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FAQs – During the semester
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FAQs – During the semester

Source: https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/new-students/faqs-waehrend-des-semesters-2/ Parent: https://www.fau.eu/

During the semester, many questions arise about life as a student, about lectures and seminars, examinations and organizational matters. These FAQs give you an overview of important topics and provide practical tips for ensuring your studies go smoothly.

Advice and services

FAU has many places where students who have questions can go for advice and services.

Overview of advice and services

FAQs – During the semester

Are there support options for students with neurodiversity or other impairments?

Yes, all information on studying with disabilities and chronic illnesses can be found here: Studying with a disability or chronic illness.

I can't keep up with the content – who should I contact?

First, you should contact your lecturer and ask for a meeting. In addition, students can contact the study advisors responsible for their degree program.

What is compensation for disadvantages (Nachteilausgleich)?

In certain cases, it is possible to obtain compensation for disadvantages (e.g., in the form of extended examination time) to compensate for any disadvantages caused by your disability. Information on this: Compensation for disadvantages during examinations.

Where can I find information about studying with special requirements (e.g., for top athletes, in the case of pregnancy or individuals who are the first in their family to attend university)?

This information can be found on this page: Studying with special requirements.

Where can I find information for students studying teaching degree programs?

The ZfL (Center for Teacher Education) website contains all the information about teacher degree programs at FAU.

Who are accreditation officers or subject advisors?

It is sometimes difficult to determine who is responsible for subject advice and accreditation. As a rule, the websites for the degree program gives their contact details. The following links may also help:

Who should I contact: the Student Advice Center or study advisors for my subject?

If students have questions about the content of their studies or problems with a subject, it is best to contact their study advisor. The Student Advice Center provides advice on choosing a degree program, the application process, study planning and orientation at FAU, career orientation, pregnancy during your studies, studying with disabilities, changing subjects, combining subjects, and doubts about your studies, as well as orientation for refugees.

You don't know if you're studying the right subject and are having difficulties with your studies – who should you turn to?

In this situation, it is best to contact the Student Advice Center or the Student Service Centers at the faculties. Teaching degree students can contact the study advisors at the Center for Teacher Education (ZfL).

You don't want to continue studying – what must you consider?

If you wish to discontinue your studies, you must submit a certificate of de-registration to the Student Records Office or refrain from paying the semester contribution at the end of the semester. Since mandatory registration for resit examinations has been abolished, you are no longer obliged to sit them. To be fair, you have to de-register from examinations and classes yourself. It is advisable to download your transcript of records from campo and save it in case you need it at some point in the future.

You need advice on career orientation and starting your career after graduation. Who can you contact?

Please contact the FAU Career Service.

Examinations and degree program and examination regulations

Examinations are a central part of any degree and are subject to the requirements of the relevant degree program and examination regulations.

Overview of examinations and degree program and examination regulations

FAQs – During the semester

Abbreviations from the examination regulations – what do they mean?

A key to the abbreviations is usually included in the module schedule.

PO / FAPO: Degree program and examination regulations

ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. The workload measured in credits during your studies. A Bachelor’s degree program comprises 180 ECTS credits. At FAU, 1 ECTS credit corresponds to 30 hours of work. You should complete around 30 ECTS credits per semester.

LP = “Leistungspunkte”, or credits, see ECTS

L = lecture

T = tutorial

P = Practical course

S = seminar

SWS = “Semesterwochenstunden”, or semester hours (1 SWS = 45 min)

Are you registered automatically for resit examinations?

Compulsory registration for resit examinations was abolished in winter semester 2024/25. Students must therefore register for resit examinations themselves. As a rule, you can also withdraw from resit examinations. Please contact the relevant Examinations Office.

Please note: You must be enrolled in order to take a resit examination.

Can you take examinations for your Master’s degree while still studying for your Bachelor’s degree?

Students can only take examinations for a Master’s degree program if they are already enrolled in the Master’s degree program.

Can you withdraw from examinations?

