UK Vs. Germany For Studies: Which Country Is Better For Indian Students?

The UK is known for the best universities in the world and easy visa process, while Germany is popular for free education (for the students with distinction) and quality education. Although, both are amazing options, yet there are 5 critical factors to consider before you choose a country to study in: Germany or the UK.

These important factors include the eligibility, cost of studying, top universities, process and ease of getting a post-study visa or PR visa. Read on to know more.

1. Eligibility for students: The UK vs Germany

The UK

• For a postgraduate course, you must have an undergraduate degree from the UK or overseas.
• For under-graduate study, you should have completed at least 13 years of education.
• Must have pre-university qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels, Scottish Highers or National Diplomas.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP), Essays and A letter of recommendation (LOR) are required.
• For language proficiency, you must either have 58% or more in English subject in intermediate or  you must take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• It is mandatory to appear for GMAT to get admission to management courses in the UK. 
• GRE score is also required to secure admission in science courses.
• British universities also prefer to take international students with prior work experiences. 

Germany

• Each university in Germany has its own eligibility criteria. 
• Feststellungspruefung is an entrance exam for different German universities. 
• For Indian students who have cleared JEE Advanced, the cut-off mark is just 50%.
• For a Bachelor degree, Entrance Qualification, Transcript of Grades, Proof of German language proficiency, ID or Valid Passport Copies and Letter of Motivation (Optional) documents must be submitted.
• For a Master’s degree, Recognized Bachelor Degree, Transcript of Grades, Proof of Language Proficiency (German or English), Motivation Letter, Important References and Work Experiences (Optional) documents must be submitted.
• Other documents to be submitted by Indian students include University Admission Letter, Proof of Financial Resources “Finanzierungsnachweis”, Proof of Health Insurance Coverage, University Entrance Qualification and Proof of Language Proficiency.
• You can apply for a German post-graduate program only after completing a relevant subject course equivalent to a German bachelor’s degree. 
• If you don’t hold an Indian master’s degree, you will only be allowed to study in certain subjects and you are to complete a preparatory course.

Key Takeaway:

• IELTS or TOEFL is required by both Germany and the Uk universities. 
• However, Germany has mandated proficiency in German too.
• The UK has more standardized eligibility requirements than Germany.

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2. Cost for studying and living in the UK and Germany 

 

 

 

Tuition Fee

UK

Undergraduate Courses

£8,000 - £15,000 per year

Postgraduate Courses

£10,000 - £20,000 per year

Germany

Undergraduate Courses

€20,000 (Pvt univ) per year

Postgraduate Courses

€30,000 (Pvt univ) per year

 

 

 

Tuition Fee

UK

Undergraduate Courses

£8,000 - £15,000 per year

Postgraduate Courses

£10,000 - £20,000 per year

Germany

Undergraduate Courses

€20,000 (pvt university) per year

Postgraduate Courses

€30,000 (pvt university) per year

 

 

 

Room and Living Cost

UK

£12,500 - £15,000 per year

Germany

€8,640 per year

 

 

 

Room and Living Cost

UK

£12,500 - £15,000 per year

Germany

€8,640 per year

 

 

 

Course Duration

UK

Undergraduate Courses

3 years

Postgraduate Courses

1 - 2 years

Germany

Undergraduate Courses

3 - 4 years

Postgraduate Courses

1 - 2 years

 

 

 

Course Duration

UK

Undergraduate Courses

3 years

Postgraduate Courses

1 - 2 years

Germany

Undergraduate Courses

3 - 4 years

Postgraduate Courses

1 - 2 years

 

 

 

Total Expenses

UK

Undergraduate Courses

£20,500 - £30,000 per year

Postgraduate Courses

£20,500 - £35,000 per year

Germany

Undergraduate Courses

€8,790 - €28,640 per year

Postgraduate Courses

€10,640 - €38,640 per year

 

 

 

Total Expenses

UK

Undergraduate Courses

£20,500 - £30,000 per year

Postgraduate Courses

£20,500 - £35,000 per year

Germany

Undergraduate Courses

€8,790 - €28,640 per year

Postgraduate Courses

€10,640 - €38,640 per year

3. Student Visa process: Germany Vs The UK 

In Germany, an Indian Student has to acquire a residence permit for study programs lasting for more than 90 days. Also, Level B2/ C1 knowledge in German Language is mandatory.

