FAU Introduces Tuition Fees for Non-EU Students: What Indian Applicants Should Know
- maurya2pi
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, commonly known as FAU, has introduced an important fee change for international applicants from non-EU countries. For many years, FAU was considered one of the strong public university options in Germany because most degree programmes did not charge tuition fees. However, this is now changing for future intakes.
FAU has already introduced a €100 application processing fee per application for applicants from non-EU countries from winter semester 2026/27. This fee is non-refundable, and students can submit a maximum of three applications per person and application phase. This means that the application-fee cost can go up to €300 if a student applies for three programmes.
Now, FAU has also announced that it will charge tuition fees every semester for students from non-EU countries from summer semester 2027. This applies to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes for students who do not have German, EU or EEA citizenship, do not have a German university entrance qualification, and do not fall under the listed exemption categories.
How much is the tuition fee?
The tuition fee depends on the programme and degree level. According to FAU, the fee can range from €1,000 to €6,000 per semester. This is not a one-time fee; it is charged each semester. Students must also pay the regular semester contribution.
For Bachelor’s programmes, the tuition fee is generally:
Degree level | Tuition fee per semester |
Bachelor’s | €1,000, €2,000 or €3,000 |
For Master’s programmes, the tuition fee is generally:
Degree level | Tuition fee per semester |
Master’s | €2,000, €4,000 or €6,000 |
Tuition fees for popular FAU Master’s programmes
Many Indian students apply to FAU for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems and related programmes. Below are some popular Master’s programmes and the newly listed tuition fees for non-EU students:
FAU Master’s programme | Tuition fee per semester |
MSc Artificial Intelligence | €4,000 |
MSc Computer Science | €4,000 |
MSc Computational Engineering | €4,000 |
MSc Information and Communication Technology | €2,000 |
MSc Electromobility ACES | €6,000 |
MSc International Information Systems | €4,000 |
MSc Data Science | €4,000 |
MSc Mechatronics | €4,000 |
MSc Mechanical Engineering | €6,000 |
MSc Materials Science and Engineering | €2,000 |
For students planning to apply for MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Computer Science, MSc Computational Engineering or MSc International Information Systems, the tuition fee is listed as €4,000 per semester. For MSc Information and Communication Technology, the fee is listed as €2,000 per semester. MSc Electromobility ACES is one of the higher-fee programmes, with a listed tuition fee of €6,000 per semester.
What does this mean for Indian students?
This update is very important because students should not plan only for the blocked account and living expenses. For FAU, non-EU students must now also calculate the application fee and tuition fee before applying.
For example, if a student applies for MSc Artificial Intelligence, the tuition fee will be €4,000 per semester. For a standard four-semester Master’s programme, this can become a major additional cost. Similarly, MSc Electromobility ACES at €6,000 per semester requires much stronger financial planning.
Students should also remember that the €100 application fee is paid at the application stage. This fee is separate from tuition fees and is not refunded if the application is rejected, accepted or withdrawn.
Are all students required to pay?
Not every international student automatically has to pay. FAU lists certain exemption categories. For example, students with EU or EEA citizenship, students with a German university entrance qualification, students with established ties to Germany, and some other special categories may be exempt.
However, for most Indian applicants applying directly from India for Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes, these fees are likely to apply unless they fall under a specific exemption category.
Why this update matters during university shortlisting
Germany is still one of the best study destinations for international students because of its strong public universities, practical academic structure, research environment and post-study opportunities. However, students must now be more careful while choosing universities.
Earlier, many students used to shortlist German public universities mainly based on ranking, programme name and admission requirements. Now, the total cost of study is becoming equally important. Application fees, semester contributions, tuition fees, blocked account amount, health insurance and visa-related costs should all be considered before applying.
This is especially important for students applying to multiple universities. A student may spend money on application fees even before receiving an admit. Therefore, applying randomly to many programmes without checking eligibility, tuition fee and admission chances can lead to unnecessary expenses.
How Glovels can help students
At Glovels Overseas Consultants, we help students make a clear and practical study-abroad plan instead of applying blindly. Our team supports students with university shortlisting, profile evaluation, application planning, APS guidance, document preparation, admission support and visa guidance for Germany.
For FAU and other German universities, we help students check important points such as:
Whether the programme matches the student’s academic background
Whether the tuition fee is suitable for the student’s budget
Whether the student has a realistic admission chance
Whether IELTS, GRE or other documents are required
Whether the student should apply to FAU or consider better-cost alternatives
How to plan finances before starting the application process
Our goal is to help students choose the right university, the right programme and the right intake based on their profile, budget and long-term career plans.
Final advice for applicants
FAU is still a strong university option in Germany, especially for students interested in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Computational Engineering, ICT, Electromobility, Data Science and Information Systems. But it can no longer be treated as a low-cost or almost tuition-free option for future non-EU applicants.
Before applying, students should carefully check:
The €100 application fee per application
The programme-specific tuition fee per semester
The regular semester contribution
The blocked account and living expenses
Their academic eligibility and admission chances
This change does not mean students should avoid FAU completely. It means students should apply with a clear budget plan and compare FAU with other German universities based on total cost, admission chances, programme quality and career goals.
If you are planning to apply to FAU or other German universities for upcoming intakes, Glovels can help you evaluate your profile and shortlist the right options before you spend money on applications.
Contact Glovels Overseas Consultants for Germany admissions guidance, APS support, university shortlisting and visa process assistance.
Contact us on WhatsApp or visit our website at www.glovels.com or Call us at +91 7839 399999
You can also visit our Instagram profile to see our previous admits and visa success stories in the profile highlights.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glovelsofficial/
For the latest and official information, students should always refer to the FAU official tuition fee page before applying:
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