🌍 Available Languages

The brochure is available as an accessible PDF in the following languages:

• 🇬🇧 English
• 🇩🇪 German
• 🇸🇦 Arabic (العربية)
• 🇧🇬 Bulgarian
• 🇮🇷 Farsi / Persian
• 🇫🇷 French (Français)
• 🇬🇷 Greek
• 🇮🇹 Italian
• 🇵🇱 Polish
• 🇵🇹 Portuguese
• 🇷🇴 Romanian
• 🇷🇺 Russian
• 🇪🇸 Spanish
• 🇹🇷 Turkish (Türkçe)

⬇️ All language versions can be selected and downloaded directly on the BAMF website.

ℹ️ Additional Information

The brochure also contains references to further information specifically for
ethnic German resettlers, which is available in German and Russian.

🎓 Who Can Use the Ticket?

Students who are enrolled at an eligible university within the VGN area can purchase the ticket.
FAU is included in the list of participating universities.

During purchase, your eligibility is usually verified via university login (single sign-on / Shibboleth).
In exceptional cases, a separate verification form may be required (depending on the university and the VGN process).

📌 Fact Sheet

• 👤 Persons: 1 person (personalised)
• ⏰ Period of validity: around the clock
• 🗺️ Area of validity: valid nationwide on local public transport (2nd class)
• 🔁 Subscription: monthly subscription, runs automatically (cancellation possible every month)
• 🚫 Non-transferable: no ride sharing / not transferable
• 💶 Price: € 43.00 per month

⭐ Extras (included with purchase via participating partners / VGN)

• 🚲 600 free minutes per month for VAG_Rad
• 🛴 15 free minutes per month for Voi e-scooters

💡 Tip: The free minutes are typically redeemed via the NürnbergMOBIL app.

🚆 Train Types in Germany (Quick Guide)

If you travel by train in Germany, you will often see different train categories.
Here is a quick overview — especially useful when planning trips with the Deutschlandticket.

🚃 RB – Regionalbahn

• 🛑 Many stops: RB trains stop frequently (small towns and local stations).
• 🧭 Best for: short distances and local commuting.
• 🎟️ Deutschlandticket: ✅ valid (2nd class).

🚆 RE – Regional-Express

• ⚡ Faster than RB: RE trains stop less often and connect cities within a region.
• 🧭 Best for: medium distances and city-to-city travel.
• 🎟️ Deutschlandticket: ✅ valid (2nd class).

🚈 S-Bahn

• 🏙️ Urban/suburban network: S-Bahn trains connect city centers with surrounding towns.
• 🧭 Best for: commuting within metro areas (e.g., Nürnberg–Fürth–Erlangen region).
• 🎟️ Deutschlandticket: ✅ valid (2nd class).

🚄 ICE – Intercity-Express

The Intercity-Express (ICE) is Germany’s fastest and most comfortable type of train and is used mainly for long-distance travel.

• 🚄 High-speed: up to 300 km/h, connecting major cities and neighboring countries.
• 🛑 Few stops: mostly large stations, therefore much faster than RE or S-Bahn trains.
• 💺 Comfort: air-conditioned, free Wi-Fi, onboard restaurant/bistro, quiet zones, power outlets.
• 🎟️ Tickets: requires a separate long-distance ticket (e.g. Sparpreis/Flexpreis), available via DB Navigator or bahn.de.

❌ Important

The Deutschlandticket is NOT valid on ICE trains.

⏱️ Example

Nürnberg ↔ Munich takes about 1 hour by ICE (compared to nearly 2 hours with regional trains).

In short: ICE = fastest and most comfortable option for long-distance travel, but also more expensive and not included in the Deutschlandticket.

🗺️ Validity Basics: What “Deutschlandticket” Covers

The Deutschlandticket (and the discounted student version) is valid on local and regional public transport in Germany:

• 🚆 Local/regional trains: RB, RE, S-Bahn
• 🚌 Public transport: buses, trams, U-Bahn (metro/subway)

Not valid on long-distance services

The Deutschlandticket is not valid on long-distance trains operated by DB Fernverkehr (e.g. IC, EC, ICE)
or other long-distance providers (e.g. FlixTrain).