Whereas the UK, has quite different immigration rules. Read on to know the differences below.

Application process to Study In the UK

These are the steps that you need to follow when you are applying for a UK student Visa:

Step 1: Check your Qualification

Check whether you are qualified for the student visa or not. To prove your qualification, you need to have:

• Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) letter from the school or college that has accepted your admission in the UK.
• Proof of funds that will cover your academy fees and staying costs in the UK.

Step 2: Documents Required

Get all the required documents necessary to apply for a UK student Visa like:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Passport-sized recent photograph
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee
• Proof of funds

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (If needed)
• Medical test results for tuberculosis
• Payment of the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
• Written agreement from financial sponsor (in case of sponsorship)

Step 3: Apply Online

• Create and register an account on the Official UK website
• Once you create an account, print and sign the completed form 
• Use an online appointment calendar to book an appointment for your visa application
• Once done with the online application, you will receive an email with your application number

Step 4: Pay the application fee

You can make the payment of £348 for your visa application in 4 ways. 

• Payment through Standard Chartered Bank
• Demand Draft (DD) from a foreign Bank or National Bank
• Payment at a visa application Centre
• You can pay your fees online by using a Master or Visa debit or credit card

Step 5: Visit Visa Centre

Visit the visa application center on the given date to submit your application, along with documents and biometrics.

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Application process to Study in Germany

Here are the steps that are required for a German Student Visa

Step 1: Look for the German Embassy or Consulate near You

Look for the German Embassy that is near you. You can get the required information from the German Embassy near you online.

Step 2: Documents Required

Gather all the required documents that are necessary for Germany Student Visa like:

• Two completed visa application forms
• Passport and Photographs
• Proof of admission into a study program.
• University admission letter “Zulassungsbescheinigung”
• Authenticated certificates of earlier education
• German university entrance qualification “Abitur”
• Curriculum vitae 
• Proof of Funds “Finanzierungsnachweis”
• Blocked bank account
• Letter of commitment by a local resident “Verpflichtungserklärung“ 
• Letter of declaration by a parent
• Scholarship awarding certificate 
• Covered health insurance
• Biometrics
• Motivational letter
• Marriage certificate (If married)
• Proof of having paid the visa application fee. The fee is 60 EUR
• Proof of German language proficiency

 Step 3: Apply Online

Create and register an account on the Official German Embassy or consulate. Once you create an account, print and sign the completed form. 

Review the procedures and documents required for the visa process before setting up a visa appointment 

Step 4: Set Up a visa appointment

When you have all your documents ready, you can log into the Germany Embassy Website and set an appointment date for your visa application.

Step 5: Pay your application fee

You should pay an application fee of €60.00 to €75.00 and carry the payment confirmation when you are attending your visa interview. In case your visa gets rejected, the application fee is non-refundable.

Key Takeaway:

• It takes 3 weeks to process a UK student visa application for the General Student Visa [Tier 4].
• A German student visa application takes up to 25 days to be processed, while other German visas take upto 3 months.

4. Top Universities in Germany & In The UK

Top Ranking Universities in The UK

 Germany Best Universities

Key Takeaway: 

Among the UK and Germany, the UK has some of the best universities that rank among the top 10 globally, like Oxford and Cambridge universities.

5. Permanent Residence Opportunities 

• Yearly Student Immigrants In The UK vs Germany

Annual Report in the UK

As per June 2020 reports, 255,776 Sponsored study (Tier 4) visas were granted (including dependents) in the UK. Over 37,500 Indian students received a Tier 4 (study) visa in 2019 – a 93% increase from the previous year. 

A significant 93% rise has been recorded in the number of Indian students in the UK. Indian student numbers in London grew by 34.7% in 2018-19, marking the largest numbers since 2011-12.

