The USA is one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students, with over 1 million international students choosing the USA. The USA is home to top world-ranking universities, a flexible education system, research opportunities and diverse programs.
Germany has a total student population of 2.8 million, with 458,210 international students. Germany is known for its affordable education, diversity, rich historical heritage, and vibrant student life.
Table of Contents:
- Highlights
- Top Universities in USA vs Germany
- Popular Courses in USA vs Germany
- Admission Requirements in USA vs Germany
- Cost of Studying in USA vs Germany
- Scholarships in USA vs Germany
- Education System in USA vs Germany
- Student Visa for USA vs Germany
- Post-Graduate Work Visa in USA vs Germany
- Permanent Residency in USA vs Germany
- Popular Job Sectors in USA vs Germany
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Highlights
| Particulars | USA | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 336,673,595 | 83,798,000 |
| Official Language | English | German |
| Intake | Fall (August / September), Spring (January) and Summer (May) | Winter (September / October) and Summer (March / April) |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,168 per month / $14,016 per year | €992 per month / €11,904 per year |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral |
Top Universities in USA vs Germany
The USA has an elaborate admission process, while Germany primarily focuses on academic performance as the main criterion for admission. Numerous top-ranking universities exist in both the countries. The top universities in the USA vs Germany are as follows:
USA top Universities
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| Harvard University | 4 |
| Stanford University | 6 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 |
| Cornell University | 16 |
| University of Chicago | 21 |
| Princeton University | 22 |
| Yale University | 23 |
Germany Top Universities
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
| 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-Universität Freiburg | 212 |
Popular Courses in USA vs Germany
USA offers a wide range of courses across various fields, STEM being on top. Germany is known for its popular courses such as Engineering, Management, Humanities & Arts, and IT. The top and most popular courses in the USA vs Germany are as follows:
USA Popular Courses
| Popular Courses | Specializations Offered |
| Science |
|
Technology |
|
| Engineering |
|
| Management |
|
Germany Top Courses
| Germany | |
| Popular Courses | Specializations Offered |
| Science |
|
| Engineering |
|
| Computer Science & IT |
|
| Business |
|
Admission Requirements in USA vs Germany
Admission requirements for the USA vary from admission requirements in Germany. The admission requirements in the USA and Germany are as follows:
USA
- For UG Courses: Secondary / High School Diploma or equivalent is required for admission to UG courses.
- For PG Courses: 3-4 years Bachelor’s degree (in the relevant field) or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or 65 – 70% and above.
- For Doctoral Courses: Graduate degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.
Common admission requirements for the USA are as follows:
| Academic Transcripts | GRE / GMAT / SAT / ACT Scores (if applicable) |
| Proof of English Language Proficiency | Copy of Passport |
| Letters of Recommendation | Statement of Purpose |
| Proof of Work Experience (if applicable) | Resume / CV |
| Proof of Funds | Student Visa |
Germany
- For UG Courses: 13 Years of Education is required. If you only have 12 years of education, then you are required to apply for a one-year prep course – Studienkolleg and clear the final exam – Feststellungsprüfung.
- For PG Courses: Bachelor’s degree of 3 years (in a relevant field) with sufficient credits.
- For Doctoral Courses: Master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a relevant field.
Common Admission Requirements for Germany are tabulated below:
| Transcripts and Diploma Certificate | Recognised School Leaving Certificate |
| Standardized Tests (if applicable) | Letters of Recommendation (if applicable) |
| Proof of German / English Language Proficiency | Copy of Passport & Student Visa |
| Resume | Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate |
Cost of Studying in USA vs Germany
The USA has high tuition fees due to its rising demand while Germany is known for its free tuition fees in public universities. The cost of studying depends on the program and the university. The average cost of studying in the USA vs Germany is tabulated below:
| Cost of Studying | Average Cost of Studying in the USA | Average Cost of Studying in Germany |
| Bachelor’s | $15,000 – $45,000 (INR 12,60,000 – 37,81,000) | €4,000 – €28,000(INR 3,66,000 – 25,62,000) |
| Master’s | $15,000 – $75,000(INR 12,60,000 – 63,02,000) | €5,000 – €65,000(INR 4,57,000 – 59,48,000) |
Note: PhD or a Doctoral program usually doesn’t have tuition fees. Universities cater to their PhD students with funding packages or tuition fee waivers.
Scholarships in USA vs Germany
Navigating finances during your study abroad journey can be overwhelming. For international students, understanding scholarship opportunities is important. The USA and Germany offer various research and scholarship opportunities. Scholarships in the USA vs Germany are as follows:
USA Scholarships
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Amount |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program |
| Variable Amount |
| Fulbright Fellowships |
| Variable Amount |
| #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship |
| Minimum of 50% Tuition Fees (for Bachelor’s degree students) |
Germany Scholarships
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Amount |
| Expatrio | A video answering: Why are you passionate about the field of study you are pursuing in Germany? |
|
| DAAD | Academic Achievements, School Leaving Certificate (if applicable), Language Proficiency, and Internships or Work Experience if required. |
|
| Heinrich Böll Foundation | Academics, Social Engagement, Motivations |
|
Education System in USA vs Germany
Education systems in the USA and Germany differ significantly. The structure, costs, and career prospects for international students vary from Germany to the USA. Below is a comparison between the two countries:
USA Education System
- In the USA, a Bachelor’s degree lasts 3-4 years, while a Master’s degree can be completed in 1-2 years. PhD programs in the USA usually require 4-6 years.
