Choosing the right destination to study is an important decision for international students. UK and Germany are amongst the top countries that offer such opportunities for international students. The universities in UK have an international reputation such as the University of Oxford, University of Leeds, University of Cambridge, etc. Germany has stellar educational institutions and provides free education to deserving students with great academic results. Universities in Germany include the Technical University of Munich, Freie University of Berlin, Heidelberg University, etc., which provide the best programs in science, technology, commerce, management, design, and more.
Also, there are a lot of differences between the education system and the cost of living in UK vs Germany. So, students need to have a detailed understanding of every factor before making their choice. International students who want to decide between Germany vs UK which is better to study can find all the details in this article. Here we are providing an informative comparison of both countries on the basis of the eligibility criteria, cost of studying, top universities, and much more.
Admission Criteria & Requirements to Study in UK vs Germany
Choosing an ideal country to pursue your higher education between UK vs Germany can be simple. Comparing the eligibility criteria and admission requirements of both countries can lead to an informed decision. Public universities in UK and Germany have different requirements for admitting students to their educational programs. Let us have a look at these requirements.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in UK
Students seeking admission to the best private universities in UK will have to fulfil all the eligibility criteria set by the institutions. The eligibility requirements are:
- Higher Secondary Education
- Bachelor’s Degree
- English Language Proficiency Scores
- ACT/SAT Scores
- GMAT/GRE Scores
- Work Experience
- Master’s Degree
Let’s know these requirements in detail:
1. Higher Secondary Education
If you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in UK, you have to complete your 10+2 education first. Students have to score a minimum of 60% or above in their Class 12 examination.
2. Bachelor’s Degree
In order to pursue a master’s degree in UK universities, students are also required to submit their bachelor’s certificate. Students have to score a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above in order to get admission to the top colleges and universities in UK.
3. English Language Proficiency Scores
International students also have to prove their English-proficiency and hence have to submit the score to IELTS or TOEFL examinations. The minimum score requirements for these English language proficiency tests:
- IELTS: 6.0+
- TOEFL: 100+
4. ACT/SAT Scores
The universities in UK that offer undergraduate or bachelors courses for international students also have the requirement for ACT/SAT scores. The minimum score required by top universities are:
- ACT: 16+
- SAT: 1100+
5. GMAT/GRE Scores
Standardised entrance examinations are pretty common in UK. Hence, students have to submit their GMAT/GRE scores to apply for masters programs. GMAT is essential for students applying for management courses and GRE is the general entrance requirement for masters programs. The minimum requirements for these test scores are mentioned below.
6. Work Experience
Students who have some sort of work experience can easily get admission to the top universities for master’s courses in UK. Students will have to submit an updated CV with at least 1-2 years of work experience.
7. Master’s Degree
For students who are applying for doctoral programs in UK, one basic requirement is to complete the master’s degree. Students can choose their specialisation of PhD in UK based on their interest.
Requirements to Study in UK for International Students
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Germany
- Higher Secondary Education
- Bachelor’s Degree
- English Language Proficiency Scores
- ACT/SAT Scores
- GMAT/GRE
- Work Experience
- Master’s Degree
Let’s discuss these requirements in detail:
1. Higher Secondary Education
Applying to English-taught Bachelor's programs in Germany requires the students to score a GPA of 2.6 or more in their 10+2 examination. Students can choose from different specialisations such as science, business, technology, humanities, and much more.
2. Bachelor’s Degree
Students applying for postgraduate studies in Germany are also asked to submit their bachelor’s degree certificate. To get admission into the top German universities, students have to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0.
3. English Language Proficiency Scores
Examinations like IELTS or TOEFL are highly valued in Germany. So, international students who want to study at the best German universities will have to submit their English language proficiency test scores whose minimum requirements are mentioned below.
- IELTS: 5.5 – 6.0
- TOEFL: 80+
4. ACT/SAT Scores
Students will have to submit ACT or SAT scores to study undergraduate courses in German universities. The average score requirements for the exams are mentioned below.
- ACT: 18 or above
- SAT: 1050 or above
5. GMAT/GRE
German universities also require students to submit their GMAT or GRE scores with their application. Students have to score a minimum of 550 marks or above on GMAT and 300+ on GRE.