The UK also aims at attracting 600k student immigrants by 2030. With the new points-based system in place, priority will now be given to students skilled in scientific, academic and technology backgrounds.

Annual Immigrants for study in Germany

Germany is among the most famous study destinations in the world. 

Winter Semester of 2019-20 showed a record-breaking growth by 20.85 percent in the number of Indian students in German universities over the last year. 

German culture is attractive for Indian students. They are also the second-largest group of international students in the country. 

2018-19 statistics showed a steep 18.44% rise with approximately 21,000 Indian students coming to Germany in 2019.

The number of Indian students in Germany has also almost doubled in the last five years.

Key Takeaway:

• Both countries are actively issuing study visas, especially to Indians.
• 17% of 299,023 study visas offered to Indian nationals, having a high approval rate for number of Tier 4 visas granted to Indian students in the UK.
• A total 25,149 Indians registered at German universities over the last academic year, and 20.85% Germany study visas issued to Indian Students.

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How to get a PR status In the UK?

Students have a permanent residence opportunity while they are pursuing their higher education in both countries. Let’s go through the process required:

Step 1: Get an Internship

Get an internship or part-time work related to your study course. A Tier-4 Student is allowed to work for 20 hours per week. Students can work full time during the summer and Christmas holidays. An internship or a part-time job will improve your resume and your chances of getting a PR in the UK.

Step 2: Get Employed

Get employed with a Post Study Work Visa (PSW) after completing your graduation.

Step 3: Apply for an ILR Visa

Once you have stayed for 5 years after completing your graduation, you can apply for an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa” to get a Permanent resident Visa in the UK. 

To get an ILR visa, these are the following things are required:

• 5 years of work experience in the UK
• A full-time job
• Stable Income
• Have to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test
• Good IELTS Score
• Good Character Certificate
• No Criminal Records

The process of getting an ILR visa can take up to 6 months.

German PR and Permanent EU residence permit In Germany 

1. German PR Opportunity

Students can try to acquire PR after Graduation in the following ways:

• Step 1: Check the duration of your stay

It would be best to have a legal residence permit as a student and have worked in Germany for two years; you can apply for a German PR Visa. 

You can even apply for a PR Visa if you have worked in Germany for 21-33 months and have an EU blue card.

Note: If you are in the final year of your Graduation, apply for the extension of your legal residence permit.

• Step 2: Job and Salary Proof

You have to provide:

• Offer letter of your Job
• Enough Financial stability to support oneself
• Adaptability for German Culture. 
• Step 3: Fluency in the German Language

It would be best to have at least a B1 level in German Language proficiency. You should also have the necessary information about Germany’s politics, social and economic life.

• Step 4: Payment to  pension Insurance

For a permanent residence in Germany, you should make donations to the statutory pension insurance of Germany. A graduate must give their contribution for 24 months in this pension scheme. 

Apart from this, you can get a German PR when you marry a German citizen and stay there for three years. Also, if you are born in Germany you can directly apply for a German PR.

2. Permanent EU residence permit In Germany 

Similar to the Germany PR status, a Permanent EU residence permit lets you permanently settle and work in Germany if you have lived in Germany for 5 years.

It also allows you to live in any of the EU countries and also apply for a resident permit in any of them (if you meet certain conditions). You can enjoy all the social benefits to comfortably live and work there.

Key Takeaway:

The UK and Germany, both require certain conditions to be met.

• You can apply for a PR in the UK after living there and working with a stable income for 5 years.
• Germany gives you 2 options where you can apply for a PR visa within 2 years or after 5 years of living there.
• Germany specifically emphasises on contributing pension funds that vary depending on the duration of your stay in the country, whereas the UK doesn't have this rule.
• Working While Studying

Work Opportunities while studying In the UK

For the UK, Students having a Tier 4 student visa and a full-time degree course should follow these steps:

• According to UKVI, a student with a Tier 4 student visa can work 20 hours a week from Monday to Sunday. 
• Students can work full time during their vacation period.
• Students can work full time if the work is an integral part of the course that the student is pursuing. 
• Students can work as a Student Union Sabbatical for two years.
• If a student has a Tier 4 visa for a part-time course, he/she is not allowed to take any work during their tenure.

