Index
I have my final exams of the study program coming up, but I am not sure if I will pass them. Should I re-register for the next semester?
Yes, definitely! If you fail your exams and have to retake them or take other exams in the following semester, you must be enrolled in order to retain your right to take exams. In this case, please be sure to re-register for the following semester. If you need to apply for an extension of your study period for this re-registration because it is the 7th semester of your master’s program (or higher), please submit your application to Ms. Jahreis (helga.jahreis[at]fau.de) at the Examination Office at the same time as your re-registration.
How do exams in the Medical Engineering program work?
Please find a detailed explanation of the rules for examinations here.
I am facing an appointment with the authorities (immigrations office, police etc.) or an important doctor’s appointment with a non-English speaking doctor and don’t speak German (well enough). Who can support me in this situation?
You can apply for a German-speaking volunteer to accompany you to your appointment. This service is not offered by FAU itself, but by the NGO “AWO” Erlangen. Please find further information here.
Is it possible to split up modules and use them in different module groups?
That is generally not possible. Modules can only be used as a whole in the specific module group they are assigned to/allowed to be used for. This also applies if the ECTS value of the module exceeds the amount of ECTS that you need to complete the module group.
The only exception from the rule: If you complete an Advanced Seminar Medical Engineering with a higher ECTS value that you actually need, your lecturer can issue your a PDF certificate for the surplus credits, which you can then use as M6.1/Academic Lab, M7/Flexible Budget Faculty of Engineering or M8/Free Choice Uni. Please find further details regarding this process in the infosection for the Advanced Seminar Medical Engineering.
I have reached the required 120 ECTS for my master’s program and would like to finish my studies. Which steps do I need to take?
If you still need to communicate to Ms. Jahreis from the Examinations Office which modules you want to use in which module group, please contact her by email or in person and let her know your desired assignments of modules (of course always in accordance with the rules for the inclusion or exchange of modules in certain module groups).
To initiate the issue of your final documents, please fill out the form for the issuing of graduation documents linked here and send it to Ms. Jahreis by email.
If you would like to attend the next graduation ceremony of our Faculty of Engineering, please register here.
What do I need to know about living in a student dorm or shared apartment (“WG”)?
Knowing the general community rules for living with other students in a dorm or shared apartment is crucial for your stay in Germany. Not only will it help you keep your accommodation and avoid you costly repairs, fines etc. – it will also ensure a harmonious community life. Please find a comprehensive brochure in different languages here.
Do I need to attend lectures?
In contrast to seminars and lab courses, attendance in lectures is not mandatory. You will find that most of your lecturers provide you with materials via our online platform StudOn, thus making it possible for you to revise the content at home. For many lectures, you will find recent or older recordings on our video platform www.fau.tv
Despite these resources, it is strongly recommended that you attend lectures in person! Many scientific studies have shown that students who attend lectures in the lecture hall have a higher chance of passing their exams and obtaining their degree. Here you can find scientifically proven tips on how to use lectures and lecture recordings to your benefit.
I have questions about entering the job market in Germany? Whom can I ask?
The website and phone hotline “Make it in Germany” by the German government gives you general information about the different options to work in Germany and their respective requirements.
Mr. Michael Hümmer from the German Employment Agency offers regular in-person consultation hours at our Faculty of Engineering. You can make an appointment with him via email.
Our FAU Career Service offers useful workshops and events regarding topics such as job opportunities, presenting youself well during job interviews etc. In addition, they review your application documents and give you helpful tips on how to improve them.
It is highly recommendend to make use of these resources at the beginning of your studies, as it gives you time to acquire crucial skills your application profile might be lacking. Don’t wait until the end of your studies to inform yourself!
Which potential dangers do I have to be aware of in Germany?
1. Scams/involment in criminal activities (laundry washing): Unfortunately, international students are often the target of scammers/criminals, either in the form of an accommodation scam or a job scam. Please watch this video so that you are able to recognize the most common scam situations and avoid them. If you accept an illegal job, you will be punished for criminal activity!
2. Fraud via email (phishing emails etc.): If you receive emails alerting you about the urgent need to click on a link and enter your personal data, be very suspicious and verify who the sender is! German banks, our university computer center and other official institutions in Germany will never approach you in such a way, therefore, chances are high that you are confronted with an email scam. Don’t react and direct the email to your spam folder. When in doubt, call the official institution and ask them whether they sent you such an email. Please note that our FAU professors and other FAU staff will NEVER send you emails to aks you for favors, e.g. to send them money or to buy things for them (google play cards or similar). If you receive such an email from an FAU member, it means that their email account has been hacked. Please report this to our Computer Center: rrze-zentrale[at]fau.de
2. Getting severely ill due to lack of vaccination: The German authorities recommend these vaccines to all individuals living in Germany, all of which are covered by your German health insurance and therefore free of cost for you. Make sure to find a general medical practitioner (family doctor/”Hausarzt” in German) as soon as you arrive in Germany and make an appointment with them to discuss which vaccines you need. The last thing you want to happen to you is to get severly ill while you are in a foreign country and don’t know anybody who can support you. Luckily, this is easy to avoid if you take care of getting all required vaccines. The same applies to your spouse and children if you came to Germany with a family.