6. Work Experience
International students should need to submit an updated resume detailing their work experience and achievement to get admission to German universities. For postgraduate courses in Germany, a work experience of 2 years is mandatory.
7. Master's Degree
Students will also have to submit their masters degree certificate if they want to pursue a PhD course in Germany. They can pursue a doctoral program from the top universities in Germany on the basis of their choice of master’s program.
Cost of Studying and Cost of Living in Germany vs UK
When comparing the costs of living and studying in UK vs Germany for international students, you might see a stark difference between the countries. The cost of education in Germany is negligible compared to the costs of studying in UK.
Also, the living expenses are quite less in Germany as compared to UK. We are dividing the overall expenses into two categories for both countries: tuition fees and the cost of living in Germany vs UK.
1. Tuition Fees in UK vs Germany
The program fees for different educational courses offered in UK and German universities are mentioned below in detail.
|
Study program |
Tuition fees in UK yearly (in GBP) |
Tuition fees in Germany yearly (in EUR) |
|
Bachelor’s degree |
15,000 – 25,000 GBP |
150 – 20,000 EUR |
|
Master’s degree |
22,500 – 35,000 GBP |
2,000 – 30,000 EUR |
|
Doctoral degree |
18,000– 38,000 GBP |
800 - 900 EUR |
2. Germany vs UK Cost of Living
The cost of living in Germany compared to UK is quite less. The different expenses that students have to bear while living in Germany and UK have been tabulated for better understanding.
|
Expenses |
Cost per year in UK (in GBP) |
Cost per year in Germany (in EUR) |
|
Campus Accommodation |
3,000 - 7,500 GBP |
320 – 350 EUR |
|
Private Accommodation |
8,000 - 9,000 GBP |
3,000 - 8,600 EUR |
|
Food |
4,800 GBP |
160 – 200 EUR |
|
Utility bills |
800 GBP |
70 EUR |
|
Phone & Internet |
600 GBP |
100 EUR |
|
Public Transport |
960 - 1,320 GBP |
85 EUR |
|
Entertainment |
1,800 GBP |
61 EUR |
|
Health insurance |
600 – 800 GBP |
1200 EUR |
Top Universities in Germany vs UK for International Students
International students want to know Germany or UK which is better for study. The education institutions are known for providing the best educational programs, training, courses, scholarships, and specialisations for international students.
Here we are providing a detailed overview of the top universities in both UK and Germany along with their QS World University Ranking 2023.
1. Top Universities in UK
Here is a list of the top universities in UK along with their QS World University Ranking 2023.
|
Universities in UK |
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
|
2 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
- |
|
|
91 |
|
|
114 |
|
|
181 |
|
|
190 |
|
|
240 |
2. Top Universities in Germany
To give a better understanding of Germany or UK which is better for study, here is a list of the top universities in Germany and their QS Rankings.
|
Universities in Germany |
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
|
59 |
|
|
49 |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
131 |
|
|
141 |
|
147 |
|
|
158 |
|
|
169 |
|
|
- |
Types of Universities in Germany
Differences in UK vs Germany Education System and Student Life
Students looking forward to pursuing their higher education in Germany or UK will have to gather information about the education system and student life there. Students will notice a stark difference between the education quality and other aspects in both counties. And to know the top universities in both the countries you can search on College Finder easily.
Some of these details are tabulated below to provide better knowledge about germany vs uk for international students.
|
Parameters |
UK |
Germany |
|
Quality of Education |
UK is renowned all over the world for housing some of the top universities such as: University of Cambridge University of Oxford University of Leeds University of Manchester
|
While the number of universities in Germany is less, the country makes up for it by providing quality education and minimum fees. Some institutes even offer free courses and programs for international students with excellent academic qualities. |
|
Popular Courses |
Business Studies Economics Accounting and Finance Law Art & Design Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering |
Engineering Business Management Humanities Computer Science Applied Arts Mathematics Fine Arts |
|
Student Life |
Aside from the program fees, students have to bear the costs of accommodation, food, transportation, study materials etc. while living in UK.
The overall living costs in UK are somewhere around 1500 GBP per month.
Students can apply for part-time jobs during their academic years. International students are permitted to work for 20 hours per week while studying in UK. |
While students have to bear the expenses of living, food, transportation, and entertainment in Germany, the costs are much less compared to UK.
On average a student has to spend 300 – 500 EUR on living costs.