Work opportunities while studying In Germany

Yes, students can work in Germany with a student visa; here are some points you should know before applying for a job while studying in Germany.

• International Students from EU states are permitted to work only 20 hours a week during their graduation term. However, if they work for more than 20 hours, they will be treated as a regular employee by the government.
• Students from Non-EU states (Indians included) are permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days either during their term or in vacations a year.
• If a student has a job as a Student Assistant in a University, then this 120 days of work rule won't be applicable.
• If pursuing a language course in Germany, you will require work permission from the Germany Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) and the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit). The student is only allowed to work in their lecture-free periods.
• A student can work for more hours if the work assignment is compulsory by your study Course.
• In Germany, working more than your work hours or limit is not permitted by the government; you have to pay health insurance, nursing and care insurance fees. Furthermore, violations of rules will result in deportation.

Key Takeaway:

Both countries have good work opportunities for students pursuing their education. Students in both countries can work 20 hours a week during graduation term and full-time during holidays.

• Post-Study Work (PSW) Opportunity

Rules to work after graduation In the UK

A UK Post-Study Visa allows international students to stay back in the US for two years after graduation. Students can stay back and search for work during this period.

According to new visa rules, The Graduate Route 2021, will be available for international students who have a valid student visa. This will be effective from Summer 2021.

• You should have completed your graduation or above in a recognized university in the UK.
• Undergraduates can stay up to 2 years after graduation or a master's degree. Ph.D. graduates can last up to 3 years.
• Once the applicants find a job during this time, they can easily switch to a skilled work visa.

Rules to work after graduation in Germany

The student planning to work and stay in Germany should follow these rules and regulations for German Student Visa and immigration process:

• Your residence permit expires once you have graduated from the university
• You should apply for the extension of your residence permit before its expiry.
• You will have a period of 18 months to stay in Germany and search for a job.
• Students who have a job already do not have to follow the above steps.
• Once you get a proper job in Germany, you have to apply for separate work and Germany Residence Permit.
• One can also apply for an EU Blue Card. This card is for students who want to work and live in other European countries. 

Key Takeaway:

With the new graduate route, post-study work opportunities in the UK are easier for Indian students than in Germany.

• Intakes & Top Universities in the UK & Germany

Intakes at the UK Universities

There are 2 main intakes in the UK. 

• September Intake: This is the main intake in the UK. It offers all courses to international students. 
• January Intake: This is a secondary intake. Not too many courses are offered in this.
• May Intake: This intake is not largely available. Yet, there are some courses available for you at this time. 

German Intake at Top Universities

There are only 2 intakes every year in German universities:

• Summer Intake: This intake runs from March to August or April to September. Some deadlines usually fall before January 15.
• Winter Intake: This is for the winter semester passing over September to February and October to March. Check out for the deadlines, which usually fall before July 15.

Note: Students are advised to apply at least four months in advance. 

Key Takeaway:

The UK has three intakes while Germany has only two intake periods. This means you have more chances to apply for higher studies in the UK than Germany.

• Language Tests: Germany Vs The UK

Here are the language tests that  are required by UK and Germany:

Key Takeaway:

• To study in Germany you have to prove your language skills in both German and English. 
• You have to present proof of intermediate to advanced German language skills (level B2/C1) to study in German Universities.
• A minimum score of 5.5 in IELTS is required to get admission in UK University. However, few universities have their own IELTS requirements. 
• Most Sought-After Fields in UK Vs. Germany

In-demand skills In the United Kingdom

• IT Support Professionals
• Data Scientists
• Blockchain Engineers
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Teacher
• Geologists
• Physical therapists
• Skilled trades
• Engineers
• Hospitality and catering staff
• SEO/SEM Marketers

In-demand skills In Germany

• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Automobile Courses
• Physics
• Life Science
• Retailers-related Courses
• Scholarships Offered

You can check out the scholarship schemes offered by the UK and the German governments here: 

• Grading System Comparisons 

United Kingdom Grading System

• The UK grading system tells more about a student’s specific skills and academic strengths. It also helps employers to understand an applicant’s true potential.
• UK education follows a ‘Letter Grade Scale.’ It ranges from A to F. Letter ‘A’ is awarded for outstanding knowledge. The letter ‘F’ stands for failing with a low score.

