
Business and Economics (BA)
FAU Campus Erlangen, Germany
Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics
University of Erlangen–Nuremberg (FAU)
Business and Economics
Program Overview: Business and Economics (BA) at FAU
The Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) provides a broad and in-depth education in the fields of economics and management. As a prospective economist, you will learn to understand and analyze economic relationships and develop successful strategies for business management, marketing, financing, and trade and investment policy.
This program is offered as a two-subject Bachelor's degree, meaning you study Business and Economics in combination with a second subject from the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology. This interdisciplinary structure equips you with a unique combination of economic expertise and complementary knowledge, preparing you for a wide variety of professional fields.
The program begins each winter semester and is structured into a one-year orientation phase followed by a specialization phase. FAU's School of Business, Economics and Society in Nuremberg has an excellent reputation in teaching and research, with approximately 6,500 students from many different countries enrolled across its programs.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary two-subject degree combining economics with a second subject of your choice from the humanities or social sciences
- No admissions restrictions — open enrollment for qualified applicants
- Strong industry connections in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region with partners such as Siemens, Adidas, and Bosch
- FAU ranked among the top 200 worldwide for Business and Economics by Times Higher Education
Curriculum and Modules
The curriculum is divided into a one-year orientation phase (semesters 1–2) where you acquire fundamental knowledge of economics and its methods, followed by a specialization phase (semesters 3–6) where you deepen your expertise. Business and Economics can be studied as the first subject (70 ECTS plus 10 ECTS Bachelor thesis) or as the second subject (70 ECTS). The orientation phase concludes with a preliminary examination requiring 20 ECTS credits.
Introduction to Economics (Microeconomics)
10 ECTSCovers the fundamentals of microeconomic theory, including the behavior of individuals and households in economic decision-making, using partly mathematically formalized models.
Introduction to Economics (Macroeconomics)
10 ECTSExamines central macroeconomic relationships such as the emergence of unemployment, inflation, and the determinants of long-term economic growth.
Business Administration Fundamentals
10 ECTSProvides foundational knowledge in business administration including management, logistics, marketing, financing, and corporate accounting.
Economic Policy and Public Finance
10 ECTSFocuses on economic policy contexts, especially monetary and fiscal policy, social and labor market policy, and financial policy in Germany and the European Union.
Quantitative Methods and Statistics
10 ECTSIntroduces mathematical and statistical methods essential for economic analysis, including data evaluation and analytical modeling techniques.
Economics Proseminar and Bachelor Thesis
10 ECTSAdvanced seminar applying economic theory to current issues such as financial crises, the euro zone debt crisis, and demographic change, culminating in the Bachelor thesis.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The Business and Economics BA at FAU has no admissions restrictions (zulassungsfrei), meaning all qualified applicants who meet the entry requirements can enroll. International students should be aware that specific regulations and deadlines apply, and all applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- University Entrance QualificationGerman Abitur or recognized international equivalent (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)
- Second Subject SelectionMust be studied in combination with a second subject from the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology
- Orientation Examination20 ECTS credits in the subject must be completed by the end of the first year; combined ECTS from both subjects must reach 40 after the second semester
- Mathematical AptitudeBasic knowledge of mathematics is expected, as it is essential for economics and statistics coursework
- English Reading SkillsAbility to work independently with English-language technical literature is recommended
Language Requirements
- DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung)DSH-2 or equivalent required for enrollment (program is taught entirely in German)
- TestDaFTestDaF with a score of 4 in all four sections (TDN 4)
- Goethe-ZertifikatGoethe-Zertifikat C2 or equivalent accepted
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
FAU offers several funding opportunities to support students throughout their studies. As a public university in Bavaria, the program does not charge tuition fees for most students, though a semester contribution for student services and public transport applies. Contact Uni4Edu for detailed information on available scholarships and financial support.
FAU Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
Up to EUR 3,600 per yearA merit-based scholarship awarded to academically outstanding students, funded jointly by the German federal government and private sponsors. It is open to both German and international students.
DAAD Scholarships for International Students
Varies by programThe German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for international students studying at German universities, including monthly stipends and travel allowances.
Bavaria Scholarships (BayBIDS)
Varies by programThe Bavarian State Ministry offers scholarships to international students studying at Bavarian universities, supporting academic exchange and cultural integration.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Business and Economics BA at FAU are well-prepared for a wide range of professional roles across multiple sectors. The program's unique combination of economics expertise with a second subject from the humanities or social sciences creates distinctive career profiles. FAU's location in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, a major industrial and innovation hub, further enhances employment prospects.
Potential Career Roles
Top Employers in the Region
Rankings and Recognition
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is consistently ranked among the top universities in Germany and worldwide. Founded in 1743, FAU is one of the largest research universities in Germany with five faculties and approximately 40,000 students. The university achieved first place worldwide in the THE industry category, reflecting its exceptional partnerships with global companies.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Economics | THE Subject Rankings | Top 200 (9th in Germany) |
| Economics | THE Subject Rankings | #187 (11th in Germany) |
| Business | EduRank | 13th in Germany |
| Economics | EduRank | 15th in Germany |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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