In principle, it is possible to withdraw from examinations within a specified period. You can either ask the Examinations Office or check the degree program and examination regulations for details. As a rule, withdrawal is possible up to three working days before the examination.

Further information is available on this page.

Do you have to take all modules included in the module schedule in the examination regulations?

Yes, all modules from the module schedule must be taken during your degree program. Within the module schedule and examination regulations, attention must be paid to any options available (be sure to read the footnotes!). A Bachelor’s degree program comprises 180 ECTS credits, including the Bachelor’s thesis.

How and when can I register for examinations?

Students can register for examinations each semester during a certain period applicable across the whole of FAU. The exact dates are announced in good time by the Examinations Office.

You must register for examinations via campo.

How do you find a study group?

To find a study group, students can inquire with their student association (FSI) or via the WhatsApp groups for their subjects, in addition to their courses.

How many examination attempts are allowed for the GOP?

A maximum of two attempts are allowed for examinations that count toward the GOP. If one of these examinations is not passed on the second attempt, the right to take the examination in this subject expires. In this case, students are required to change their degree program or subject. Further information on changing subjects is available here.

Is it possible to take examinations at another faculty before changing subjects?

Students can only take examinations in the subject they are enrolled in. However, you can apply to have identical modules accredited. It is sometimes possible to have modules from other subjects accredited towards the electives of the new subject.

What happens if you fail an examination?

In principle, students have four attempts at (partial) module examinations, two attempts at examinations that count toward the GOP and for examinations in the Bachelor’s thesis module, and three attempts at examinations for internships, field seminars, and field trips.

If you fail at the final attempt, you lose the right to take the examination in the respective degree program or subject, i.e., you may no longer be able to continue studying anywhere in Germany. In combined degree programs with two subjects, the right to take examinations in the other subject remains unchanged. The Examinations Office will then send what is known as an EN notification (failed at the final attempt). There is a four-week objection period.

If you lose your right to take an examination and have questions about how to proceed, it is best to contact the Student Advice Center (ZSB).

If you have any questions regarding the EN notification or the loss of examination rights, please contact the relevant Examinations Office.

What kind of certificate do you need?

Normally, a certificate from your family doctor is sufficient. For state examinations (teaching degrees), students must submit a medical certificate from an official medical examiner from the health authorities (Amtsarzt).

If you report sick during the examination, you will need a medical certificate from an official medical examiner from the health authorities (Amtsarzt).

If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, please contact the relevant Examinations Office.

Where can I find the examination regulations?

All degree program and examination regulations (PO) can be found on the german FAU website. On this page, first select the faculty and then your degree program. The latest version is always listed at the top under “consolidated version.”

Tip: At the beginning of your studies, download the applicable version of the degree program and examination regulations so that you always have access to the correct version. In addition, the PO version number can always be found in your personal area on campo.

Who should you contact if you have questions about examinations?

Please contact the relevant Examinations Office.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the examinations, please contact the respective lecturers or subject advisors.

Accommodation, life and studying

Student life involves much more than just lectures and seminars. This section answers questions about accommodation, finances, leisure, volunteering, and everyday life and shows you where you can get support so you can find your bearings in your new surroundings.

Overview of student life

FAQs – During the semester

Are students permitted to work alongside their studies?

Many students take on part-time jobs to finance their studies. The Deutsches Studentenwerk (German National Association for Student Affairs) has put together some information online of what to keep in mind.

Students with German citizenship can find an overview page on the topic of part-time jobs on the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk. There is also a link to a flyer on the topic.

For students of other nationalities, the German National Association for Student Affairs also provides an overview page on the topic of part-time jobs. Information for international students is available in both German and English. The flyer for international students is available in German and English.

As an international student, will I receive support when I start my studies?

The Central Office for International Affairs is well-versed when it comes to welcoming international students from all over the globe to our community. They are perfectly equipped with the expertise to help you get settled in and answer all your queries.

Look out for information on the special orientation courses for internationals. They are organised both by faculties and the RIA itself to provide help on specific topics.

