Artificial Intelligence BSc FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Courses are held in English, and the Bachelor's thesis has to be written in English as well.

This interdisciplinary programme is offered entirely in English and can be studied both full-time and part-time. The flexible curriculum offers a wide range of topics and builds a bridge between theory and practical applications. Students acquire fundamental knowledge in the fields of computer science, mathematics and ethical-philosophical contextualisation of artificial intelligence. In addition, students attend introductory modules from a wide range of degree programmes at FAU to familiarise themselves with the various subject areas in which artificial intelligence can be used.

Students can also follow their interests and choose individual specialisations in numerous elective modules on research and application-relevant aspects of artificial intelligence. For example, they can study machine learning, large language models and deep learning or robotics, bioinformatics and image analysis in depth. In our labs and research groups, students work hands-on on innovative projects and test the almost limitless possibilities of AI applications.

Graduates are thus ideally qualified for an in-depth Master's degree or a career as a data scientist or software developer in the software industry and data-driven technology companies as well as in other sectors in which artificial intelligence is used.

There is no "numerus clausus" (NC), but there is a qualification assessment procedure, which includes an online test with questions on mathematics and problem solving.

Further information including FAQs can be found on the website.

Programme duration
Six semesters (full time) | 12 semesters (part time)

Welcome Week
The Welcome Week for international students is held at the beginning of October of each year.

Please refer to our website for current deadlines.

We strongly advise non-EU applicants to apply as early as possible in order to prevent visa problems.

Basic knowledge and methods are taught in the compulsory modules of the three basic areas:

• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Artificial intelligence

Modules in the various compulsory elective areas enable students to supplement and deepen their specialist knowledge:

• Application Domain Fundamentals: introductory modules from application domains to understand the areas in which AI methods are used
• AI Elective Modules: modules on specific AI topics to deepen or broaden knowledge acquired in the compulsory modules
• AI Seminar: seminar module on a cutting-edge AI topic to further familiarise with AI research
• AI Project: project module to put the knowledge gained from the theoretical modules into practice
• Free Choice: from the courses offered at FAU to acquire further key qualifications

As part of the Bachelor’s thesis, students test their scientific working methods by independently working on and presenting a specific AI topic.

Detailed information on the study progression can be found here.

No tuition fees

FAU does not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution of approximately 72 EUR per semester.

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:

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

All applicants to the BSc AI have to pass a qualification assessment process ("Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren"), which includes an online test in English with questions on mathematics and problem solving. This is to ensure that proficiency in English, mathematics and other areas relevant to the degree programme is at a level that will allow them to study successfully.

More information can be found here as well as in the FAQs.

Prospective students have to pass an online test in English.

English language proficiency on level B2 (CEFR) is required. More information on language skills and accepted certificates can be found here.

Please refer to our website for current deadlines.

We strongly advise non-EU applicants to apply as early as possible in order to prevent visa problems.

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.

https://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies

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 12 to 14 EUR per hour. Students can have a "500 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.

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.

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 Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is here to help you every step of the way before, during and after studying. We take the time to explore the various options open to you.

The huge choice of degree programmes and subject combinations at FAU can be confusing and it is not surprising if you feel overwhelmed. We are here to guide you in your decision and help you better understand the different options. We also offer support once you have started studying, whether you have specific subject-related questions or whether you are considering changing your focus. When it is time for you to venture into the job market, our Career Service is happy to be of assistance.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 40,996 students and 276 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 go beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching is 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. 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.