During their academic year, students are allowed to work a total of 180 days half-time and 90 days full-time. |
Student Visa in UK vs Germany
In order to choose between UK vs Germany for international students, the visa requirements and process are also very important factors. Both countries require students to apply for their student visa for further education and work opportunities. We are providing some important details about the visa process for each country.
1. Student Visa for UK
- In UK, the full-time student Visa is known as the Tier 4 Visa. The total cost of UK visa for international students is around 350 GBP. Students will also have to pay the same amount in case they are applying for a dependent visa. Students will also have to pay an international health surcharge, the cost of which is around 705 GBP.
- Before granting the student Visa in UK, students might have to attend a personal interview with the consulate for approval.
- Students applying for the short-term visa will be allowed to stay for a period of one month in UK after the completion of their course.
Documents Required for UK Student Visa
- A valid passport
- CAS or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number & related documents for obtaining CAS
- Assessment documentation
- ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance report
- Proof of finances
- Certificate of Enrolment
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Pass-port size photographs
2. Student Visa for Germany
- The student visa in Germany is provided to students who want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. Students will have to apply for a residence permit if they want to continue their studies in Germany. The total cost of the Visa is around 75 EUR.
- The maximum validity of the Germany student visa is 2 years.
- Students will have to prove that they are capable of covering the expenses for at least one year in Germany.
Documents Required for Germany Student Visa
- Valid passport
- Application form
- A student declaration stating that the documents and information provided is true.
- Original and translated cover letter stating the reason for applying for the visa.
- Admission letter from a German University
- University Certificates & transcripts
- Proof of Language Proficiency along with German language test scores
- Proof of finances
- 3 recent passport pictures according to the biometric specifications
- Demand Draft for the Student Visa Fee
| Important Resources to Read About UK & Germany | |
Stay Back Options in UK vs Germany
After the completion of the courses, students can stay back in UK and Germany to pursue a career. The duration of stay is different in the case of UK and Germany. Let us take a look at the stay-back options that students have in both Germany and UK after their studies.
1. Stay Back in UK
Students can stay back in UK for a period of 2 years even after the completion of their course. Recently, students with a Tier 2 Visa can stay for about 5 years in UK after the completion of their education.
2. Stay Back In Germany
In the case of Germany, students can apply for a permanent residence to continue staying in Germany for a period of 18 months. If you have stayed in Germany for more than 5 years, you can then apply for a permanent Visa in Germany.
Post Study Work Opportunities in UK Vs Germany
Both Germany and the UK provide numerous employment opportunities for international students who want to build their careers. Students can choose from a wide range of career roles in both countries on the basis of their interests, specialisations, and expertise.
Different fields of commerce, business management, technology, science, humanities, sociology, and arts, seek to employ the best professionals who have pursued an education in these countries. Here we have mentioned the job opportunities and the salary scope for international students in UK and Germany.
1. Post Study Job Opportunities in UK
Also known as the economic hub of the world, UK has limitless job opportunities for international students. They can work in the top companies, institutions, organisations, etc. at high-paying positions. Here are some details about the job roles and annual salary scope of international students in UK.
|
Job Roles in UK |
Average Annual Salary (GBP) |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
1,24,410 GBP |
|
Executive Director |
1,50,000 GBP |
|
Medical Manager |
50,800 GBP |
|
Managing Partner |
1,07,529 GBP |
|
Quantitative Analyst |
73,350 GBP |
|
Software Architect |
78,276 GBP |
2. Post Study Job Opportunities in Germany
Germany is also on the list of the top countries that offer the best job opportunities for international students after the completion of their education.
|
Job Roles in Germany |
Average Annual Salary (EURs) |
|
Doctor |
89,539 EUR |
|
Finance Manager |
73,847 EUR |
|
Lawyer |
68,842 EUR |
|
Logistics Expert |
50,380 EUR |
|
Tax Advisor |
72,900 EUR |
|
Production Engineer |
75,500 EUR |
Part Time Jobs in Germany for International Students
Making the choice between UK vs Germany for international students is a difficult decision for a student. Each country has its own benefits, programs, and options that make it the best. With careful study of each criterion, requirement, and feature, students can make an informed decision about the choice of country for higher education. In case you want more guidance, choose Yocket Premium and find answers to all your questions.
