can matter. The faculty is very helpful and understanding and will provide you with every insight required to succeed in your career.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4250
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 92925
A
Anonymous
MS in Statistics - Batch of 2025
4.2
It is one of a kind experience worth reminiscing about.
Tips: Students should take advantage of their time here by collaborating on projects, going to the career fair and engaging with their peer group as the Virginia Tech experience is also essential to build yourself for the workforce. It would be wise to come with a scholarship that too for one of the programs that is ranked highly among the university.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4200
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
B.Sc in Business Information Technology - Batch of 2027
4.2
It has been above my expectations and you get to expect great student life at VT.
Tips: I initially used to think that Virginia Teach would be a very academic environment with less time for anything else but here you are encouraged to explore your interests outside of the classroom be it sports, volunteer ship or a hobby, you can really make the best out of everything that campus has to offer while getting a good quality education.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5150
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87525
I
Ishanvi
Bachelor of Science in Business - Finance - Batch of 2027
4.2
A great ideal mix of academic and extra curricular activities.
Tips: I have been having a pretty good time so far at Virginia Tech as the campus is a truly lively and inclusive place. Try to stand out in classes as that will benefit you in the long run especially as you can take advantage of the numerous research opportunities present. The faculty is great and understanding so don't hesitate to ask any questions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4900
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77500
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.8
Internships are easily available. Civil department is good.
Tips: I have become a lot more independent. A cultural shock I experienced was the small talk and greetings with strangers, which is not practised in India. I had a scholarship. I got it as I was a research assistant and a teaching assistant for 2 semesters. I am highly satisfied with the course however it gets stressful at times.
Likes (Internships): There are a lot of good opportunities for Civil Engineering. Since Virginia Tech is highly reputed in the civil department, it is not very difficult to find an internship. The internships available are very much relevant to the field of study. There are a lot of options available.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There is just one Indian restaurant in Blacksburg, which is not that great and is overpriced. There are a lot of other options like Mexican, Chinese, American, Korean, Thai etc. However no good Indian restaurants. The nearest good one is 40 minutes car ride away.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75350
Adithya Harish
Master of Science in Computer Science and Applications - Batch of 2025
3.5
A review on MS CS at Virginia Tech
Tips: The MS thesis programme has good funding options than the MEng one. Be interview-ready before you join college. The college and academic curriculum will satisfy you. If you get a TA/RA, apart from a tuition waiver you will be paid 2000$ a month. Contact professors once you get admitted.
Likes (Part time work): The college has good academic finding options like TA/RA. Also, there are plenty of dining jobs. TA/RA comes with a tuition waiver while dining jobs pay 17$ per hour which can cover your living expenses. Time management can be pretty tight as you need to spend 2-3 hrs a day.
Dislikes (Indian Food): The town is in Blacksburg. It's a pretty small town and there are no Indian restaurants. The nearest big city is Washington DC. So in the college town, there aren't any authentic Indian restaurants. But it has good American food. I prefer cooking myself.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 94475
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science and Applications - Batch of 2023
3.9
Great course, nice little university town
Tips: It would be good to apply to graduate assistantships before hand, there are many opportunities but one needs to apply before the start of the semester. The university and courses is nice, but courses can get full at times to book sooner. Most courses are not so hectic and can be easily managed. Do spend time finding and communicating with an advisory for your MS thesis before you come here. Living expenses are not so much and there are many cheaper options too but students should start finding housing sooner in March or April for Fall. Focus on finding internships from the very start otherwise, it can be tough to get one.
Likes (Student Life): The university is nice, it is a university town. There are regular events held and activities are available for hiking or laser tag. Regular events happen and are updated online or via weekly emails. There are numerous student clubs as well and they also hold their own activities throughout the semester. There are places to sit on the campus and have a sunny daybreak or just study on the hill. Study spaces on the campus are also nice and peaceful. The downtown is walkable and one can get quick coffee or lunch.
Dislikes (Internships): Usually internships are sought for off-campus and most opportunities on campus are for citizens but students do get a place via campus as well but that's much less in number. In the USA beyond a certain ranking, all universities are on par when finding internships and one has to ensure their profile is strong enough.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1250
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.2
VT is a good place to be, find your friends circle. Attend events, and don't be shy.
