MSc Computational and Applied Mathematics (CAM) FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

This degree programme is tailored to the current needs in applied mathematics and scientific computing. It is designed for students who appreciate using rigorous mathematical analysis or scientific computing for the prediction of phenomena or for the optimisation of processes in the sciences or in engineering. Initially, the students acquire a firm grounding in mathematical modelling and applied analysis as well as in high performance computing. They learn to derive mathematical models and to reflect upon the properties and limitations of models. Starting in the second semester, the students are free to choose from a large variety of courses in order to specialise in two of the three following fields:

• Modelling and Applied Analysis
• Numerical Analysis and Simulation
• Optimisation

The subjects of these mandatory elective courses (which all are taught in English) reflect the mathematical research pursued at Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). They range from modelling, PDE analysis and numerical simulation in mathematical continuum mechanics (transport processes in complex multiphase flow, fluid-structure interactions) to multiscale analysis and mathematics in the life sciences. They also include various fields of mathematical optimisation, including shape optimisation, optimisation with PDE, and discrete optimisation.

In addition, the study plan permits students to attend a number of modules chosen from the entire portfolio of the university's Master's level classes to follow their interests beyond mathematics or in other fields of mathematics.

For details, see the programme website: https://studium.math.fau.de/cam.

• First and second semester: all participants attend the following:
  • two courses in modelling and analysis in continuum mechanics (15 ECTS)
  • two courses on programming techniques/architectures for/of supercomputers (15 ECTS)
  • a practical course on modelling, simulation and optimisation (5 ECTS)
• First, second and third semester: The students choose among the mandatory elective courses especially designed for CAM (40 ECTS). In addition, they are free to choose courses from the university's entire Master's level portfolio (15 ECTS).
• Fourth semester: The Master's phase (30 ECTS): Within six months, after becoming acquainted with the subject in a Master's seminar, the students write the Master's thesis on an individual research project under the guidance of a professor. They present their results in a Master's colloquium.

The teaching concept of FAU provides every student with a lecturer from the Department of Mathematics who serves as a mentor. This mentor designs an individual study plan in accordance with the student's individual interests.

You can find a detailed module catalogue on the course website: https://studium.math.fau.de/cam

The requirement for admission to the Master's degree programme is a good Bachelor's degree in a mathematical programme or in a closely related field with a substantial content of mathematical courses (at least 45 ECTS). Qualification or aptitude for the Master's degree programme is examined in the qualification assessment process. Applicants with a degree that is not in mathematics but in a related field can only be admitted after passing an oral exam. The criteria of this oral exam are: basic knowledge in functional analysis or in the theory of differential equations, basic knowledge in numerics or in optimisation, ability to discuss mathematics in English, e.g. on the applicant's Bachelor's thesis.

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

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.

Funding your studies | FAU

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.