- The USA education system follows a 4-point GPA or four-point grading system.
- The USA also follows a letter system (A-F). A is the highest and F is the lowest.
- The USA also takes into consideration points such as test scores, extracurricular participation, achievements, and more.
Germany Education System
- A Bachelor’s degree in Germany can be completed in a duration of 3-4 years. Most Master’s degrees and PhD degrees in Germany take 2 and 4-6 years respectively to complete.
- Germany has three types of universities. University of Applied Sciences, Universities of Art & Music, and Academic Universities.
- Germany offers programs in German and English.
- Most public universities in Germany are free of cost (no tuition fees).
Student Visa for USA vs Germany
Once you have received your acceptance letter from the university, applying for a student visa is the first step you need to take. The details for student visas for the USA and Germany are as follows:
| Student Visa – USA | Student Visa – Germany |
| A student visa aka F-1 visa is required | Residence permit is required to stay more than 90 days as a student |
| The application fee for an F-1 visa is $160 + SEVIS fee: $350 | The application fee for a German student visa is €75 |
| Processing time for an F-1 visa is usually 15 days (may extend up to 12 months in rare cases) | Processing time for a German student visa is up to 15 – 30 days |
| Students can work up to 20 hours per week (40 hours per week during holidays) with their F-1 visa | Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week (40 hours per week during holidays) with their German student visa |
| Students can stay up to 90 days beyond their academic program duration / Students who have applied for OPT can stay up to 12 months (36 months for STEM courses) | The residence permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years |
Documents Required:
| Documents Required:
|
Post-Graduate Work Visa in USA vs Germany
The details for a post-graduate work visa in the USA and Germany are as follows:
USA Post-Graduate Work Visa
- The USA offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) to students who wish to stay back and gain practical experience.
- OPT allows a 1 year stay.
- F-1 students with a STEM degree can apply for a 24-month extension.
- Students can apply for OPT before or after their program completion.
- The H-1B visa program allows you to work in the USA for three years (extended up to six years) with a sponsoring employer.
Germany Post-Graduate Work Visa
- Students can extend their residence permit up to 18 months after graduation.
- It is advisable to start looking for employment while still at university or during your final semester.
- During these 18 months, students can work any job they want until they can find full-time employment.
Permanent Residency in USA vs Germany
Permanent residency in the USA and Germany offers various benefits. A permanent resident in the USA is also known as a Green Card holder. Germany’s permanent resident is called Niederlassungserlaubnis. The details for permanent residency in the USA and Germany are as follows:
USA Permanent Residency (PR)
Permanent residency is when a person has been granted permanent authorization to stay and work in the USA. PR processing time can vary widely (1-10 years or more). You can become a permanent resident in several ways, some of them are:
- Sponsorship by a family member or a US employer
- Refugee or Asylee status or other humanitarian programs; or
- Individual Filing
Germany Permanent Residency (PR)
Permanent residency in Germany is the right to stay and work without time limits granted to foreign nationals. The eligibility requirements to obtain permanent residency are as follows:
- You have legally lived in the country for a minimum of 5 years
- You can financially support yourself (and your family) and have enough living space
- You have a basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany with a command of German language
Popular Job Sectors in USA vs Germany
The most popular job sectors in the USA vs Germany are as follows:
USA Popular Job Sectors
| Popular Job Sectors | Average Salary |
| Data Scientist | $131,639 |
| Software Engineer | $126,008 |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | $112,500 |
| Lawyer | $110,000 |
| Management Consultant | $109,865 |
| Marketing Managers | $84,000 |
Germany Popular Job Sectors
| 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 |
| DevOps Engineer | €65,800 |
Conclusion
Both the USA and Germany offer excellent opportunities for international students. The USA is known for its top-ranked universities, diverse academic programs, and high-quality education with research opportunities. Germany, on the other hand, is renowned for its affordable and free tuition fees and strong focus on engineering and technology. In the end, the choice between the two depends on your priorities, ensure to weigh all the important key criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the language of instruction used in the USA for education?
English is the primary language of instruction used in the USA for education.
Is an interview required for a USA student visa?
Yes, a visa officer will interview you to decide whether you are a good fit or not to receive a student visa for the USA.
Can I study abroad in Germany for free?
While Germany has low or no tuition fees, students are required to pay a contribution fee (ranging between €100 – €350) every semester.
How long does it take to complete a PhD degree in Germany?
A PhD degree in Germany takes 3 – 6 years to complete.
Can I work part-time while studying in the USA?
You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week (40 hours per week during holidays) while studying in the USA.