🔀 Combining Local + Long-Distance Travel (Important Practical Rule)

You may use the Deutschlandticket for the local transport segments of your trip:

• ✅ the regional/local section before boarding a long-distance train
• ✅ the regional/local section after leaving a long-distance train

For the long-distance part (IC/EC/ICE), you need a separate ticket.

⚠️ In some regions there are exceptions (e.g., certain services/routes). These exceptions are shown in the official journey planner / timetable information.

🏞️ Tourist & Historic Services (Excluded)

The ticket is not valid on transport services that are operated primarily for touristic or historic purposes
(e.g., some heritage railways or special tourist lines).

📄 Detailed Validity Table (Rail Transport)

For a detailed overview of the validity area of the Deutschlandticket (rail services), see the official PDF table here:

https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:35c032ce-e559-4b4d-82ce-ce207d374b45/20231221_Geltungsbereich-D-Ticket.pdf

🌍 Does the Deutschlandticket Work for Trips Abroad?

In general, the Deutschlandticket is valid throughout Germany on local transport, and on selected cross-border routes.
These are connections that can also be used with the Deutschlandtarif and, in some cases, with tickets from German transport associations or state tariffs.

Included cross-border routes (examples)

• 🚉 Joint border stations: Salzburg, Kufstein, Schaffhausen (including access routes)
• 🇫🇷 Selected routes to France (e.g., Lauterbourg and Wissembourg, depending on the local transport association)
• 🇳🇱 Selected routes to the Netherlands
• 🇦🇹 DB Regio routes in the Außerfern (valid only between Germany and Austria; not for trips solely within Austria)

Important: Which exact routes are included (and whether special rules apply) depends on the respective provider, transport association, or state tariff.
Please check the detailed notes in the official validity information for rail transport (see the PDF linked above).

🚉 Where Is the Ticket Valid in the VGN Region?

✅ The ticket is valid

• Germany-wide on local public transport (2nd class)
• Within the VGN network on regional/local transport (e.g. RB/RE, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, regional buses)
• On on-demand services (e.g. AST “Anrufsammeltaxi”) with the corresponding surcharge

❌ The ticket is not valid

• in 1st class
• on long-distance trains requiring surcharges (e.g. IC/ICE) — not even with additional payment
• on long-distance buses
• for dogs or bicycles (separate rules/tickets may apply depending on region/operator)

Important: You must carry an identity document at all times while using the ticket.

🛒 How and When to Order

The student discount ticket must be ordered no later than the 20th of the current month.
Depending on your choice during purchase, the ticket will be displayed in one of the apps below.

⚠️ Please note: Due to potentially high demand and processing times, the ticket may not be available immediately after purchase.

✅ Purchase options (app ticket)

• 🛍️ VGN online shop
• 📱 App “VGN Fahrplan & Tickets”
• 📱 App “NürnbergMOBIL”

🏦 How to Buy the Semester Ticket (Important for Foreign IBANs)

Since the payment service provider LogPay may have difficulties processing foreign IBANs, this can lead to ordering problems via VGN and NüMO.
To help students, VAG has provided a recommended purchase method via the VAG subscription portal.

✅ Step-by-step (via browser)

1. Open your browser and go to
   https://meinabo.vag.de/
   and search for “Ermäßigungsticket Studierende”.
   Or use the direct link:
   https://meinabo.vag.de/abo/new.aspx?produkt=16230706_1
   
2. Choose your university.
3. You will now be redirected to the website of the German Research Network (DFN).
4. Select your university again.
5. Log in using your university single sign-on (SSO).
6. If required, agree that your university may transfer the necessary data to VAG, and confirm.
7. Select April 1 (or October 1 for the winter semester) as the start of validity and click continue.
8. The price may be shown as € 63 per month first; below it you will see your personal contribution of € 43. Click continue.
9. Enter your personal data and bank details. Tick both boxes to issue the SEPA Core Direct Debit mandate. Click continue.
10. Select the app you want to use for your ticket and decide whether you want a photo on the ticket.
11. If you do not want to upload a photo, select:

    „Ich möchte ein Ticket mit Hinweis ’nur gültig mit amtlichem Lichtbildausweis’“

    In this case, you must always carry an official photo ID when using the ticket.

12. Check your details and order the ticket.

⏳ Need a Ticket Before the Official Semester Start?

If you need a public transport ticket before the official semester start dates (April 1 and October 1),
you should buy a regular Deutschlandticket at the normal price for that period.

