MSc Physics FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

The Master's course in physics builds on the physics education obtained in a three-year Bachelor's course in physics or an equivalent qualification. It aims at an advanced training in selected fields of physics, offers the opportunity for specialisation and concludes with a one-year research phase directed towards the capability of performing independent research. The Master's degree qualifies for a subsequent PhD thesis.

The subjects of the Master's course reflect the physics research pursued at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Focal points are astrophysics and astroparticle physics, condensed matter physics, optical sciences, physics in life sciences, quantum technologies and theoretical physics. The study programme can be shaped in a flexible and individual way. However, a certain minimum of courses both in theoretical and experimental physics are required. The research phase is performed in internationally well-recognised groups and collaborations including the associated Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (http://www.mpl.mpg.de).

The first year of the Master's course is dedicated to advanced courses and projects as well as a seminar. Students can choose between two advanced theoretical courses (quantum mechanics and solid state physics, 10 ECTS each) of which they need to successfully complete one; similarly, one out of three advanced courses in experimental physics (lasers, atomic physics and quantum optics, particle and astroparticle physics, solid state physics, 10 ECTS each) is compulsory.
Each semester, seminars on different topics - both experimental and theoretical - are offered. One of these seminars is compulsory (5 ECTS).
In addition, 10 ECTS are to be acquired in advanced lab courses and projects, which are offered as "traditional" lab courses but also as physics experiments in medicine or as a hands-on course in methods of computational physics.
The remaining 25 ECTS of the first year will be acquired in elective courses, either advanced, specialised physics courses or related courses in other subjects, e.g. chemistry, engineering or mathematics. Students are free to shape their individual elective study programmes in a highly flexible way; the only constraint is that at least 5 ECTS must be obtained in a physics course.
The second year is dedicated entirely to a research project. In the first half-year the required specialised knowledge is acquired and the experimental or theoretical work to be pursued is planned and prepared. In the second half-year the project is carried out and documented in the Master's thesis. The results are finally presented and defended in a public colloquium.
Students can choose to specialise in one of the following areas: astrophysics and astroparticle physics, condensed matter physics, optical sciences, physics in life sciences, quantum technologies, and theoretical physics. To achieve a corresponding certification, students have to complete coursework of at least 30 ECTS in addition to their research phase in the corresponding field.

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Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree in physics or an equivalent qualification. A list of courses (with details on the duration of the course and hours involved) and grades must be provided. A CV and a letter of motivation should accompany the application.
Academic records should be issued in their original languages accompanied by English or German translations (usually prepared by the university or a government agency, unless the institution issues original documents in English). In general, records or transcripts must be issued by the school and must include the school's stamp or embossed seal and the signature of the authorising official.
If upon inspection of the above documents, a student is to be considered for the programme, an interview may be conducted, either in person, by phone or online.

FAU does charge tuition fees for students from non-EU states. Using the fee finder, you can quickly check whether you are required to pay tuition fees. Irrespective of tuition fees, all students are required to pay a semester contribution of 82 EUR per semester. As of winter semester 2026/27, FAU will be charging a processing fee of 100 EUR per application for applicants from non-EU states. 

General guidelines on the average costs that can be expected are provided by the results of the social survey undertaken by the German National Association for Student Affairs in 2021 (prices may vary):

According to this study, students who no longer live with their parents should have an average amount of 1,106 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details on average expenditure:

• Rent, including ancillary costs (in Erlangen, Nuremberg and surrounding areas): 410 EUR
• Food: 198 EUR
• Clothing: 46 EUR
• Travel costs (public transport and/or car): 89 EUR
• Study materials (depending on subject): 31 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 100 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure, culture, sports: 65 EUR

According to a study by the German National Association for Student Affairs, around 63 percent of all "first-time students" have a regular job — and not just during the holidays. On average, they work around eight hours a week for an average wage of 13 to 16 EUR per hour. Students can have a "600 EUR job" or work as a student trainee in a company or as a student assistant in the university — both during and outside the lecture period. Information on the legal conditions relating to part-time jobs for students is available in the brochure "Jobben" (part-time jobs) published by the German National Association for Student Affairs. FAU’s job portal is also updated regularly with new advertisements for part-time jobs.

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

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Our diverse range of professional events and consultation services for members of all of FAU’s faculties are designed to support students, graduates and doctoral candidates when planning and starting their careers. This service is available for up to one year after graduation.

The services we offer include career guidance and advice on applying for jobs, job application training, and seminars as well as presentations and information on specific careers.

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 39,865 students and 278 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines — from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently goes beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching are reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities — Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, one of the most prosperous and successful regions in Europe. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.