Ireland vs Germany: Which is Better to Study Abroad for International Students?

Cost of Studying in Germany vs Ireland

The cost of studying and living plays a major role in choosing the right study abroad destination. To decide between the two countries, let us closely compare the expenses of studying and living in Ireland vs Germany.  

1. Tuition Fees in Germany vs Ireland

The tuition fees for public universities are much more affordable that the private universities We have distinguished the average cost of attending a university per year according to the degree program and university type:

Study Program	Average Tuition Fees in Germany Per Year	Average Tuition Fees in Ireland Per Year
Bachelor’s Degree	1,000 EUR (public universities) to 20,000 EUR (private universities)	9,850 EUR (public universities) to 25,000 EUR (private universities)
Master’s Degree	20,000 EUR (public universities) to 30,000 EUR (private universities)	9,500 EUR (public universities) to 34,000 EUR (private universities)
Doctoral Degree	Free in all public universities	10,000 EUR (public universities) to 35,000 EUR (private universities)

Read: Exams to Study Abroad

2. Cost of Living in Germany vs Ireland 

Depending on a student’s lifestyle, accommodation types (on-campus or off-campus), food habits and modes of transportation, the living costs in Germany and Ireland are calculated as follows:

Major Expenses	Average Living Cost in Germany Per Month	Average Living Cost in Ireland Per Month
Accommodation	300 EUR to 700 EUR	470 EUR to 850 EUR
Food	150 EUR to 200 EUR	250 EUR
Utilities	120 EUR	100 EUR
Transportation	45 EUR	55 EUR

Read: Cost of Living in Ireland for Students

Admission Requirements for Studying in Germany vs Ireland

International students must go through an extensive application process and fulfil all the admission requirements to obtain a successful admit. For students willing to study in Germany vs. Ireland, we have noted down all the admission requirements. 

• Eligibility & Requirements for German Universities

• Must have at least 60% marks in high school diploma and college/university education transcripts
• TestDAF or DSH (German proficiency tests) score is required for all levels of study programs
• Take the foundation course (Studienkolleg) and clear the Feststellungsprüfung exam for joining any UG course
• For joining PG and PhD courses, GRE or GMAT score is required
• TOEFL or IELTS score is required for selected English taught courses
• Letter of recommendations
• Statement of purpose
• Updated resume or CV
• Valid passport and student visa

Read: Requirements to Study in Germany 

• Eligibility & Requirements for Irish Universities

• Must have at least 50% marks in high school and college/university education transcripts
• For joining PG and PhD courses, GRE or GMAT score is required 
• TOEFL or IELTS score is required since all courses are taught in English
• Letter of recommendations
• Statement of purpose
• Updated resume or CV
• Valid passport and student visa

Read: Ireland, the next Silicon Valley?

Admission Process for German Universities

• There are mainly two enrollment periods - Winter semester and Summer semester. Applications for the Winter and Summer semesters end by 15th July and 15th January respectively.
• For the majority of courses, students can directly apply at the university website or at the centralised admission portal www.uni-assist.de website.
• Fill out personal details, choose a degree program, submit all the required documents and pay the application fees.
• Complete the application process at least 6 weeks before the deadline and appear for an interview with the University officials.
• If selected you’ll receive your appointment letter within 2 months from the date of application submission.

Read: How To Get Admission In Germany

Admission Process for Irish Universities

• The primary enrollments happen during the month of September (Fall intake) and January (Spring intake). Application for the Fall and Spring intakes closes by July and October each year respectively. 
• For joining UG courses, students must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) website. For PG and PhD courses in Ireland, apply directly from the university website.
• Fill out personal details, choose a degree program, submit all the required documents and pay the application fees.
• Submit the application at least 6 weeks before the deadline and appear for an interview with the University officials.
• If you clear your interview round then you’ll receive your appointment letter within 2 months from the date of application submission.