One option is MoPla, which offers a multilingual booking process and a simplified cancellation option:

https://en.mopla.solutions/en/tickets/deutschlandticket

🔐 How Does the Eligibility Check Work?

The authorisation check is carried out automatically during the purchasing process.
In most cases, authentication is done via a university login (single sign-on / Shibboleth).
If a university login is not available for the check, a verification form may be used as proof of eligibility.

🧾 Cancellation Rules

The subscription continues automatically but can be cancelled monthly.
Cancellations must be completed by the 10th of the month at the latest for the end of that calendar month.

Example: Cancel by 10 December to end the subscription at the end of December.

If you purchased via the VGN online shop, you can usually cancel under “meinAbo” using the cancellation button next to your ticket.

🛴 Extra Benefits: VAG_Rad and Voi (Practical Notes)

If purchased through participating partners (e.g. via VGN/VAG channels), the ticket can include:

• 🚲 600 free minutes/month for VAG_Rad
• 🛴 15 free minutes/month for Voi e-scooters

Voi e-scooters (local availability)

In the Nuremberg/Fürth/Erlangen region, Voi e-scooters are typically rented via QR code in the app.
Availability and city coverage may differ in other regions.

💡 Tip: For redeeming included free minutes, use the NürnbergMOBIL app if required.

✅ Summary

• 🎫 Full Deutschlandticket at a reduced student price: € 43.00/month.
• 🗓️ Order by the 20th of the month; cancel by the 10th for month-end cancellation.
• 🚆 Valid on local/regional transport (RB/RE/S-Bahn, buses, trams, U-Bahn); not valid on IC/EC/ICE or other long-distance providers.
• 🔀 You can combine it with long-distance trains by using it for local segments before/after the long-distance part.
• 🏞️ Not valid on services mainly operated for tourist or historic purposes.
• 🌍 Valid on selected cross-border routes (depending on providers/associations).
• ⭐ Extras may include VAG_Rad + Voi free minutes (often redeemed via NürnbergMOBIL).
• 🏦 If you have a foreign IBAN, purchasing via meinabo.vag.de may work better than ordering via apps.

🗂️ Quick Checklist

• ✅ Confirm you are enrolled at FAU and have access to your university login.
• 🛒 Order by the 20th (VGN online shop or ticket apps).
• 🏦 If you have a foreign IBAN, try the VAG web purchase flow (meinabo.vag.de).
• 📱 Make sure the ticket appears in your chosen app (processing may take time).
• 🪪 Carry an ID when using the ticket.
• 🔁 If you want to stop: cancel by the 10th for the end of the month.
• 📄 For edge cases (cross-border routes, exceptions), consult the official validity table PDF.

🆔 Identity Management (IdM)

IdM stands for Identity Management and is the central user management system at FAU.
It is the first and most important platform for managing your digital identity as a student.

Your IdM user account is required to access many other FAU services, including
StudOn, campo, FAUmail, and FAUbox.
It also provides an overview of your personal user data and information related to your degree program.

• 🔑 New students must activate their user ID once via the official IdM portal.
• 📄 The user ID can be found on the information letter issued by the Student Records Office together with the student ID card upon enrollment.
• 🧭 After activation, the IdM account serves as a single login for many FAU services.

🔗 IdM portal:
https://www.idm.fau.de/go

📑 campo – Student and Examination Administration

campo is FAU’s central administration portal and the digital counterpart to the
Student Records Office and the Examination Offices.

It is used for managing student data, examinations, and courses throughout your studies.

• 🗓️ Register for and withdraw from examinations.
• 📊 View grades and examination results.
• 📄 Download certificates of enrollment and study certificates.
• 🧾 Manage personal and degree program data.
• 🖥️ Submit and manage online applications.

🔗 campo portal:
https://www.campo.fau.de/

🎓 StudOn – Online Learning and Course Management

StudOn is FAU’s central platform for online learning and course organization.
It supports teaching, learning, and communication between students and instructors.

Students log in using their IdM user ID.

• 📚 Register for courses and access course materials.
• 📂 Download lecture slides, reading lists, and assignments.
• 💬 Communicate with lecturers and fellow students via forums, chats, and wikis.
• 📝 Participate in online examinations and assessments (if offered).

Availability of materials and functions depends on the individual course and lecturer.

