If you are interested to study at the Physics Department here are some information for internationals students in addition to the general information provided for the respective course of studies, e.g. the M.Sc. Physics.
Information and additional requirements
Starting in the 2026/27 winter semester, FAU will charge a fee of 100 euros per application for applicants from non-EU countries.
This fee must be paid regardless of the outcome of the selection process and is non-refundable. A maximum of three applications are allowed per person per application phase (maximum cost: 300 euros). Review of the application will not begin until payment has been successfully received.
Starting in the summer semester of 2027, FAU will charge tuition fees per semester to students from non-EU countries for enrollment and changes of major.
The Department of Physics does not provide any scholarships.
Collection of information about funding.
Students from outside Germany are also advised to consult the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) webpage for scholarship possibilities.
International applicants who require a visa are recommended, if possible, apply by 31st of May, for the upcoming winter semester and by 15th of November for the upcoming summer semester (or even before, e.g., as early as possible).
For some countries the visa application process might take a long time. If you start with the visa application late, you might not be able to obtain your visa in time. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you check out the visa requirements with the German Embassy, get used with the procedures, and collect all necessary documents as early as possible.
Do not wait too long as otherwise you might miss the beginning of the semester in Erlangen. German Missions Abroad (Federal Foreign Office)
In some cases there might be no way to avoid a late arrival. Please check out our comments and the FAQ at the bottom of this page.
For your application at the FAU, please check the language requirements of the respective course of studies, e.g. the M.Sc. Physics.
Please also check if there are any additional language requirements from the German Embassy (e.g., if you are from India). German Missions Abroad (Federal Foreign Office) (external Link)
APS India
You need an APS certification for the Master application. Furthermore, please check if there are any additional requirements from the German Embassy (e.g. a language certificate might be required for the visa).
APS Vietnam and China
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree (e.g. Bachelor’s degree) in China or Vietnam must upload their APS certificate together with their application.
GRE-Test
GRE Subject Test in Physics by ETS (www.ets.org ). This document is not mandatory but highly recommended! Please, upload it under ´additional documents´.
Application
If you are an international student applying to study here, you will find information about the application process and further information here. You will also find a contact to assist you with the formalities.
Start your study
After a successful application, new questions often arise. Here you will find all the information you need to get off to a successful start at FAU.
Late arrival
In case of a late arrival, please book a personal consultation appointments directly on the Study Service Center (SSC) Physics as soon as you have arrived in Erlangen. Note that consultation appointments are available for all students.
Can I get a "letter of late arrival"?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue you with a late arrival letter if you are unable to start your studies at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg in time for the start of the semester.
What can I do in case I won't be in Erlangen at the start of the semester (e.g. due to Visa delays)?
Please be aware that the start of the semester is not the same as the start of the lecture period – the latter starts about 2~3 weeks later, see semester dates. Furthermore, attendance of lectures is not obligatory. Hence, in principle, late arrival is not an obstacle to starting your degree program at the FAU.
If the delay gets too long, roughly 4 weeks after the beginning of the lecture period, it may be advisable to postpone starting the M.Sc. program to a later semester. In this case you have to reapply for the M.Sc. program. When doing so, please upload the “Zulassungsbescheid” (your note of admission to the M.Sc. program) and you are guaranteed to be accepted (in the next semester). Be aware though that if you postpone the start of the M.Sc. program to a later semester, you will need to apply for a new visa!
Finally, please note that as soon as you are enrolled at the university you usually have to pay for the insurance – no matter whether you are in Erlangen or not.
Are there recordings of the lectures or other online materials?
There are no general rules concerning lectures being offered online or as recording, or which documents are made available by the lecturer. Please contact the lecturer of the courses you wish to attend to find out about online options and available study material.
Study Service Center (SSC) Physics
For all questions during your studies or also in advance please do not hesitate to contact us. More information about the topics of the SSC Physics and the StudOn group of the SSC with all additional and study relevant information.