We’ll help to keep you abreast of all the networking events and parties that are aimed at bringing people together.

Like our Facebook page for incoming internationals “FAU Volunteers for Internationals”. In their own words, you will be kept you updated on “mind blowing events and epic trips” among other things!

We’re also here to provide you with help concerning visa and insurance issues.

Can I go abroad while I’m studying?

Everything you need to know about planning and organizing a stay abroad

Can you do internships abroad?

Yes, it is generally possible to complete internships abroad. If you are interested in doing so, please contact International Affairs (formerly known as RIA for short) to explore the various options for spending time abroad. In addition, it is worth contacting those responsible for your subject to find out which international partnerships exist. To clarify credit transfer options, please contact the relevant Internship Office.

Housing, BAföG & financing – where can you find information?

Helpful tips on the subject of housing can be found both on the Student Services website and on this FAU page.

The Student Services website also provides information on BAföG (student financial aid) and offers the option of welfare support, for example, for questions about financing your studies. This page on the FAU website lists all important information regarding student financing.

How can I get off to a good start at university?

Everything you need to know about organizing studies, dates, schedule, introductory events, student associations (FSI etc.)

fau.de/semesterstart

How can I make a difference at FAU?

University policy-making, mentor program, University sports etc.

How can I plan and manage my entry to the jobs market?

The Career Service can support you in planning and managing your career with a wide variety of professional cross-faculty events and counseling.

FAU Career Service

How do you find a study group?

To find a study group, students can inquire with their student association (FSI) or via the WhatsApp groups for their subjects, in addition to their courses.

How does the University Library's online lending service work?

Enrolled students can borrow literature free of charge from the University Library (UB) at FAU. To do this, the library function of the FAUcard must be activated. Further information can be found on the University Library website. It makes sense to attend a course on borrowing literature and using the library beforehand.

I can’t keep up with the language – what can I do?

At the FAU Language Centre, you can improve your language skills in modern languages or learn new languages. In addition, there is usually the opportunity to take foreign language exams and obtain certificates.

Further information can be found on the FAU Language Centre website.

Studying in Erlangen or Nuremberg?

WiSo (the School of Business, Economics and Society) is located at two sites in Nuremberg. The Faculty of Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering are located in the south of Erlangen. The Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology, and the School of Law are spread across Erlangen city center.

Nevertheless, classes in your degree program may also be offered in the other city, which could require commuting – for example, if a practical art history seminar takes place in front of original works at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg. You can check the specific venue in the course catalog.

Please note for teaching degrees: Primary and lower secondary school teaching degrees (Grundschul- und Mittelschullehramt) are always studied in Nuremberg. When studying to become a secondary school teacher at Realschule you can largely choose which city you would like to take classes in. However, there are exceptions, such as the subject of Business and Economics, which is only offered in Erlangen. Classes for teaching degrees in secondary education at Gymnasium are taught in Erlangen.

What are my career prospects in the region?

The FAU campuses are located in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, one of the most vibrant and economically dynamic regions in Germany. Contributing to this environment are major global businesses such as Siemens, Audi, adidas and Schaeffler, while innovative start-ups offer young academics the best opportunities for a successful future. And this trend is continuing. According to the Brookings Institute in the USA, the region exhibits the highest rate of economic growth among the more populous regions in Germany.

The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region

What types of sports are on offer?

University Sports at FAU offers a huge range of sports for all students, from A for aerobics to Z for Zumba.

These reasonably-priced courses are a great change from studying and are also the perfect way to find new friends.

University Sports at FAU

Where can I learn a new language?

At the FAU Language Centre, students can attend language courses in more than two dozen languages – free of charge and geared toward the right proficiency.

FAU Language Centre

Where can I make music at the University?

Students from all subjects at FAU can join one of the several musical ensembles.

Where can you get involved at FAU (hobbies and voluntary work)?

Whether it’s music, sports, politics, religion, or media – at FAU, students can get involved in activities that go far beyond their subjects: Networking and volunteering.

Where can you improve your software skills?