🔗 StudOn platform:
https://www.studon.fau.de/

🌐 CLASSIC vhb – Online Courses within the Curriculum

CLASSIC vhb offers curriculum-integrated online courses developed and supervised by lecturers
from participating Bavarian universities.

These courses are offered in a semester-based format and are intended for enrolled students.
Participation is free of charge.

• 🎥 Wide range of online courses across disciplines.
• 📐 Courses are academically supervised and integrated into degree programs.
• 🎓 Students can earn ECTS credits that are recognized by participating institutions.
• ℹ️ Recognition and applicability depend on the course description and degree program.

🔗 Virtual University of Bavaria (vhb):
https://www.vhb.org/

📧 FAUmail – Official Student Email Account

All students at FAU receive a personal FAU email address.
The mailbox is activated automatically once the student user ID is activated via IdM.

FAUmail is the official communication channel of the university.
Important information from FAU, lecturers, and administrative offices is sent exclusively to this address.

• 📨 Access via FAU webmail services.
• ⚠️ Students are responsible for checking their FAUmail account regularly.
• 🔧 Setup guides are available for mobile devices and email clients.

🔗 FAUmail web access:
https://faumail.fau.de/
🔗 Setup instructions:
https://www.fau.de/glossary/webmail/

☁️ FAUbox – Secure Cloud Storage

FAUbox is a non-commercial cloud storage service provided by FAU’s Regional Computing Center (RRZE).
It is available to students and staff for research, teaching, and study purposes.

• 💾 50 GB of free cloud storage.
• 🔐 High security standards and full access control.
• 📱 Synchronization via app, desktop client, or web interface.
• 🔑 Login using IdM credentials.

FAUbox is also available to members of several partner universities
(e.g. HAW Ansbach, TH Nürnberg, KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt).
Sensitive research data can be stored securely within FAU’s own cloud infrastructure.

🔗 FAUbox login:

https://faubox.rrze.uni-erlangen.de/login

✅ Summary

• 🆔 IdM is the central access point for all digital FAU services.
• 📑 campo is used for examinations, certificates, and student administration.
• 🎓 StudOn supports online learning and course communication.
• 🌐 CLASSIC vhb provides online courses with ECTS recognition.
• 📧 FAUmail is the official and mandatory communication channel.
• ☁️ FAUbox offers secure cloud storage for study and research.

🧭 Overview

• ✈️ Most non-EU students must obtain a student visa before traveling to Germany.
• 🏠 Students staying longer than 90 days generally need a residence permit after arrival.
• 📍 All residents must complete address registration (Anmeldung) after moving in.

🛂 Do you need a visa before you travel?

In most cases, non-EU citizens must apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country
before entering Germany.

✅ Key points

• 🏛️ Apply at the German embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
• ⏳ Processing times can be long (often around 6–8 weeks, sometimes longer).
• 🗓️ Apply as early as possible.

ℹ️ Official information source:
The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on
visa requirements, visa types, and application procedures.

🌐 Visit:

Federal Foreign Office – Visa Service

You should always consult this page and your local German embassy or consulate to confirm
which visa rules apply to your nationality and situation.

🌍 Exception: Visa-free entry for some nationalities

Citizens of certain countries may enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a
residence permit in Germany (usually within 90 days of entry).

This applies only to specific nationalities and can change at any time.

ℹ️ Examples (not exhaustive)

• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇰🇷 South Korea
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇮🇱 Israel

Always verify your individual situation via:

• 🏛️ The German embassy or consulate
• 🌐 The Federal Foreign Office (link above)
• 🏙️ Your local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde)

📄 Choose the correct visa type

For study purposes, you usually need a national visa (D).
A Schengen (tourist) visa is generally not suitable for starting long-term studies.

• 🚫 Do not enter Germany on a tourist visa if you plan to study long term.
• ✅ Confirm the correct visa type with your German embassy or consulate.

🏠 Residence Permit after Arrival

If you stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you generally need to apply for a
residence permit at the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde).

✅ Typical steps

1. 📍 Register your address (Anmeldung).
2. 🗓️ Book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde early.
3. 📄 Prepare all required documents (requirements vary by authority).

General guidance for international students is available from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD):

DAAD – Visa Information

📍 Registration of Address (Anmeldung)

After moving into your accommodation, you must register your address at the local registration office.
This requirement applies to all residents in Germany and is separate from your residence permit.

