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Programme Details
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B2 German required
Agreement Scope Physics department exchange
Exchange Places 3 full year places for 2026/27
Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg Exchange students website
Overview
Overview
About:
Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 39.000 students. FAU is a prestigious university for international partners and has over 500 partnerships worldwide.
Highlights:
By branching across two main cities, FAU is very well-connected with excellent transport links in and around Germany. The main campus located in Erlangen sits in the smallest city in Bavaria but is also a perfect university town, with lecture halls, seminar rooms, libraries and cafeterias scattered across the city. The atmosphere in Erlangen is both welcoming and international, largely thanks to the nearly 40,000 students at FAU. Due to this, Erlangen has a bustling student scene, with several bars, cafés and restaurants for international students to enjoy.
Location:
Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany (main campus)
Academic information
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
FAU offers a wide variety of courses, some of which are taught in English. More information about selecting a programme of study and modules available can be found on the FAU Starting your studies page. Please note that research projects are not typically available for undergraduate students at FAU and that you would therefore need to discuss taught module availability and suitability with your departmental international officer.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. FAU uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
Teaching Periods:
Teaching takes place over two semesters. The winter semester tends to begin towards the start of October, ending towards the end of March and the Summer semester tends to begin at the start of April, ending mid-July.
Language:
Most of the modules are taught and assessed in German and you require a language level of at least B2. Some of the modules offered by FAU are taught in English. FAU provides information on German language requirements which also includes details of preparatory German language courses which you may be able to take. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in German classes during the exchange - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.
Student life
Student life
Accommodation:
FAU does not assign international students accommodation but works closely with Student Services, which help students organise accommodation, and provides Information and support on finding accommodation.
Student services:
The FAU buddy programme puts international students in contact with German students who can help them with any questions they may have and give them useful tips.
Orientation:
At the beginning of the semester, FAU offers an orientation programme for international students in order to take care of all the important formalities for your stay at FAU with the help of student assistants.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in Germany. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Gov.uk Travel Advice page for Germany and its Living in Germany guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
FAU also provide additional details of health insurance requirements
Student experiences
Student experiences
Amy, Study Abroad in Germany
"I have enjoyed the whole Erasmus experience. It has been a fantastic year and I have had the chance to do so much more than I would have if I had stayed at York."
Marian, Study Abroad in Germany, 2019-20
"Pushing myself to go to events and meet new people also really helped me settle in, especially now I feel like I have a good network of friends. Also immersing myself in the culture, such as trying new foods and drinks and participating in German holidays (such as Karnival) is definitely important!"
Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Top Tips for Studying in Germany
Top Tips for Studying in Germany
Please note: these tips have been provided by FAU or by former exchange students - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Costs and Financing: FAU estimates an approximate monthly budget of €930 / month. To see a breakdown of monthly costs, visit this link.
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.
Staying Connected:
Make plans: Going to International events is a good way to meet people, especially the trips the international desk organise early in the term A great way to connect with people is also by joining clubs, groups and societies.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.
Food:
Food shopping: Prices for groceries are relatively moderate in Germany and supermarkets are generally open from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 and 20:00.
Local food markets: You can also buy good quality fresh fruit and vegetables at very reasonable prices at your local market. In Germany, all shops are closed on Sundays. Petrol station shops and the shops near the train station are the only places that remain open during the night as well as on Sundays and public holidays.
Restaurants and cafeterias for students: Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs restaurants and cafeterias at eight locations in Erlangen and Nuremberg. A wide range of reasonably priced meals and snacks are available here for FAU students and staff. The restaurants and cafeterias only accept cashless payments made using the FAUcard. For more information about restaurants and cafeterias for students, visit this link.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible! Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help! If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host institution are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
What I wished I'd known...:
Making the most of your experience: I wish I'd known that you never know if your time abroad is going to be unexpectedly cut short so make the most of every second.
Moving: "That moving to another country isn't that daunting! It's just like moving to University."
Useful links
Useful links
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Facebook: @Uni.Erlangen.Nuernberg https://www.facebook.com/Uni.Erlangen.Nuernberg/
Instagram: @uni_fau https://www.instagram.com/uni_fau/?hl=en
Twitter: @UniFAU https://twitter.com/UniFAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk
Contact Global Opportunities
Contact Global Opportunities
Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter :@GoGlobalUOY
Email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk to make an appointment with one of our advisors.
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