Confident use of Excel, Word, Citavi, SPSS, and the like saves time and stress during your studies, internships, and career. That is why the RRZE IT Training Center offers a wide range of free software courses.

You want to go abroad – who should you contact and what do you need to do?

Regardless of which faculty or degree program you are in – if you are interested in studying abroad, you can contact the central point of contact for studying abroad, International Affairs (formerly also referred to as RIA for short).

Changing your degree program and accreditation

Changing your degree program or moving to another university and having your previous achievements accredited often raises questions about organizational and legal matters. Questions and answers about this topic.

FAQs – During the semester

Are internships recognized?

Please contact the relevant Internship Office to clarify credit transfer options.

Can credits from previous studies be accredited, and if so, how?

If you have already studied a related degree program, you can probably have your previous achievements accredited. Please proceed as follows:

Can the application for changing subject also be sent by email?

The application can also be sent by email.

Can you still change subjects after lectures have begun?

Strictly speaking, a change of subject is only possible until lectures start. However, you can contact the Student Records Office to find out whether, in exceptional cases, it is still possible to change subjects shortly after the lecture period has started.

Can you take examinations for your Master’s degree while still studying for your Bachelor’s degree?

Students can only take examinations for a Master’s degree program if they are already enrolled in the Master’s degree program.

Do course achievements earned so far expire? Or can they also be credited at a later date?

Previous course achievements do not expire and can still be credited at a later date.

How can you make good use of the summer semester?

Since it is usually not possible to change subjects with effect from the summer semester, certain bridging options may be available, such as the module programs Studium Naturale or Studium Philosophicum. Students are able to start both of these programs in the summer semester.

Since changing subjects is usually a very individual matter, it is best to contact the Student Advice Center.

Is it possible to change subject in the summer semester?

Students can only change subject with effect from the summer semester in a few exceptional cases. Namely, if the degree program can normally be started in the summer semester, or if students have sufficient credits eligible for accreditation from their previous studies that qualify them to enter at least the second subject semester. Otherwise, a transfer to the first subject semester is only possible at the start of the winter semester. There may be temporary solutions available for specific cases, so please contact the Student Advice Center.

Is it possible to take examinations at another faculty before changing subjects?

Students can only take examinations in the subject they are enrolled in. However, you can apply to have identical modules accredited. It is sometimes possible to have modules from other subjects accredited towards the electives of the new subject.

Is there a mandatory credit transfer system, or can you decide for yourself which modules you want credited?

Credits are not automatically accredited. Students must be proactive and apply for accreditation themselves.

Where can I find the application form for changing subject?

The application for changing subject is available on the website of the Student Records Office.

Who are accreditation officers or subject advisors?

It is sometimes difficult to determine who is responsible for subject advice and accreditation. As a rule, the websites for the degree program gives their contact details. The following links may also help:

You want to transfer from another university to FAU. What do you need to bear in mind?

As a rule, it is sufficient to submit a certificate of de-registration from your previous university when applying for admission and enrollment at FAU. Further information is available on our website about changing universities.

Note: Unfortunately, we cannot offer you a place at FAU if you have already exceeded the standard duration of study by more than two semesters by the time you would like to change university.

You would like to transfer to another university. What do you need to bear in mind?

If students wish to transfer to another university, they must clarify the exact conditions for the transfer with the university they would like to transfer to. Further information is available on our website about changing universities.

Internships

Internships are an important part of many degree programs and offer practical insights into working life. These FAQs provide guidance on how to organize, register and receive accreditation for internships.

FAQs – During the semester

Are internships recognized?

Please contact the relevant Internship Office to clarify credit transfer options.

Can you do internships abroad?

Yes, it is generally possible to complete internships abroad. If you are interested in doing so, please contact International Affairs (formerly known as RIA for short) to explore the various options for spending time abroad. In addition, it is worth contacting those responsible for your subject to find out which international partnerships exist. To clarify credit transfer options, please contact the relevant Internship Office.

Do you need to complete an internship before starting your studies? Are there mandatory internships?

