STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS WHILE STUDYING IN GERMANY

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Studying in Germany is a great opportunity. Depending on the level of tertiary education, there are different things you need to know before you decide to study. In this article, we will look at the study abroad programs in Germany respectively, and what to expect of them.

Applying for a Bachelor’s Degree

This is the degree for anybody fresh out of high school and looking to expand their education further. It is the foundation of all other university qualifications, and can lead you on to higher, specialized degrees in your industry. A certain level of German language proficiency is required of each prospective student, and standard German degrees are tuition-free, except for a few administrative costs (between 200 to 350 euros) and take approximately three years to complete. From there, you are free to study a second bachelor’s degree, or proceed with a master’s degree. Here at Kampus Konnekt, we can help you with language training as well as helping you find the perfect school for your needs. With almost 400 officially recognized universities in Germany, you will be assisted in no time.

Applying for a Master’s Degree

This is the second highest degree a university graduate can obtain, after receiving their initial bachelor’s degree in the same educational field. It takes approximately two years to finish, but can be longer or shorter depending on the subject being studied. Like a bachelor’s degree, they are almost tuition-free, and there are also much more opportunities to study courses in English. A basic language proficiency may still be required by some universities, but most programs can be taught fully in English.

Applying for a PhD

Contrary to popular belief, PhDs can be one of the longest qualifications to obtain in Germany. It takes between 3 to 6 years to complete, varying from discipline to discipline. Furthermore, pursuing a PhD is only free for the first three years of study, after which tuition fees are charged, and can vary depending of the educational institution.
Over 50,000 degrees are awarded to international students in Germany annually, and the figures are growing each year. Kampus Konnekt is growing the international community in Germany one student at a time. No matter the degree, we are here to help.

FINDING AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN GERMANY

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As an international student, getting comfortable and affordable accommodation in Germany, in a reserved environment is something you should importantly put into consideration.

First of all, you should ensure you find a very safe environment to stay in and ensure that the apartments are cheap and quite comfortable. You should also make sure that the apartment is quite closer to your school campus to avoid lateness to class.

How to find affordable accommodation in Germany

  • Search for a flat you can share with someone: If you seem to be the outgoing and tolerant type of person, free to live with other people, then you can consider sharing a flat with someone else. To easily find a roommate, you could look some up on www.wg-suche.de, where you’d see several roommate requests, you could choose from. With this, you can save money and also socialize with other new people, making friends with them.
  • Living for help: Living for help occurs mostly between a younger person and an older person. You get to live with older people for free and in exchange, you help with their daily chores.
  • The quality of your desired apartment: One thing you should put in mind when finding accommodation in Germany is what quality or characteristic of an apartment you want. When you know this, it helps you to set a budget you can comfortably work with.
  • The students’ hall of residence: The students’ halls of residence are always located within the university or closely beside the university. With this, you wouldn’t have a lot to spend and it can be easy for you to commute in and out of school.
  • Private accommodation for students: If you are a student who prefers to live alone, adoring your privacy, then you can opt-in for private accommodation by renting your own apartment which is of course quite expensive. But as this is your own choice, you get to have your own privacy and make your own rules and regulations.
  • Student Housing Leads: In case you find it difficult to find affordable accommodations in Germany, here are some leads that could help in finding apartments:
  • The University Notice Board: Always tend to look out for the notice boards at school. Accommodation ads are placed on the university notice boards and you could also personally place your housing advert on the board too. Whichever way works for you.
  • Online Platform: You can find lists of your desired apartments you wish to live in on these online platforms. Some of them are: Nest pick, WG-GESUCHT, immobile, Kalaydo, and Wohnungs Boerse etc.
  • The Local Student Union: They are always in charge of the housing applications of the residents. You can get help from them if you are finding it difficult to get an apartment for yourself, they’ll help with the process of getting you a flat. Almost every university in Germany has this union. They can also be called the Studentenwerk.

HOW TO ACE YOUR GERMAN STUDENT VISA INTERVIEW

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While admittance into a German university is one of the first steps to getting your degree, successfully processing your German student visa interview is another.

Before you can relocate to Germany, you are required to have an interview with the German embassy in your country for assessment of competency regarding your studies in Germany.

