Germany and Ireland, both countries, are two of the most popular destinations in Europe for international students. Germany and Ireland accept many international students from all over the world and offer various courses.
Germany is known for its free education, rich culture and historical heritage, and vibrant student life. On the other hand, Ireland is known for its high-quality education, warm and friendly environment, career opportunities, and affordable tuition fees.
Highlights
| Particulars | Germany | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 83,798,000 | 5,127,000 |
| Official Language | German | Irish, English |
| Intake | Winter (September / October) and Summer (March / April) | Autumn (September) and Spring (January) |
| Average Cost of Living | €934 per month / €11,208 per year | €991 per month / €11,892 per year |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral |
Study Abroad: Key Aspects of Germany vs Ireland
The following are some of the key aspects you need to consider when choosing between Germany and Ireland:
- Tuition Fees: Tuition Fees are one of the major factors when choosing any university. Public universities in Germany are usually free while private universities charge €5,000 – €20,000 annually. Ireland charges €9,000 – €25,000 tuition fees annually for international students.
- Top Universities: Ireland has a high acceptance rate compared to Germany. Trinity College Dublin; University College Dublin; University College Cork; University of Galway; and Dublin City University are some of the top universities in Ireland. The top Universities of Germany are the Technical University of Munich; Universität Hamburg; Technische Universität Berlin; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and much more.
- Work while Studying: You can work part-time while studying in Germany and Ireland. You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Germany, and 20 hours per week when studying in Ireland.
- Post-study Work Visa: International students can get a post-study work visa after graduation for up to 18 months in Germany. Ireland grants post-study work visas for 1 year to students which is extendable up to 1 year.
- Language: German and Irish / English are the official languages of Germany and Ireland respectively. Over 95% of the population speaks German as their first language in Germany, which can be a barrier for international students to learn the language. Similarly, non-English speakers planning to study in Ireland can face the same challenges.
Top Universities in Germany vs Ireland
Getting admission to a German university is not an easy process. German universities focus on your academic performance as the main criterion. The acceptance rate of Ireland is higher than Germany. The top universities in Germany and Ireland are as follows:
| 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 |
| Ireland | |
| University Name | QS World University Ranking |
| Trinity College Dublin | 87 |
| University College Dublin | =126 |
| University College Cork | =273 |
| University of Galway | =273 |
| Dublin City University | =421 |
| Maynooth University | 801 – 850 |
| Technological University Dublin | 851 – 900 |
Admission Requirements for Germany vs Ireland
Admission requirements for Germany and Ireland are not the same. The basic admission requirements for both countries are:
Germany
- For UG Courses: 13 Years of Education is required for UG courses. If you only have 12 years of education, then you must apply for a 1-year prep course – Studienkolleg and clear the final exam – Feststellungsprüfung.
- For PG Courses: Bachelor’s degree of 3 years in a related field with a sufficient number of credits.
- For Doctoral Courses: Master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a relevant field to qualify.
Common Admission Requirements for Germany are tabulated below:
| Recognised School Leaving Certificate | Proof of Language Proficiency |
| Transcripts and Diploma Certificate | Copy of Passport & Student Visa |
| Letters of Recommendation (if applicable) | Resume |
| Standardised Tests (if applicable) | Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate |
Ireland
- For UG Courses: Minimum of 60% – 85% and above in Standard 12th.
- For PG Courses: Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Academic Transcripts of your previous degree.
- For Doctoral Courses: A Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree are required for a PhD.
Common Admission Requirements for Ireland are tabulated below:
| Academic Transcripts | Proof of English |
| Resume | Copy of Passport |
| Letters of Recommendation (if applicable) | Proof of Funds |
| Standardised Tests (if applicable) | Personal Statement |
| Certificates and Internships (if applicable) | Student Visa |
How to Apply: Germany vs Ireland?
Applying to a German university is different from applying to an Ireland university. The details are as follows:
Germany
Once you have completed researching and choosing your university and program, you should check if you are meeting the requirements. Applying to German universities requires learning the German language and having proof of funds with a German student visa.
Students can apply directly to the website or the University Application Service for International Students aka Uni-Assist. As a general rule, these are the documents that are required:
- An officially certified copy of your higher education entrance qualification
- An overview of your subjects and grades (with official translation)
- Certified copies of your previous higher education certificates, if applicable
- A passport photograph
- A photocopy of your passport (name and photograph)
- Certified copies of language certificates
Ireland
International students can apply to Ireland in the Autumn Intake (September) and Spring Intake (January). Applying to UG and PG courses can be done by the Central Applications Office (CAO) and Postgraduate Applications Centre respectively. Documents required for applying to Ireland universities are as follows:
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume
- Academic Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation (if you have work experience)
- IELTS or TOEFL Certificate
- Copy of Passport
- Portfolio (If applying for any Art / Design / Architecture courses)
- Proof of Funds
- Health Insurance
Scholarships in Germany vs Ireland
Germany is known for its free education provided in its public universities. While Germany is cost-effective, managing expenses can still be a challenge. Ireland is known for its high-quality education and affordable tuition rates. There are various scholarships offered to German and Irish students, they are as follows:
Germany
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Amount |
| Expatrio | A video answering: Why are you passionate about the field of study you are pursuing in Germany? | 1st – €12,0002nd – €6,0003rd – €3,000.There are many more prizes for fourth to tenth-place winners. |
| DAAD | Academic Achievements, School Leaving Certificate (if applicable), Language Proficiency and Internships or Work Experience if required. | Monthly Stipends €934 for Graduates and €1,200 for Doctoral/Ph.D. Students |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation | Academics, Social Engagement, Motivations | UG and PG – €934 per MonthPhD – €1,200 per Month, a €100 Monthly Mobility Allowance |
Ireland
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Amount |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) | Must be a Master’s or PhD Student | €10,000 for 1 Year of Full-time Study at Master’s or PhD Level |
| Walsh Fellowship | Postgraduates in Fields of Food, Crops, Animal and Grasslands, Environment, Economics, and Rural Development | Up to 30 Students receive €22,000 for 2 Years for Masters and 4 Years for PhD |
| Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme | Offered for Research Masters, PhD or Direct PhD Programs | €31,000 Per Annum: Stipend of €22,000, Contribution of Fees €5,750 and Direct Research Expenses of €3,250 |
Conclusion: Germany vs Ireland
Germany and Ireland both are amazing at what they offer. Germany is a bigger country than Ireland with a lower cost of living and free education. While Ireland has better job opportunities than Germany. Ultimately, the choice between both countries depends on your preferences. Whatever country you choose, make sure to weigh all the important key aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the climate in Germany different from Ireland?
Germany is much colder than Ireland. Ireland has a mild temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters.
Is Ireland a safe country for International Students?
Yes, Ireland is the 2nd safest country according to the Global Peace Index 2024.
Is it easy to get a Job in Ireland?
Yes, it is easy to get a job in Ireland with top companies having their headquarters in the country.
Is Ireland cheaper than Germany?
No, the cost of living in Ireland is €991 per month while the cost of living in Germany is €934 per month / €11,208 per year.
Which language is used in Germany for education?
There are specialised English courses, although most universities’ first language is German.
For an international student, is learning German an easy task?
Learning the German language can be a little hard for international students. German has more complex grammar rules than English, which can be a hurdle for English speakers.