For the degree programs Industrial Engineering and Management and Mechanical Engineering, a mandatory, at least six-week internship must be completed before the start of the program: department.mb.tf.fau.de/studium/internship_office.

There are no mandatory internships for any other degree programs.

For teaching degrees, we recommend completing the orientation internship before starting your studies: zfl.fau.de/education-studium/lehramt-nach-themen/praktika-im-lehramt.

Students in cooperative degree programs can have the module “study-related internship” (5 ECTS) in Business and Economics and Socioeconomics (School of Business, Economics, and Society) credited to their degree simply by presenting their contract.

Whom should you contact if you have questions about work placements during your teaching degree?

If you have any questions about a placement in a primary school or Mittelschule, please contact: praktikumsamt.phil.fau.de.

If you have any questions about a placement at a Realschule, please contact: realschulebayern.de/bezirke/mittelfranken/praktikumsamt.

If you have any questions about a placement at a Gymnasium, please contact: zfl.fau.de/person/praktikumsamt-fuer-la-gym.

You would like to complete a voluntary internship. What do you have to do?

In addition to your studies and other mandatory internships, it can be very useful to complete internships and/or gain other practical experience, especially in process-oriented degree programs. In most cases, you have to find these internships yourself, as they are not included in the curriculum, and it is also up to you to organize when to fit them in around your studies. FAU does provide a number of points of contact for this purpose (see below), but in many areas, it may be useful to find internships through existing contacts or job advertisements, or to inquire directly with a potential employer. Alternatively, you can inquire at the respective chair or look for notices on the bulletin board.

Which pages and portals are used for which purpose?

FAU has many online portals and websites that fulfill various functions, including everything from registering for courses and managing examinations to email and information services. The following FAQs provide an overview of which platforms are used for which purpose.

FAQs – During the semester

campo

The campo administration portal is the virtual counterpart to the Student Records Office and the Examinations Office.

It includes student, examination, and course management. Here, students can manage their personal degree program data, register for examinations, and view their grades.

They can also print out their current study certificates and certificates of enrollment.

Online applications are processed via campo as well.

Instructions, videos and FAQs on the campo portal

Instructions

English
Academic progress and schedule.pdf
Search module descriptions.pdf
Study planner and exam registration.pdf
System overview for students.pdf

Video tutorials

Registering for/withdrawing from examinations

Academic progress (transcript of records) and schedules

Where do I find the module plan view

The main menu can be opened using the three horizontal bars on the left-hand side. Then you can select the menu items “My studies” and then “Study planner with module plan”.

The examination regulations view is initially set as default.\ You can switch to the module plan view by clicking on “Show module plan”. This is the updated version of the study plan.

StudOn

StudOn is FAU’s platform for online learning and course management. Students can use StudOn to register for courses and access or upload seminar materials, reading lists, and information.

It is also possible to contact instructors and fellow students directly at any time and to communicate in forums, chats, and wikis. Online examinations can also be taken via StudOn. You log in using your user ID.

Further information can be found directly on the StudOn platform.

Go to StudOn

Where and from when do you have to register for teaching units?

As a rule, you register for teaching units on StudOn.

In the course catalog on campo, you will always find a direct link to course registration on StudOn (“Link to the course on StudOn”) on the right-hand side of the respective course page in the “Dates” section.

The date on which the registration function is activated and how long it remains open vary from subject to subject and from teaching unit to teaching unit. If in doubt, ask someone from your subject.

Where can you apply? Where do you need to enroll?

Where you apply for your desired subject and how you enroll depends on whether the degree program is subject to decentralized (local) admission restrictions, nationwide (central) admission restrictions, or no admission restrictions at all.

Note: Prospective international students can find detailed information in the International section, including language requirements and application deadlines.

Students should apply for degree programs without admission restrictions at FAU via the campo portal. After applying, you are required to enroll by post. Please note that special admission requirements (e.g., aptitude test) must be met in order to enroll in some subjects, even if they have no admission restrictions.

