The UK and Germany are the top countries in Europe for international students to study abroad. Studying in the UK or Germany offers various benefits to students. The UK is known for its top-ranked universities, work opportunities, and quality education. At the same time, Germany is known for its tuition-free programs, academic excellence, and cultural diversity.
If you’re wondering, which UK or Germany is better for international students? You are at the right place. In this quick guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about studying abroad in the UK or Germany.
Table of Contents:
- Highlights
- Top Universities in the UK vs Germany
- Popular Courses in the UK vs Germany
- Admission Requirements in the UK vs Germany
- Cost of Studying in the UK vs Germany
- Scholarships in the UK vs Germany
- Post-Graduate Work Visa in the UK vs Germany
- Popular Job Sectors in the UK vs Germany
- Conclusion: UK vs Germany
- Frequently Asked Questions
Highlights
| Particulars | UK | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,265,209 | 84,669,326 |
| Official Language | English | German |
| Intake | Fall (September / October), Winter (January / February) and Spring (April / May) | Winter (September / October) and Summer (March / April) |
| Average Cost of Living | €820 per month / €9,840 per year | €992 per month / €11,904 per year |
| Top Degrees Offered | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral |
Top Universities in the UK vs Germany
Studying abroad at a top university has various benefits. Networking, career opportunities, and personal development are at the top. Some of the top universities in the UK vs Germany are:
| UK | |
| University | QS World University Ranking |
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
| University College London – UCL | 9 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 27 |
| The University of Manchester | =34 |
| King’s College London | =40 |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | =50 |
| University of Briston | 54 |
| The University of Warwick | =69 |
| Germany | |
| University Name | QS World University Ranking |
| Technical University of Munich | 28 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 59 |
| Universität Heidelberg | =84 |
| Freie Universität Berlin | 97 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 99 |
| KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 102 |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | =126 |
| Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) | 147 |
| Universität Hamburg | 191 |
| Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg | 212 |
Popular Courses in the UK vs Germany
If you are planning to study abroad, you must be wondering which are the best courses to study from. Finding a course that aligns with your academic interests and career goals can be confusing. UK and Germany both offer various courses for international students. Here are some top & popular courses in the UK vs Germany:
UK Popular Courses
| Law | Engineering |
| Management | Computer Science |
| Medicine | Architecture |
| MBA | Financial Accounting |
| Business Analytics | Data Science |
| Interior Design | Nursing |
| Mechanical Engineering | Psychology |
Germany Popular Courses
| Engineering | Management |
| Humanities | Social Sciences |
| Computer Science | Business Administration |
| Law | Medicine |
| Architecture | Computer Engineering |
| Dentistry | Mathematics |
| Electrical Engineering | Fine Arts |
Admission Requirements in the UK vs Germany
Admission requirements will vary based on your chosen program, university, and specialization. The common admission requirements in the UK vs Germany are:
UK
- For UG Courses: Passed class 12th or equivalent with a minimum of 80% or more.
- For PG Courses: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (in a related field) with 60% or more.
- For PhD Courses: Master’s degree or equivalent (in a related field) with a minimum of 60% or more.
Common admission requirements for the UK are as follows:
| Academic Transcripts | English Language Proficiency Test Scores |
| Standardized Tests (if applicable) | Statement of Purpose / Essay |
| Copy of Passport | Letters of Recommendation |
| Proof of Funds | Resume / CV |
| Student Visa | Work Experience (if applicable) |
Germany
- For UG Courses: A total of 13 years of Education is required for UG courses. If you have 12 years of education, apply for a one-year prep course, Studienkolleg, and clear the final exam, Feststellungsprüfung.
- For PG Courses: Bachelor’s degree in a related field with sufficient credits.
- For PhD Courses: Master’s degree or a German state examination known as Staatsexamen in a related field.