Tips: VT is a very good Engineering college. All engineering programs are good. Decent chance for getting funding, through TAships and RAships ( higher if you are doing a thesis, significantly low chance for non-thesis programs). TA and RA cover tuition fees, provide a stipend of around 2500$ per month, and health insurance. Getting a TA is kind of based on your profile, TOEFL score etc., so there is not much you can do ( like mailing someone) to get a TA. If you see any mail asking for TAs, just apply and wait. To get an RA you should try to mail pros and try to show your interest in joining their groups for doing your thesis, and there is a possibility that they'll reply back. Sometimes your proof can talk to the depth and can get you TA funding as well. Sometimes a grading wage position can help you get a TA in a later semester. Pretty easy to find wage positions on campus, dining plays around 16-18$/hr, grading around 11-12$/hr etc. VT's research is pretty good, I would ask people to choose colleges wisely, and not just over brand value. It feels nice when you get admitted from say a very huge brand college say U. Mich Ann Arbor, but you will have to take an insane amount of loan, for doing the same course work and research as VT. The brand value might have a slight difference in job search, but with some extra work, it is quite possible to land jobs all over the country for both VT and U. Mich. As far as internships, job search, starts early. VT has career counselling for free, use it. Careers fairs have not helped me personally, but it might, you never know, so attend them. It's a good experience. LinkedIn Glassdoor etc. Helps. A lot of VT alumni can be found in companies if you want a referral etc.
Likes (Public transportation): There are free buses all the time ( that is needed). You can go to any part of the city, with insanely good frequency ( during semester days). You can also travel to nearby places for free, and to go to Washington DC pay 40$ which is also not bad. So transportation is pretty good. Nice biking trails as well.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are a couple Indian based restaurants, and they are not that good, given the price. Indian grocery is also relatively expensive, yet it is essential to make good food. You can find Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean food. A couple of good Nepali places as well. There are always subs, sandwiches, pizzas and burgers. Nice diners, and bars as well.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.8
College lacks post graduation resources and courses. Research are interesting.
Tips: I think ME is a developing department still and lacks some options in Robotics specialisation. On the other hand, bio-hybrid and Material Science has developed a lot and the faculty has some exciting research with a lot of exposure. Good resources for interdisciplinary studies.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 825
Prepping time for classes13 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sanjana Bharadwaj
MS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.2
Virginia Tech is wonderful inside out.
Tips: Blacksburg is not your regular city, it is a college town, so I would not expect a lot in terms of city vibe and events. All the people are super helpful, right from the graduate school to the international centre, all advisors are considerate. I managed to get a teaching assistantship at the ECE department which helped cover my monthly expenses. Overall, VT is a great place, a beautiful campus, good professors and research-oriented.
Likes (Public transportation): Blacksburg Transmit (the official public transportation) is very convenient for students. We have buses running every 15 minutes (during regular college) and at 30-minute intervals (during break) and it connects to every part of the city. And to top it all off, it's completely free.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many Indian restaurants in Blacksburg. We'd have to travel to the closest city, Roanoke (1 hour by bus) to get decent Indian restaurants. The ones in town are not that good. A Nepali place opened up just recently, which does have some decent Indian food options. However, on a regular basis, I usually prefer to cook at home.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.4
A great academic and research University filled with opportunities
Tips: I experienced a cultural shift from India because here the accessibility of purchasing items is less. For example, buying stationery, clothes etc. has limited options. Mainly because Blackburg town is in a remote area. We only have a few groceries here. I got a teaching assistantship during my course. I got it with my admission offer. I think one of the reasons for getting it was that previously, I had taught students of 9th and 10th grade at an NGO. Also, if you have good grades and academic knowledge, your chances of getting these scholarships are high. I also got a research assistantship for one semester by working under a Professor. The course is high-ranked, the university is well-equipped for research and the education is worthy. There is a fast-paced environment here and every course that we take involves many practical deliverables.
Likes (Value for money): The ranking of Virginia Teach is good for Industrial and Systems Engineering and especially for Human Factors concentration. The faculty and research laboratories are equipped with instruments to carry out research. So, overall, it can provide a good return on investment. Hence, I gave it a good rating.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are two restaurants nearby which offer Indian food. First one is India Garden which provides Indian curries at the price of around $16-17. The curry comes with a price. However, the other options like Naan, roti are expensive. Also, the taste of the food is not that great but potion size was good. The second restaurant, Humro Kitchen offers some options like Momos and many Indian Curries. There also each item is priced between $15-20. However, the potion size is small and the taste is also not good. I prefer to cook at home myself. Also, I take frozen Chapatis from Oasis Asian Market.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75000
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Sudhanva Gokhale
MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.8
Virginia Tech - The best college for international students
Tips: On campus jobs are always available. Multiple internships and co-ops are allowed (with no courses-conditions involved). The weather is pleasant. Public transportation is the best. Low rent rates and great availability of apartments. Safe university town. Top 4 for Power Electronics (Electrical Engineering). Best University for international students, hands down.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): I believe if you have a Ph.D. in STEM courses it is easier for you to get citizenship (given that you have your other requirements fulfilled). It is a research-oriented school so easier to get Ph.D.s.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Indian restaurants in the city are not that good. They do not offer authentic Indian food, but Indian students should stay away from outside food anyway. There is a grocery store called 'Oasis' which has a lot of eastern Asian grocery options but moderate variety when it comes to Indian groceries.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 700
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 84600
Korada Divya Tarana
MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.7
Academically Excellent, Beautiful Campus, Welcoming and Supportive
Tips: VT campus in Blacksburg is academically oriented with excellent curriculum. Students aiming to study and focus on their master's degree might find this place perfectly suitable. I can’t think of any disadvantages of the campus unless you want a city life. Also, it would be great if students can apply before deadlines and acquire some assistantship since there are ample opportunities.