ℹ️ Important information

• 📅 Registration deadline: within 14 days after moving in.
• 🏡 You need a permanent address and usually a landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
• 🚫 Hotels or hostels are generally not accepted as a permanent address.

🩺 Health Insurance (Important)

Valid health insurance coverage is required for living in Germany and is essential for
university enrollment and immigration procedures.

• 🛡️ Ensure your health insurance is recognized in Germany.
• 📄 Keep proof of insurance readily available.

✅ Summary

• 🛂 Most non-EU students need a visa before traveling.
• 🌍 Some nationalities may enter visa-free and apply for a residence permit after entry.
• 🏠 A residence permit is usually required for stays over 90 days.
• 📍 Address registration (Anmeldung) is mandatory within 14 days after moving in.
• 🩺 Health insurance coverage is essential.

🧳 Pre-Departure Checklist – Before You Travel to Germany

Before traveling to Germany to study at FAU, please ensure you have completed the following steps.
This checklist focuses exclusively on entry and residence requirements.

• 🛂 Check visa requirements
  Verify whether you need a visa using the Federal Foreign Office website and your local German embassy.
• 🏛️ Apply for the correct visa (if required)
  Apply for a national student visa (D) well in advance.
• 🪪 Passport validity
  Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• 🩺 Health insurance proof
  Prepare proof of valid health insurance accepted in Germany.
• 📄 Carry essential documents
  Keep important documents (passport, visa, insurance proof, admission letter) in your hand luggage.
• 🏡 Plan address registration
  Arrange a permanent address and remember to register it within 14 days after moving in.
• 🗓️ Plan your residence permit appointment
  If staying longer than 90 days, book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde early.

Completing this checklist will help ensure a smooth entry into Germany and a well-prepared start to your stay.

✈️ Entry into Germany

As a citizen of an EU Member State, you may enter Germany without a visa.

• 🪪 You only need a valid national ID card or passport.
• ✅ No prior application or approval is required before entering Germany.

🏠 Residence in Germany

EU citizens benefit from the right of free movement within the European Union.
Therefore, you do not need a residence permit to live and study in Germany.

• ❌ You must not apply for a residence permit at the immigration office.
• 📜 Your right of residence is derived directly from EU law.

📍 Registration of Address (Anmeldung)

Even though no residence permit is required, you must register your address in Germany.

ℹ️ Important information

• 📅 You must register at the local registration office within 14 days after moving into your accommodation.
• 🏡 You need a permanent address for registration.
• 🚫 Youth hostels, hotels, or temporary accommodation are not accepted.

Address registration is mandatory for all residents in Germany and is not the same as a residence permit.

🩺 Health Insurance (Important)

While EU citizens do not need a visa or residence permit, valid health insurance coverage is required
for studying and living in Germany.

• 💳 The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be sufficient for short-term stays.
• 🛡️ For full-time studies, German statutory health insurance may be required.

Proof of health insurance is often required for enrollment at FAU and for administrative procedures.

✅ Summary

• 🛂 No visa required
• 🏠 No residence permit required
• 🪪 Valid ID or passport required
• 📍 Mandatory address registration after arrival (within 14 days)
• 🩺 Health insurance coverage required

🧳 Pre-Departure Checklist – Before You Travel to Germany

Before traveling to Germany to study at FAU, please make sure you have completed the following steps.
This checklist focuses exclusively on entry and residence requirements.

• 🪪 Valid ID or passport
  Ensure that your national ID card or passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• 🛂 No visa required
  As an EU citizen, you do not need to apply for a visa or residence permit before traveling.
• 🩺 Health insurance coverage
  Bring proof of valid health insurance (e.g. EHIC or confirmation of German health insurance).
• 📄 Important personal documents
  Bring copies (digital or printed) of important documents such as your ID/passport and insurance confirmation.
• 🏡 Address in Germany
  Make sure you have a permanent address or confirmed accommodation after arrival,
  as this is required for address registration.
• 📍 Plan address registration
  Remember that you must register your address within 14 days after moving in.
• 📞 Emergency and contact information
  Save important contact details (e.g. university services, emergency numbers, embassy/consulate of your home country).

Completing this checklist will help ensure a smooth entry into Germany and a well-prepared start to your stay.