Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- - 3 to 4 years
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting October 2026
- Application deadline not specified.
Language
English
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 5.5
Credits
90 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Erlangen, Germany
Disciplines
- Physics
- General Engineering & Technology
Overview
About the programme
The Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) provides an interdisciplinary research and education program of excellence within a broad international network with worldwide leading experts in order to promote innovation and leadership.
SAOT provides an Education Program of Excellence for national and international doctoral candidates, including Workshops, Seminars, and Academies. Furthermore, SAOT increases the Scientific Outreach to the general public and coordinates Joint Applications on research funding in the fields of photonics and optical technologies.
Programme Structure
Research areas include:
- Photonics Research in Erlangen
- Quantum Optics and Ultrafast Dynamics
- Photonic Fibers, Materials and Devices
- Photonics in Production and Process Technology
- Biomedical Photonics and Data Processing
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 5.5
Other requirements
General requirements
SAOT admits excellent graduates in the field of engineering or sciences (especially physics) with an outstanding result in the degree earned (master or diploma or comparable scientific orientated degree).
Applicants pick a field of interest out of the four SAOT topics and provide:
- the application form
- a curriculum vitae
- copies of academic transcripts of your secondary school, BSc, and MSc grades
- copies of your school and university leaving certificates
- clear statement of the research area (which must be available at SAOT) in which you would particularly like to work. This statement must include your reasons for the choice with a tentative research proposal; the relationship to your previous studies and experience should be evident.
- authenticated translations if the transcripts and certificates are not in English or German
- two letters of recommendation from academics
Tuition Fees
International (Non-residents): Free
EU/EEA Nationals: Free
Additional Details
At FAU tuition is free. However, students have to pay a semester contribution fee of 72 Euros.
Living costs
Erlangen, Germany: 1,177-1,773 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships: PhD's scholarship opportunities for Advanced Optical Technologies.