Likes (Student Life): Blacksburg is absolutely beautiful, on top of that the campus is gorgeous surrounded with college buildings, it’s a scenic park everywhere. Students can always choose flexible courses and manage studies with part time and outings on weekends if they are good at time management.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Virginia Tech has one of the biggest career fair events in the country. I find it convenient for students to find a company that can sponsor visa since there are many options available. Of course it’s always the student's choice if they are willing to find companies without sponsorship.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 798
Prepping time for classes14 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 118378
Views on Fau Erlangen Nuremberg campus
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
V
Vamsi Krishna Annavarapu
MSc Computational Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.1
Great reliable and independent university
Tips: FAU teaches real independence, especially from the academic point of view, right from preparation to passing an exam. Now that a tuition fee is introduced, I don't think some courses are worth that investment. I am extremely satisfied with the university.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty are well experienced and have immense knowledge. Teaching methodology involves theoretical and practical aspects that will need pre- and post-study to understand the concepts. Its advice is to do these, or else everything that is taught would be difficult to understand. Mostly of German nationality, but that's not at all a concern.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Getting a job entirely depends on the skills and the network a student has; it takes at least 6-12 months to get one and also depends on the job market. Almost no company sponsors visas. There are exceptions, but it's not difficult to get one, as the process is structured. Salaries are low; they are a fraction of what people earn in other countries, but they come with benefits such as vacation, minimum wage, and social security.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1200
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
A
Anonymous
M.Sc in Data Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
5.0
Academic Rigor, Vibrant Life, and Profound Personal Growth
Tips: It was very easy for me to get adjusted here; we have FAU buddies who will help us initially to know about course, subjects, and exam registration information. But we have to register for the FAU Buddy program. The education style was a bit different, but I could adapt easily. Culturally, I had made international friends, and we studied together, which helped me understand different cultures. There are many scholarships we can apply for, but I didn't need one as I have a working student job, which helped me for my allowances. I am very much satisfied with my university, the course, and the country. I am shaped in a better way after completing my master's, and I am very happy for my personal development.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2028
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.5
Practical Learning Experience with Good Career Opportunities
Tips: Before coming to FAU, the biggest reality check you need to prepare for is just how radically different the German university system is compared to India. Back home, you're used to a lot more structure, clear syllabi, and professors keeping you on track. Here at FAU, you are entirely on your own. The professors are definitely knowledgeable and will give you the basic roadmap during lectures, but they will absolutely not spoon-feed you. You’re expected to teach yourself the actual depth of the concepts, stay on top of massive reading lists, and take full ownership of your assignments from day one.
There are no internal marks or constant quizzes to force you to study throughout the semester. Everything usually rides on one massive final exam at the very end, which catches a lot of Indian students off guard. If you slack off at the beginning thinking you can just cram in the last two weeks, you will fail. Procrastination is a death sentence here. You genuinely have to build strict self-discipline and micromanage your own time right from the first week just to keep your head above water.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 950
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anindya Ghosh
MSc Advanced Optical Technologies - Batch of 2022
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.1
Multicultural university in a beautiful international town
Tips: The university is full of opportunities, but you have to find them out. The course is very helpful. Choose your internships and projects intelligently with a proper future plan. Important advice: In Germany, German language skills are very important. Without language skills, it is easy during student life but becomes difficult to crack the job market in German industry. So, take it seriously and improve your German level up to B2 or C1 over the course of your studies.
Likes (Value for money): There is no tuition fee for this course or for most of the courses here in this university. You have to pay a small amount for semester fees (120€ - 130€) for the student union and discounted public transport. Regional public transport (and DeutschlandTicket) is included in the semester fee.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Job roles offered are good. But the problem is current job market is down. Sometimes industrial internships help moving to full-time industry jobs, but that is also not guaranteed. If someone wants to stay in academia (pursuing Ph.D. and further), the options are more than industry jobs. In addition, the university funds are also being cut down due to overall economic crisis.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 775
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 57450
A
Anonymous
MSc Molecular Medicine - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.0
Transitioning into Progressive Academia
Tips: There is definitely a cultural shift, but Germany allows you to be more professional and efficient with work-life balance. I had the Max Planck Scholarship, the Femtec Women Career Scholarship, and the graduate last semester scholarship. I am quite satisfied with my course, especially since it is quite rigorous. The country is fine; it can vary personally how your expectations align with what the country has to offer.