In this article, we will review a few common questions and tips that are likely to come up in your interview, should you require one.

Questions Regarding your Decision to Study in Germany

Most of the questions asked will revolve around your choice to study in Germany – why you picked a specific place, and why you picked your course. Answering this question does not require any specific information.

Generalized answers regarding the quality of education and your passion for your desired course is good enough. The following questions may be asked:

Why do you want to study in Germany?

Why did you pick that specific university/ city?

Why are you interested in the course you applied for?

How did you find out about this university?

Isn’t this course offered by any college or university in your country?

What other universities have you applied to?

Questions Testing your General Knowledge of Germany

Questions in this category are asked to test your familiarity with Germany and its culture. It is advisable to do research on lifestyle and all things German to ace this section. These kinds of questions include:

What tourist places do you know and what are they famous for?

Can you speak German?

Where is Germany located and what are its neighboring countries?

What are the most expensive cities to live in, and what are their average living costs?

How many states are there in Germany and can you name some of them?

Questions Regarding your Study Plans

Seeing as you are going to Germany for scholarly purposes, it is very common for the embassy to ask for details about your studies. Here are a few questions that could come up:

How long is your course and what does it entail?

What is your highest level of education?

What have you done since your last graduation?

Questions to Ascertain your Financial Stability

Although German tertiary education is relatively not costly, the German embassy might question you on your financial security and how you intend to sustain your stay in Germany. Here are some questions they may ask:

How are you funding your education?

How much will you be able to earn after your studies?

Where will you stay in Germany?

What will be the total cost of studies per year?

Questions about your Plans for the Future

Study plans aside, the embassy is very likely to ask about your life after your degree. This section includes:

What are your plans after studying?

Where would you like to work after studying?

What are your career aspects?

Advice For the Interview
Alongside these questions are a few tips that may help you to give the best impression possible. Take note that it is not mandatory, only suggested.

Dress smart. As you prepare to answer the questions in the interview, it is good to also prepare your appearance to depict professionalism and seriousness.

Be punctual. Whether it is a few minutes early, or right on time, make sure not to be late as this may create a negative start to your interview. Try as much as possible to be a pleasant client.

Make sure you have all documents. An interview may prove to be useless if you do not bring all of the required documents needed to process your student visa. It may result in you having to re-sit the interview a second time, or even having your student visa denied.

Applying for a student visa may sound challenging or daunting, but it is a smooth transition if you can prep yourself beforehand. The entire process will feel lighter in the moment, and it will be easier to complete, as you know what to expect.

THE LIFE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN GERMANY

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As a foreigner in a country you’ve never been to before, you might probably find it difficult to feel at home or to get used to the environment or even how things are done.

As an international student living and studying in Germany or planning to, there are quite some interesting facts you should take note of. Germany has a lot to offer aside from the success of the German educational system.

The Grace of Learning a New Language

I know quite a lot of us find learning a new language fun and interesting. Even if you don’t fall into this category, as an international student in Germany, there is a chance that you’d be tempted to learn the German language for better communication with people. The German language happens to be the most spoken language in the world and the most spoken native language in the European continent. With this, there is an open door of job opportunities waiting for you in German companies globally.

Work Opportunities Available on a Platter of Gold.

In Germany, international students are allowed to work part-time unlike in some other countries where there are restrictions but only for up to 20 hours a week or 120 days full days a year. This could help your employment experience and also help pay bills, reducing the burden on your finances.

You must also keep in mind that, international students aren’t allowed to be self-employed or to freelance and if you want to work past the limited hours, you are to take permission from the local employment agency and the foreigner’s registration office.

Here are some of the part-time roles you can lay your hands on in Germany, as an international student:

  •  A Tutor
  • A German Language translator
  • A Waiter
  • A Babysitter
  • A Writer
  • A Bartender
  • A Cashier
  • A Courier
  • A Library Supervisor at your academic institute
  • A Filling document officer
  • A Media Personae

 Read More on How to Fund Your Studies in Germany

A Chance for Exploration

If you love to travel around Europe and vlog, seeing new places and trying new things, I guess it’s a plus for you as an international student in Germany. There are lots of beautiful places to visit and new food to try, new culture and customs to learn and new friends to make. This gives room for socialization and cultural awareness.