Read: Step by Step Guide for Study Abroad Destinations

Course Duration in Germany vs Ireland

Choosing a course in a particular country depends partially on how long the degree will take to complete. The expenses incurred during a course completion are directly proportional to the duration of the course. Thus, we have tabulated a comprehensive analysis of course duration in Germany and Ireland. 

Level of Study	Course Duration in Germany	Course Duration in Ireland
Bachelor’s Degree	3 to 4 years	3 to 4 years
Master’s Degree	1 to 2 years	1 to 2 years
Doctoral Degree	3 to 5 years	3 to 4 years

Read: MYTH VS FACT OF ABROAD STUDIES

Student Visa Process in Germany vs Ireland

Acquiring a student visa is a long and tedious process. Students often get confused about how to start  the  application process for a student visa. To simplify the visa process, we have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a student visa easily without getting rejected. 

Germany Student Visa

• For a stay longer than 90 days, international students must get a German Student Visa. 
• Apply for German Study Visa at the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Germany
• Submit documents like passport copies, recent photographs, acceptance letter, academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, etc.
• Open a German Blocked Account where funds of 10,236 EUR/year must be shown as a proof of available funds.
• Pay the visa application fee of 110 EUR including the residence permit fees.
• Appear for the visa interview on the allotted date for biometrics.
• Students will be issued a Resident Permit which will be valid for 2 years. Renewal of the same must be done before the expiry date. 

Read: Visa Regulations in Germany

Ireland Student Visa

• If the course duration is more than 90 days, students must apply for an Ireland Student Visa (Type D). 
• Visit the official website of Irish Immigration Services and start your visa application process.
• Submit documents like passport copies, recent photographs, acceptance letter, academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, etc.
• Show proof of sufficient funds in the personal bank account, i.e. 7,000 EUR along with tuition fees 
• Pay the visa application fee of 100 EUR and appear for the visa interview on the allotted date for biometrics.

Read: Apply for a Student Visa in Ireland

Student Visa Work Permit in Germany vs Ireland

• In Germany, students can work up to 20 hours/week (part-time) during semesters and up to 40 hours/week (full-time) during holidays with a valid student visa.
• In Ireland, students can work up to 20 hours/week (part-time) during terms and up to 40 hours/week (full-time) during holidays (from June to September and 15th December to 15th January every year). 

Read: Know About Student Work in Germany

Stay Back Period in Germany vs Ireland

• In Germany, students can stay back till 18 months after completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree.
• In Ireland, students can stay back up to 24 months after completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree under the Third Level Graduate Scheme

Read: Post Study Work Visa Ireland

Post-study Work Opportunities in Germany vs Ireland

Both Ireland and Germany have incredible career opportunities after graduation or post-graduation. Once a student graduates from an Irish or German university, he or she can find employment within 12 months. Let’s have a look at the most dynamic work sectors in Germany versus Ireland:

Work Sectors in Germany

• Healthcare
• Automobile 
• Telecommunications
• Aviation
• Business Management

Read: How to Work While Studying Abroad?

Work Sectors in Ireland

• Pharmaceuticals
• Agricultural
• Mining
• Software
• Finance
• Marketing

Read: Job Roles in Ireland for International Students

Permanent Residency (PR) in Germany vs Ireland

• To obtain a permanent residency or Settlement Permit in Germany, students must graduate with a German University Degree and have a work experience of minimum 2 years in Germany. Also, you must qualify for the “Life in Germany” test to prove that you have enough knowledge about the culture, legal and social order in Germany.
• Students are entitled to be permanent residents of Ireland after they have legally lived in the country for more than 5 years and are employment permit holders issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. For Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, the application process for permanent residency starts after 2 years. 

Important Resources to Read
Scholarships in Germany	Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland vs Canada vs UK vs USA	Germany vs Other Countries
Student Life in Germany	Best Courses to Study in Ireland

When it comes to choosing a study-abroad destination, both Germany and Ireland are excellent choices for international students. While Germany tops in categories such as affordable tuition fees, low living expenses and graduates' employability rate, Ireland excels in high university acceptance rate, longer stay-back period and English-taught curriculum. 

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