Common admission requirements for Germany are as follows:
| Recognised School Leaving Certificate | Transcripts and Diploma Certificate |
| Proof of Language Proficiency | Copy of Passport & Student Visa |
| Letters of Recommendation (if applicable) | CV / Resume |
| Standardized Tests (if applicable) | Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate |
| Preliminary Review Documentation – VPD | Proof of Funds |
Cost of Studying in the UK vs Germany
Finance can be the top barrier when studying abroad, especially when you begin your journey. For international students, the fee can vary from the local students. While Germany offers free education (in their public universities), the UK tuition fees can vary. The cost of studying in the UK vs Germany is:
| Cost of Studying | UK | Germany |
| Bachelor’s | €9,000 – €38,000 | €4,000 – €28,000 |
| Master’s | €15,000 – €35,000 | €5,000 – €30,000 |
Note: PhD or Doctoral programs are usually fully funded by the university. The universities waive off the tuition fees.
Scholarships in the UK vs Germany
Studying abroad takes your education and career to the next level. To manage the expenses, you can apply for scholarships. Some of the scholarships in the UK vs Germany are:
UK
| Scholarships | Details |
| GREAT Scholarship |
|
| Chevening Scholarships |
|
| Commonwealth Scholarships |
|
Germany
| Scholarships | Details |
| Expatrio Scholarship |
|
| DAAD Scholarship |
|
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships |
|
Post-Graduate Work Visa in the UK vs Germany
Post-graduate work visas are offered to international students once they finish pursuing their education. The details for a post-graduate work visa in the UK vs Germany are as follows:
UK
- A Graduate Visa in the UK lets you stay for 2 years (3 years if you have a PhD or any other Doctoral qualification) after completing your course.
- You can apply for a visa if you’re in the UK and your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- You do not have to wait until graduation to apply for the visa.
- You must pay the £822 application fee and healthcare surcharge of £1,035 (for each year you’re staying in the UK).
- You can work in most jobs with this visa, you can also look for work or be self-employed.
Germany
- Graduates can work in Germany after they finish their studies by extending their residence permit.
- The permit can be extended for up to 18 months after graduation.
- As soon as you finish your studies, these 18 months begin.
- It is advisable to start looking for work while you are still studying.
- During the 18 months, you can work whatever job you like to support yourself.
Popular Job Sectors in the UK vs Germany
The availability of job opportunities in the UK and Germany is one of the top reasons international students study there. The popular job sectors in the UK vs Germany are:
| UK | |
| Popular Job Sectors | Average Salary |
| Lawyer | €50,000 |
| Software Engineer | €48,524 |
| Financial Analyst | €40,000 |
| IT Director | €52,982 |
| Data Scientist | €55,068 |
| Accountant | €39,000 |
| Germany | |
| Popular Job Sectors | Average Salary |
| Doctor | €157,139 |
| Lawyer | €115.208 |
| Data Scientist | €111,391 |
| IT Security Specialist | €94,609 |
| Automotive Engineer | €84,115 |
| Program Manager | €75,975 |
The UK is well known worldwide for its top-ranked universities, educational opportunities, and support for international students. At the same time, Germany is widely popular for its free education, safe environment, and first-class education. Both the UK and Germany are best at what they offer.
Conclusion: UK vs Germany
If you are still looking for answers to whether the UK is better for you or Germany, the short answer is that it depends on your preferences. However, if you are still unsure, our team at Nomad Credit is here to help. With personalized guidance, expert tips, assistance in the application process, and more, you are in the right hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Germany offer free education to international students?
Germany is well known for its free tuition fee. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. They only have a semester fee, usually from €100 to €350.
Can an Indian get permanent residency in the UK?
You must meet all the basic eligibility requirements for permanent residency in the UK. The basic criteria is you must have stayed in the UK for at least 2 – 5 years. You must prove your English language skills and maintain your legal status.
Is it expensive to study abroad in the UK?
Depending on whether you are studying in a public or private university, on average, you would require €9,000 – €38,000 for your undergraduate degree. A postgraduate degree would cost you approximately €15,000 – €35,000.
What is the cost of living in Germany for international students?
The average cost of living in Germany for international students is €992 per month / €11,904 per year. The living costs and expenses may differ depending on your lifestyle and city.
How long does a UK Master’s take to complete?
The duration of the UK Master’s program varies. A full-time master’s program takes 1 – 2 years to complete, while a part-time master’s program lasts 2 – 4 years.