A Low or No Tuition Fee

For public universities in Germany, the cost of studying is low or free. This makes it easy for international students to live and learn comfortably. 

The Standard of Living

The standard of living in Germany as an international student is quite low. The expenses of rent and other finances are affordable. With this, there will be enough to save and probably invest. Read here for more tips on how to live in Germany.

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The Work Opportunities In Germany

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Working in Germany is a great opportunity for anybody looking to grow their career as well as start it. In this article, we will look at three sectors that dominate the German economy and the various work opportunities in Germany that can be pursued both within and out of these industries.

Opportunities in Medicine

Germany is by far one of the leading economies in the advancement of medical and general science, with over 1000 research facilities, and at least 536,000 physicians and related careers countrywide. A doctor in Germany earns an average salary of 40,000 euros annually, with endless possibilities to upgrade and for specializations.

The general requirements are one full bachelor’s degree in medicine for a standard doctor and a master’s degree for a specialized doctor.

German is used in most of the medical industry, so thorough prerequisite knowledge of the language is required.

Kampus Konnekt provides German language classes, as well as helps you identify and apply to prospective schools that may help you achieve a degree in your desired program, for anybody looking to set up a healthcare career in Germany. 

International medical degrees obtained outside Germany are acceptable, albeit require additional specialized language examination. Among medicine, psychology and natural science are also on the rise and are currently thriving and provide secure jobs across Germany.

Work Opportunities in Engineering and IT

The automotive, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering industries are the four biggest contributors to Germany’s economy, currently turning over 1800 billion euros in gross national profit, and employing 6.2 million engineers and technical co-workers, whose numbers are rising with the constant enhancement of technology.

With an average annual salary of 44,000 euros, there are more than 3600 engineering and IT employees nationwide, with abundant work opportunities for more workforce to keep up with the rigorous manufacturing industry that sustains Germany.

Work Opportunities in Architecture

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With a constantly growing population in a dynamic world, architects are greatly depended on to create visual works of art in form of their building work. Germany can be seen as an artistic hub when it comes to infrastructure, as the entire country comprises a diversity of architectural styles and expressions.

Whether it’s domestic housing or corporate buildings, architects earn an average of 52,000 euros annually, and are in constant demand across all industries, creating a pool of opportunity for architects in the industry.

The cost of living is relatively higher in the western world, but thankfully so are the salaries. Aside from monetary value, working in Germany stands to give you a better quality of life than the European average, and an enjoyable working experience. Kampus Konnekt is the ultimate German hub, we’re set up to help you with all the information you could ever need; just send us a message and we’ll get in touch.

You can also read more about the economy of Germany here.

THE CULTURAL DIVERSITIES IN GERMANY

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Different countries around the world are known for several unique things. The same can be said for a country like Germany. Living in Germany exposes you to the customs, culture, and traditions that contribute to what makes the country and the people unique. Let us take a look at some of the cultural diversities in Germany.

Language

The German language is the official and most spoken language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Italian province of South Tyrol. The German language serves a purpose of an important second language in the Central and Eastern languages. Some of the Western works are written in German. For example, popular works in Philosophy, literature, physics, medicine, art, history, chemistry, and many more are written in the German language. If you’re interested in learning German, check out our page.

 Religion

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Christianity has to be the largest religion in Germany. According to research, 54% of people practice Christianity, 40.1% have no religion, 5.0% practice Islam, 0.2% practice Buddhism, 0.1% practice Judaism, 0.1% practice Hinduism, 0.1% practice Yazidi and finally 0.4% practice other religions aside the ones stated.

Local Cuisine

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The local cuisine in Germany is part of the cultural diversities in Germany. Different countries have foods that they love to eat and consider as unique. In the culture of the Germans, their food is made up of several distinct recipes, which include plenty of vegetables, meat, bread, potatoes, etc. Considering this, you are less likely to go out of the idea of what to eat even if you are the type that is quite choosy.

 The quality of German foods has a high rate of a meat diet, which provides quality protein that helps to maintain, grow and heal the muscles, tissues, and skin of the body. It is also rich in vegetables which help to aid easy digestion.