Likes (Indian Food): Erlangen and Nuremberg have a lot of Indians, and therefore we have a lot of options for restaurants and grocery shops where you can get almost everything that you can think of, except for endemic spices or ingredients. The pricing is usually 20-30 euros per person in. Outing, and for groceries, it can vary a lot based on how much Indian cooking one prefers. I prefer cooking for myself, and my monthly Indian food grocery bills are usually 50 euros.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): The companies can sponsor the visa; that is not a problem, but for international students, the market is not the most permissive since it requires language eligibility as well as specific skills that a lot of students struggle with. Within my course, most people opt for a Ph.D.; therefore, academia provides them the umbrella of staying employed and continuing post-master's.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 950
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 40000
A
Anonymous
M.Sc in Data Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
2.1
College was good and fun.
Tips: I transitioned a lot. I changed my week of studying and a lot of cultural shifts. I did not avail in his scholarship and I am satisfied with the university, course and country though the course curriculum could be a little better but it's fine.
Likes (Indian Food): They had an Indian week in the canteen and Indian food was much wanted by everyone and even if not an Indian week they had enough options for food which were budget friendly and healthy. The food was tasty and many canteens were there.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): The job market wasn't supported at all in teaching industry-required skills. They said skills change every five years, so it's up to you. There were no placements from the university, either part-time or full-time.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1325
Prepping time for classes19 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 47425
Y
Yash Bhesaniya
M.Sc in Data Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.9
The university is very big and professors are very kind and helpful.
Tips: It is not necessary that you settle here. There are multiple factors. You need to have a good job and have good knowledge of German too. You need to find a job by yourself and the university will not help in this case so you need to be independent.
Likes (Indian Food): There are lots of options to eat but in the veg section. You will find something that has an Indian taste. But all the foods that I have tasted were very good. They are also cheap for students so you can buy them at a less price. But in the supermarket, you find multiple options and also there are lots of Indian markets.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
A
Anonymous
MSc in Materials Science and Engineering - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.2
FAU is a research-heavy and interdisciplinary university.
Tips: FAU is a research-heavy and interdisciplinary university, apt for those who are self-motivated and want to deep drive into niche areas of Science and engineering. The structure is more flexible than rigid, so students need to be independent learners. Also Erlangen is not a big city, so be prepared for a quieter student life, especially if you're used to the buzz of metro. That being said, Nuremberg is just 20 minutes away. I did receive two scholarships, DAAD PROMOS and the FAU Graduation Scholarship for short-term academic mobility (for my thesis). I applied through the university portals. Both were one time payment scholarships. The freedom to choose modules switch focus areas and be part of research projects has made a huge difference. The pros are approachable, and there's plenty of support for career development. Materials Science and Engineering at FAU offers both depth and flexibility. I have worked on everything from corrosion to electrocatalysis and even dipped my toes in ML for energy materials. Germany isn't perfect, but it has given me academic freedom, affordability and a sense of self I wouldn't trade for anything.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electromobility - Batch of 2026
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.4
Decent college. But going for TUs is advisable. Also should come with some professional experience.
Tips: The course lets you specialize in the field of your choice. It's very flexible. Machine Learning is very popular at FAU. Also they are good at Robotics. If these are your areas of interest, joining the course would be recommended. These topics have lots of research and work opportunities within the university.
Likes (Indian Food): There are really good Indian restaurants available, and also Indian stores are there. The pricing is decent. A meal will cost you between 15 to 20 euros per person. I prefer cooking at home, like most of the students. All the groceries that you need are available at the supermarket or Indian stores.
Dislikes (Internships): It is really competitive and not so many internships are available as there are many students. There are a few big companies in the area, but they prefer students with work experience. Also German Language is highly desired by recruiters. Not much guidance is available. They are relevant to the course.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1125
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 56225
B
Bhargav Sabalpara
MSc Computational Engineering - Batch of 2027
Offered by Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
4.6
University is known for its best research across Germany.
Tips: The cultural shift is very important in Germany. You have to accept what they are doing and follow the rules and regulations properly. I haven't applied for any scholarship yet as I am managing my expenses through my part time job and I am satisfied with the university's work ethic and supportiveness.
Likes (Student Life): I spend my day in lectures or the library at the university. Many seminars, which are important for post study jobs and innovation, are organised in the university but I prefer online seminars only which are available in English. I am not currently involved in any community or student club but if one wants then there are clubs available for it.
Dislikes (Part time work): Currently, part-time jobs are hard to get as there is are many of competition for them but after getting one, you can get around 12.80 euros - 14.53 euros per hour as per the job field. Jobs are easily manageable as you have to set availability 1 week ago and if you have lectures, you can set availability for the evening or else you can leave that spot for others who are free at that time.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 650
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
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