Here is a table to explain the UK grading system:

Grading System In Germany

• Most German universities follow the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The European Commission developed this grading system.
• The ECTS is a standard method to determine academic accreditation for international courses. 
• A student can achieve 60 ECTS credits in one academic year. On average, students can earn 30 credits per semester.
• Credits are only given for completed courses. 

Here is a table to explain the German Grading System:

Key Takeaway:

• A student requires a minimum of 40-45% to study in the Uk, while Germany has a higher cut-off of 50-65%.
• Medical Care

Healthcare facilities provided in the UK

• The UK maintains state-funded medical care called the National Health Service
• This healthcare scheme guarantees to care for all free of cost
• The average health insurance cost for one person in the UK is £1,435 per annum

Healthcare facilities provided in Germany

• Germany has a universal multi-payer health care system. 
• All Germans and legal residents are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare.
• In addition, citizens must have either state or private health insurance.
• The cost of German healthcare coverage can vary from €80 to €1,500 per person per month.

Key Takeaway:

Both Germany and the UK provide good medical facilities along with good health insurance for its citizens.

• Latest Immigration News and Updates for The UK and Germany

UK Immigration Updates 2020

The UK is introducing a points-based immigration system from 2021.

From 1 January 2021, free movement will end and be replaced with the UK’s new points-based immigration system. 

5 October 2020, brought  the 'new points-based system' Student route into force. There would be no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK under the route.

Priority will be given to highly skilled individuals, such as those with scientific, academic and technology-related qualifications. 

This is aimed at increasing the total number of international students choosing to study in the UK higher education system each year to 600,000 by 2030. British Council highlighted that the change would have a positive impact on the number of Indian students choosing the UK as a higher education destination

All migrants looking to enter the UK to work or study will need to apply for permission in advance.

Indian students starting a UK course in autumn will be eligible to apply even if they need to start their UK course online due to COVID-19

Germany Immigration Updates 2020

Germany has introduced a new Skilled Immigration Act, effective 1st of March 2020 that allows skilled workers with vocational and non-academic training from any non-EU countries to migrate to Germany for work. 

If you have a 2 years vocational training with a certificate similar or equivalent to a German degree to show as proof, you will be able to apply to work in Germany and also apply for permanent residence.

Non-European Union students (Indians) will be required to receive a “certificate of presence” from Germany’s universities, in order to apply for a visa. 

You will also need to prove proficiency in the German language first.

With the new law into effect, students in Germany can now change residence status by switching to other types of residence permit before the completion of their studies.

August 31st, 2020: COVID 19 didn't affect immigration numbers in Germany. 

Almost 60,000 international prospective students from 183 countries of origin applied for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Germany by the deadline on August 20.

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General Comparison Between the UK and Germany

Here is the general comparison between between UK and Germany on the given factors: 

Key Takeaway:

• On Average Life Satisfaction reports, the UK has 7.2 grade and Germany has 7.0 grade in average life satisfaction - meaning, people in both countries are satisfied with their life. 
• According to the World happiness Index Britain ranks 15 in the world whereas Germany ranks 17. It means that Britain people are pretty much happier than Germans
• The UK has more stable job market than Germany with lower unemployment rate of 3.90 %
• The crime rate is much lower in Germany than in the UK. 
• Incidents of overall racial discrimination are higher in the UK

Other Important FAQs

Which country is most expensive to study – the UK or West Germany?

Studying in the UK is more expensive than in Germany.

Can UK students study in Germany for free?