Music

Ever heard of Rock and Pop? These genres are the most listened to in Germany. Classically, German music is one of the most performed music in the world. Where they have popular composers like Ludwig Van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, and many more known in history and around the world.

Fashion

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Traditionally, Women in Germany wear what is called ‘’Dirndl’’. It has a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, and a wide high waist skirt attached with an apron. For the Men, it is called ‘’Lederhosen’’. It is a well-known outfit which commonly means ‘leather trousers’, worn by riders, hunters and other outdoor laborers.

It could generally be worn during festivals, parties, weddings, or any special gatherings.

The Festivals, Holidays and Celebrations

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As other countries have special days reserved for special events. Part of the cultural diversities in Germany are the special festivals and celebrations that occur every time of the year.

Here are some of the festivals, holidays, and celebrations that occur every time of the year in Germany

  • Three King’s Day (Drei Konigstag): in Germany, this is the celebration of the 12th day of Christmas.
  • Spargelfest: this is the celebration of white asparagus and it is celebrated during spring.
  • St. Martin’s Day: it is celebrated by youths and this is another chance for German kids to collect candies, after Halloween.
  • Beethoven fest: this is a live concert with classical music.
  • Wurdtmarkt: this is the largest wine festival in Germany. It has to do with the tasting of wine.
  • Munich Opera Festival: this is a musical festival, celebrating culture through music and arts.
  • Rock Am Ring and Im Park: this is a celebration of different music genres like rap, rock, pop and metal.
  • Erntedankfest: it could also be called ‘Thanksgiving’. This is a religious holiday celebrated on the first Sunday of October.
  • Mother’s Day: it usually takes place on the 8th of May. This is the celebration of mothers, expressing our love for them by giving gifts.
  • Oktoberfest: this is an annual beer festival, celebrated for 16-28 days and which days place around the middle of September to the first Sunday of October.

Architecture

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There are so many famous, attractive and beautiful buildings in Germany. As a foreigner, you could visit some of these places where these famous buildings are located to enjoy the view and take beautiful pictures. Some of these buildings are built half-timbered and from brick.

Some of these famous buildings are:

  • Schwerin Castle
  • Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral
  • Reichstag Building
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Duchess Anna Amalia Library
  • The Semperoper, Dresden
  • Wiblingen Monastery Library
  • Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart Library
  • Vischering Castle

Sports

The major and most popular sport in Germany is football. Other sporting activities are car racing, track and field, cycling, boxing, tennis, handball, alpine skiing biathlon, and ski jumping. For the Olympics, Germany had the highest number of medals during the 1992, 1998, 2002, and 2006 winter Olympics in Turin. 

Arts And Crafts

German arts and crafts create a cultural sense of belongings and experience for people in and out of the country, especially the kids. There are so many beautiful German arts and crafts that have been created in history, which represent a part of the German culture.

Some of the arts and crafts which make up part of the cultural diversities in Germany are:

  • Glashutte: watchmaking
  • Lauscha: Glass Manufacturing
  • Burgel: Small Town Pottery
  • Seiffen: Wooden Art And Toys
  • Markneukirchen; Instrument Making

Symbols

There are symbols in Germany that represents the country as a whole; they show and tell more about the culture, life, history, and people of Germany.

 Some of them are:

  • The Flag: the flag is a national symbol of Germany. It consists of black, red and gold colors.
  • The Coat Of Arms: the coat of arms of Germany has a black eagle with a red beak, a red tongue, and red feet on a golden field. It is one of the oldest coats of arms in the world and the oldest national symbol used in Europe.
  • The National Anthem (Deutschlandlied): it has been the national anthem since 1922.
  • The Majestic Mark: the iron cross was a military decoration in the kingdom of Prussia and later on, it was in the German Empire.
  • The German Reunification: this was a process by which the German Democratic Republic became part of the Federal Republic of Germany to form the reunited country of Germany in 1990. 

If you’re looking toward migrating to Germany, we’re here to make the process seamless for you. Get a free assessment from us here. You can also read more about the cultural diversity in Germany here.

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What Is It Like To Live In Germany?

