After its battle against the UK, Germany is ready to compete against Italy. Together, we will study different aspects of a student’s life to know where you should study. Courses in English, tuition fees or driving license… Who has the best advantages for international students? Let’s see who will win the battle this time!
1)Driving License
While public transport is easy to use and pretty common, it’s always nicer to be alone at 8 am. Especially when you are not a morning person. No bad breath, no people stomping on your feet…. a pure dream!
In Germany
EU and EEA students can use their driving license until it expires. Except for those using motorcycles and below 18, driving large goods vehicles and over 50 or driving buses 5 years after the delivery of their license. After its expiration date, they would need to exchange it for a German driving license. They can also do that before the expiration, which can be more practical. For other international students, their driving license is valid for 6 months, after their having registered their address. If their license does not come from San Marino, Hong Kong, Monaco, the EU, Switzerland, Senegal or Andorra, they would also need a translation for a maximum of 80 euros.
Indeed, if non-EU/EEA students want to stay in Germany, the best way to continue using their license is to exchange it for a German one. They can do that by going to their registration local office, passing a theory and a practical exam. Some students, like those coming from Namibia or South Africa, don’t have to take those.
In the same way, they can choose a costlier manner to get this license. They could follow 12 theory classes and at least 20 practical ones. While the first option will cost you between 800 to 1200 euros, this one is worth almost 2500 euros.
In Italy
EU and EEA students can use their driving license for up to 2 years spent in Italy. After that, they have to renew it. Moreover, any international student would also need an International Driving Permit worth ~18 euros if you apply here. For other international students, their driving license is valid for a year. After that, they have to exchange it by making a request to the Civil Motorisation. Then, they have to provide diverse documents, a few more for non-EU citizens.
For this one, we must admit that Italy is pretty practical. Also, it seems like you would save more money. Italy wins this one!
Germany 0 – 1 Italy
2)Cost of living
One of the most important things to take into consideration. We will compare the cost of living in the two capitals. Then, we will look at the rents in the two capitals and two less popular cities.
Here are a few numbers we found on Numbeo:
-Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 euros in Berlin, 15 euros in Rome
-1 litre of milk: 0,95 euros in Berlin, 1,37 euros in Rome
-Chicken fillets (1kg): 7,10 euros in Berlin, 8,44 euros in Rome
-Apples (1kg): 2,33 euros in Berlin, 2,05 euros in Rome
-Potato (1kg): 1,44 euros in Berlin, 1,46 euros in Rome
-Monthly pass for local transport: 84 euros in Berlin, 35 euros in Rome
-A summer dress: 33,46 euros in Berlin, 33,88 euros in Rome
-Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment: 264,84 euros in Berlin, 190,48 euros in Rome
Now, let’s look at the rent in Rome, Berlin, Parma and Saarbrucken. A 1 bedroom apartment in Berlin will cost 1 077,61 euros, while in Rome it would be 1 027,59 euros. Outside of the centre, it would cost 751,48 euros in Berlin and 688,57 euros in Rome. In Saarbrucken, a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 616,67 euros, against 610 euros in Parma. Outside of the city centre, it would be approximately 475 euros in Saarbrucken and 470 euros in Parma.
As we can see, the rents are very similar. For groceries, Germany is a little less expensive, but Italy is less costly for transportation. It’s a win for the two parties!
Germany 1 – 2 Italy
3)English-Taught Classes
As an international student, we know you are most interested in courses in English. Chances are, English is the language you are most comfortable with when in another country. Let’s see what we have in Italy and Germany.
As we know, Italy is not famous for being an anglophone country. According to masters portal, in Italy, there are:
- 185+ English-taught Bachelors
- 700+ English-taught Masters
- 70+ English-taught PhDs
Let’s see Germany’s data on the same website:
- 350+ English-taught Bachelors
- 1 500+ English-taught Masters
- 85+ English-taught PhDs
Numbers speak for themselves. Germany is the winner of this one!
Germany 2 – 2 Italy
4)Tuition fees
Another important aspect to take into consideration. We already covered tuition fees in Germany in our battle against the UK. As we know, public institutions are tuition-free for everyone in every state except the one of Baden-Württemberg. This state charge non-EU students tuition fees of 1500 euros per semester. But it does not apply to doctorates. Sometimes, to follow your studies, you may have to pay some fees, but it is still not expensive. Aside from that, students all have to pay for a semester’s contribution, which can include a transport ticket. The student services and government receive it. It costs between 100 and 350 euros.
On the other hand, Italian public institutions are not free. It will cost you between 900 and 4000 euros. It is not expensive compared to other countries, but it’s still more than in Germany.
Germany 3 – 2 Italy
And the winner is…. GERMANY!
Well, this battle was tough. But the well-deserving winner is Germany! Indeed, its tuition-free institutions and the many classes in English available are remarkable. But Italy was a fierce competitor, with a lot of assets too! The two of them should just share a plate of spaghettieis, a spaghetti-looking ice cream, and stay friends!
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