Yes. UK students can study in Germany for free for undergraduate courses.

What is Abitur?

“Abitur” is the highest German school leaving certification. It enables the certificate-holder to take admission to any course of study at any university in Germany.

Is a German degree valid in Great Britain?

Absolutely. German degrees are recognized all across the globe.

Which is the best European country for higher education?

The best European country for higher education is Germany for non EU students. The United Kingdom comes next and then France. The Netherlands is also emerging as an ideal destination for higher education.

Is it good to study in Northern Ireland?

Yes, it is. Ireland is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world. Northern Ireland is mainly known for its excellent educational facilities.

Conclusion

While more than 12% of the German Students population consists of an international crowd, the UK has more recognized universities with extravagant British-architecture. But this is barely a scratch on the surface.

Here is a brief summary of differences between the UK and Germany:

So, which country Is better For Indian Students planning to study abroad?

Let’s make a final comparison: 

• Study visa process and requirement

The UK has an easier visa process than Germany. 

You need to be proficient in English to study in the UK, whereas Germany requires you to know both German and English.

• Cost of study for Indian students

Between Germany and the UK, Germany would be a cheaper option for an Indian Student looking to pursue higher studies.

• Work Opportunities

Britain outshines Germany in terms of work opportunities; its wide range of job opportunities along with lower taxes and work diversity makes England an ideal place to look for any kind of job.

• Skills in Demand

Both the UK and Germany have many in-demand jobs for Indian Students who want to pursue a career after their graduation in the respective country.

• Visa Processing Time

Among Britain and Germany, Britain has a faster visa processing time for Indian applicants. 

Britain usually takes 3 weeks (21 days) to process a visa application, whereas Germany takes 25 days to 6-12 weeks to process a visa application.

• PR Opportunities After Graduation

To get a Permanent Residence in the UK after graduation, you must have lived and worked for 5 years to be eligible to apply for an “Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) Visa” to get a Permanent resident Visa in the UK.

A German Settlement Permit is a permanent residence for international students who have lived and worked in Germany for 2 years.

Okay, so that’s it! 

We hope you now have a general idea on what suits you better, studying in Germany or in the UK.

However, if you want a customized answer that is specific to your profile, we can help!

Feel free to get in touch with our study visa experts!

How can Kansas Help you?

Kansas Overseas Careers is the best visa consultant in India with a high success rate. Served 20K+ customers and over 3K+ active cases. 

You can expect a one-stop solution for all your visa needs from profile evaluation, documentation, application drafting to post-visa services with Kansas.

Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in Permanent Residency Visas, Work Visas, Study Visas, Temporary visas, and Dependent Visas to Canada, UK, USA, Germany, and Hong Kong. 

Apart from these services, Kansas offers its clients personalized services for students who want to study abroad:

• Profile Evaluation: We verify your application, documents, and assist you with way-forward strategies based on your preferences. 
• Admission Guidance: Compare between the best programs, colleges, and countries you can study in. We also arrange mentorship from existing students.
• Test Preparations: Free online sessions conducted by industry experts to help you out-perform important exams in your first attempt.
• Documents & Review: Be it Admission Essays, Student CV, Statement of purpose (SOP) and even Letter of recommendations (LOR), our dedicated team will have your back. 
• Scholarships & Financial Aid: We help you find the best Scholarships programmes, Education and Study abroad loans, and even help sourcing paid-Internships.
• Visa Filing: Kansas ensures that your visa application meets all the standard requirements as per the immigration authorities of the country that you are applying for.  
• Visa & Interview: Expert guidance on document preparation & visa interview
• Post-Landing Assistance: Suitable Accommodation once you have landed at your study-destination, including other customized services

Additional services offered to job-seekers:

• Resume Writing: Dedicated team of resume experts to craft the best resumes that meet prerequisites of immigration authorities and potential employers. This greatly improves their chances of selection.
• Profile Marketing: Kansas is well-known for creating the best-in-class portfolios that boost applicant profiles in job-portals. And yes, this is a complimentary service!

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