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 youโre 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.
| 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 | โฌ820 per month / โฌ9,840 per year | โฌ992 per month / โฌ11,904 per year |
| Top Degrees Offered | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral | Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral |
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:
| 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 |
| Kingโs College London | =40 |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | =50 |
| University of Briston | 54 |
| The University of Warwick | =69 |
| University Name | QS World University Ranking |
| Technical University of Munich | 28 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitรคt Mรผnchen | 59 |
| Universitรคt Heidelberg | =84 |
| Freie Universitรคt Berlin | 97 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 99 |
| KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 102 |
| Humboldt-Universitรคt zu Berlin | =126 |
| Technische Universitรคt Berlin (TU Berlin) | 147 |
| Universitรคt Hamburg | 191 |
| Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg | 212 |
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:
| Law | Engineering |
| Management | Computer Science |
| Medicine | Architecture |
| MBA | Financial Accounting |
| Business Analytics | Data Science |
| Interior Design | Nursing |
| Mechanical Engineering | Psychology |
| Engineering | Management |
| Humanities | Social Sciences |
| Computer Science | Business Administration |
| Law | Medicine |
| Architecture | Computer Engineering |
| Dentistry | Mathematics |
| Electrical Engineering | Fine Arts |
Admission requirements will vary based on your chosen program, university, and specialization. The common admission requirements in the UK vs Germany are:
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) |
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 Prรผfstelle – APS certificate |
| Preliminary Review Documentation – VPD | Proof of Funds |
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 |
| Bachelorโs | โฌ9,000 – โฌ38,000 | โฌ4,000 – โฌ28,000 |
| Masterโs | โฌ15,000 – โฌ35,000 | โฌ5,000 – โฌ30,000 |
Note: PhD or Doctoral programs are usually fully funded by the university. The universities waive off the tuition fees.
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:
| Scholarships | Details |
| GREAT Scholarship |
|
| Chevening Scholarships |
|
| Commonwealth Scholarships |
|
Read More: UK Scholarships
| Scholarships | Details |
| Expatrio Scholarship |
|
| DAAD Scholarship |
|
| Heinrich Bรถll Foundation Scholarships |
|
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:
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 | โฌ50,000 |
| Software Engineer | โฌ48,524 |
| Financial Analyst | โฌ40,000 |
| IT Director | โฌ52,982 |
| Data Scientist | โฌ55,068 |
| Accountant | โฌ39,000 |
| Germany | |
| Popular Job Sectors | Average Salary |
| Doctor | โฌ157,139 |
| Lawyer | โฌ115.208 |
| Data Scientist | โฌ111,391 |
| IT Security Specialist | โฌ94,609 |
| Automotive Engineer | โฌ84,115 |
| Program Manager | โฌ75,975 |
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.
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.
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 โฌ100 to โฌ350.
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.
Depending on whether you are studying in a public or private university, on average, you would require โฌ9,000 – โฌ38,000 for your undergraduate degree. A postgraduate degree would cost you approximately โฌ15,000 – โฌ35,000.
The average cost of living in Germany for international students is โฌ992 per month / โฌ11,904 per year. The living costs and expenses may differ depending on your lifestyle and city.
The duration of the UK Masterโs program varies. A full-time masterโs program takes 1 – 2 years to complete, while a part-time masterโs program lasts 2 – 4 years.
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