At FAU, places for degree programs subject to decentralized admission restrictions are allocated via the dialog-oriented service procedure (DoSV) of the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for University Admissions (SfH). Therefore, in this case, you must first register at hochschulstart.de. From there, you will be redirected to our application portal, campo, where you can submit your application. Please note the application deadlines. If you are accepted, the admissions letter will state the deadline for enrollment and whether this must be done by email or post. The only subject that does not take part in the DoSV is Biology (only teaching degree in secondary education (Realschule) and biology as part of another degree program). In this case, applications are submitted directly and exclusively via campo.

For degree programs with centralized admission restrictions, applications can only be submitted via hochschulstart.de. Please note the application deadlines. If you are accepted, the admissions letter will state the deadline by which you must enroll with FAU by email.

Master’s degree programs at FAU may have their own application deadlines.

Where can you find key information about starting your studies?

Information is gathered in one central location on the FAU website. It is also recommended that you take a look at the websites for the degree program as well as the faculty/department.

Learning spaces

FAU offers various learning spaces to enable students to work alone or with others. These FAQs provide information about the use, equipment and rules for accessing these spaces.

FAQs – During the semester

How do you find a study group?

To find a study group, students can inquire with their student association (FSI) or via the WhatsApp groups for their subjects, in addition to their courses.

Where can I find study rooms?

FAU students can study at many library locations and workspaces are available with different equipment to meet their needs. The Library Study Rooms Navigator can help you find a suitable workspace. All faculties also have computer rooms that can be used by students during their studies.

Learning and working places in the libraries

Opening hours, facilities, and locations in the study rooms navigator

Computer rooms

Opening hours, equipment, and locations of the CIP pools at the faculties

Mobile printing

Printer stations, where you can print from mobile devices using the University’s Wi-Fi, are also available at many locations.

Languages

Language skills play an important role in several degree programs, whether they are required for admission to a degree program, to successfully complete a degree, or for a stay abroad. The following FAQs provide information about the proof of proficiency required, language courses on offer and support provided by FAU.

Overview of language skills

FAQs – During the semester

Can you attend additional courses in Latin at FAU if you did not reach the required proficiency in Latin at school?

Yes, students can take courses to improve their proficiency in Latin at FAU. As a rule, these are Latin courses I and II, each comprising 6 semester hours per week. Further information: mittellatein.phil.fau.de/lateinkenntnisse.

Can you take language courses at FAU?

Enrolled students can take language courses at the FAU Language Centre: sz.fau.de.

Do language courses count as key qualifications or free electives (teaching degrees)?

As a rule, language courses can be counted toward the area of key qualifications. In teaching degree programs, modules for acquiring language skills to meet admission requirements are generally credited towards free electives.

I can’t keep up with the language – what can I do?

At the FAU Language Centre, you can improve your language skills in modern languages or learn new languages. In addition, there is usually the opportunity to take foreign language exams and obtain certificates.

Further information can be found on the FAU Language Centre website.

Is there a placement test for my foreign language subject?

If you have chosen a foreign language as your subject, you must find out in advance what language level is required or recommended at the beginning of your studies. Most foreign language subjects require a placement test at the FAU Language Centre: https://sz.fau.de/pruefungen/zulassung_einstufung. The placement test for English has been abolished.

Where can I learn a new language?

At the FAU Language Centre, students can attend language courses in more than two dozen languages – free of charge and geared toward the right proficiency.

FAU Language Centre

Which language requirements apply in each case?

Students who have completed their school education in Germany do not need to provide proof of language proficiency at the beginning of their undergraduate studies. In certain subjects, you must provide proof of language proficiency during your studies or before registering for the State Examination when studying for the teaching degree. All important information can be found here: Proof of language skills.

If you have chosen a foreign language as your subject, you must find out in advance what language level is required or recommended at the beginning of your studies.

In most cases, international students must provide proof of C1/C2 German language proficiency at the beginning of their studies. Further information can be found here: German language skills and language certificates.

Other information

Semester dates

Re-registration and semester contribution

Definitions of terms from university life