You want to study abroad, but you are hesitating. This choice matters for you and your future. To help you, we will compare Germany and the UK, to know which location is the best to study abroad. Our article will give you important information to consider. We will look at the living costs, tuition fees, and much more together. Let’s see who will win the Germany vs UK battle!
1) Tuition fees
It is one of the most important aspects. Students often need to save money for their studies and some even make loans. In the UK, the amount needed depends on several factors, such as the university’s reputation or the level of study. Just like any other country, the chosen city also affects the price. Please note that some universities charge higher fees for students coming from other UK nations. Classroom studies are the less costly, and the most expensive are the clinic ones. Studying subjects like Maths or History is also cheaper than Languages, or Biology and Physics. Our source is The Complete University Guide’s Reddin survey.
Undergraduate degrees: EU students would pay between ~$1,580 and ~$12,200 per year. For them, it is cheaper than for other international students. Students outside of the EU would pay from ~$5,190 to ~$42,310.
Postgraduate degrees: EU students’ tuition fees go from ~$1,780 to ~$55,650. For other international students, it goes from ~$2,635 to ~$67,750.
MBAs: EU students would pay from ~$3,300 to ~$83,100 per year. But most of them cost between ~$14,000 and ~$19,800, for both EU and international students. MBAs for students outside of the EU would cost between ~$1,320 and ~$83,100.
We can agree that UK’s education may not be accessible to everybody. On the other side, Germany offers the possibility to study for free.
According to the DAAD, the state finances most institutions. Only the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg charge non-EU students tuition fees of ~1,650 per semester, except doctoral students. Aside from that, some private institutions may ask for substantial fees. Students in Germany have to pay a semester contribution, used by the student services and government. Sometimes, it can include a ticked used for transportation. It costs between ~$110 and ~$385. Germany clearly wins this one!
Germany 1 – 0 The United Kingdom
2) Cost of living
Besides tuition fees, students have to pay for clothes, rent, food, or transportation. As rent depends on the location, we took the two capital cities and two less popular cities as examples.
Comparison of expenses according to Numbeo:
-A meal in a cheap restaurant: ~$10.95 in Berlin, ~$19.80 in London
-1 kg of chicken fillets: ~$7.75 in Berlin, ~$7.60 in London
-1kg of potato: ~$1.55 in Berlin, ~$1.50 in London
-Monthly pass for local transport: ~$92.10 in Berlin, ~$208.65
-Monthly pass in a fitness club: ~$29.55 in Berlin, ~$56.70 in London
-Pair of jeans: ~$86.50 in Berlin, ~$83,70 in London
-Summer dress: ~$35.20 in Berlin, ~$41,80 in London
Berlin is way cheaper than London for living expenses. For an apartment of 1 bedroom in the city centre of Berlin, you would have to pay ~$1,190. In London, it costs ~$2,300. It would cost $640 in a German city like Saarbrucken. In an England city similar to Canterbury, it would be around $945.
Germany 2 – 0 The United Kingdom
3) Paperwork
It’s not always easy to move out to another country. There is a lot of paperwork to do. But we are here to see where it’s less difficult to get a visa or a residence permit.
Some students will not need a visa to stay in Germany, just some paperwork to prove their right to stay. It applies to EU citizens and students coming from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. The students from countries like the US, Great Britain, or Honduras would only need a residence permit to stay for over three months. Check out the full list here.
Other international students would need a visa to stay and study in Germany. If your institution already accepted you, apply for a student visa costing ~$82,50 or ~$41 if under 18. Otherwise, choose a prospective student visa. Please note it would take several weeks to months to get your visa. We suggest you plan ahead. To get this visa, you would also need to prove you have access to ~$11,350 per year.
Do you want to avoid spending that much? Check out our Ultimate Guide to German scholarships!
In the UK, it’s different. They ask for ~$450 for a student visa application if you live outside the UK. To extend it while in the UK, you would need ~$625. The UK also asks for proof that you can finance yourself, depending on the city you will study in. If it’s in London, you will need ~$15,825. Outside London, it would be ~$12,140. You will get a response to your application about 3 weeks after if outside of the UK, otherwise 8 weeks. There are also scholarships available in the UK.
If we don’t take the scholarships into consideration, applying for a German visa is less expensive. It may take time, but it’s worth it.
Germany 3 – 0 The United Kingdom
4) Culture
Germany and the UK are both interesting locations. It’s up to you to choose which one looks more appealing to you. Do you like German specialties like Black Forests and Spätzle? Or do you prefer Fish’n Chips and Triffle? Food is an important matter. You should also check the possibility of eating kosher, halal, or vegan if you have food restrictions.
In both Germany and the UK, you will find beautiful landscapes to admire and enjoyable activities to do. You can enjoy hiking and biking at King’s Lake or visit the South Stack Lighthouse.
You can also choose a location that seems familiar to you. Or a city that is known for its cultural plurality. You are the person who knows you best. These two locations have a lot to offer, and great people to get to know.
Germany 4 – 1 The United Kingdom
And the winner is…. GERMANY!
For its inexpensive costs, Germany is the winner of this Germany vs UK battle! The United Kingdom is a great competitor because its culture is famous worldwide. Queen Elizabeth II may disagree with us, but you would be more financially stable in Germany. Check out our subscription plans and Ebooks if you need more information. We are here to make those upcoming years memorable!
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