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Life outside our home country can be quite different from what we have grown around. Different languages, food, and much more. Experiencing such contrasts can be such a culture shock to somebody who has lived differently their whole life. Moreover, it can be uncomfortable sometimes. This article explores the lifestyle and culture of modern-day Germany, sharing things that you may experience or see there. Let’s see together how it is like to live in Germany.

Food

The German diet is nutritious and heavy. It consists mainly of bread, potatoes, and meat, as well as cake, coffee and beer. Pork is one of the most commonly eaten meats, as sausage or otherwise. Their bread also has a variety of taste and appearance to it, with an abundance of cafes and restaurants. Each one filled with their own unique recipes and twists to popular European food. Common meals may differ from town to town. But there is no shortage of hearty meals and flavorful drinks and desserts. While you live in Germany, you can travel to experience lots of new food.

Weather and Climate

Germany has a temperate climate all year round, with relatively cold winters and moderately warm summers. Although the country experiences four distinct seasons, German weather can often be unpredictable. This is due to different types of currents coming into the country from contrasting regions.

Leisure

In German lifestyle, we normally spend free time doing some sort of physical activity. You can spend your time jogging, skating and cycling, as a casual weekly hobby. More relaxing pastimes include meeting friends at cafes, appreciating different forms of visual art and literature, as well as playing board games. Modern-day hobbies like watching television and surfing the internet are also greatly prevalent, with reading as one of the most common hobbies.

Architecture

German infrastructure is very historical and diverse. They preserved all European architecture styles within Germany, differing from city to city. The disintegrating of the country through centuries of history caused this. Major events such as the damages brought about by the world wars have greatly contributed to the architecture that Germany has to offer today. We can see the country as a building of all shapes and sizes. Without forgetting about the famous Berlin Wall.

Tradition

German traditions vary in size and atmosphere, but all have the same prospect of food involved. A good example is the quaint act of ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’, which is translated to coffee and cake, that is to be often enjoyed in the afternoon among family and friends. In another light, we see the Oktoberfest, where multitudes come together to enjoy and celebrate beer and fellowship throughout the entire month of October. One contemporary tradition that does not involve food is Germany’s love for international travel and sightseeing, with Italy Spain and Austria as the most common destinations.

Culture and Etiquette

Among the German people are values that the country holds dear, and one such value is punctuality. Germany is known for thriving off of order and structure, where things such as punctuality and formality are respected to a higher degree than most countries. Family and community is also a big part of German culture, as well as being conscientious and hardworking. This often induces an environment where familiar peers and neighbors alike invest in quality time and building each other up, creating a place where everyone builds the capacity to hold traditional German values, and keep the cycle going.

In Germany, all genres of life are accepted, and the very concept of life itself is celebrated and enjoyed, as seen by the many efforts of the German to create and maintain zeal in their everyday life. The modern lifestyle of Germany is one that promotes health, happiness, and constant improvement of the environment. Who doesn’t want that? If you want to live in Germany, check out our services for support!

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Why Choose Germany?

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With almost 200 countries worldwide, picking a suitable destination for your tertiary education is a hard decision to make. One place for some of the most important years of your career. As we dive into some factors to consider, this article brings you a few reasons you should choose Germany.

High Quality Education

With well-established institutions that date back as far as the fourteenth century, Germany has created a well-respected community of universities. Indeed, they are famous for working and striving to bring the best education to prospective candidates worldwide. With over 40 internationally recognized universities, and over 17,000 study programmes nationwide, Germany has more than enough options. It is perfect for a high school graduate looking for a potential university match. Germany serves high-quality education with a prestigious degree that will guarantee you a job. Choose Germany and you will not stress about employment opportunities continuously depleting.

Affordable Education

Many countries in the world have respectable universities and greatness to offer. But the difference between them and Germany is gaining that education will not create a financial strain on their students. As a nation, Germany is strong enough to support its universities through state finance. Moreover, it does not require any high amounts of tuition fees to deliver their education. The idea of affordable yet high-quality degrees presents an opportunity to bridge the wealthy and the less wealthy together. It gives a greater audience the chance to better themselves through knowledge and educational growth.

Rich Culture and Lifestyle

As a first world country with old roots and a great economy, Germany is perfect if you are looking for more than just a school and books. Within this beautiful country is rich history, culture and lifestyle. With incredible architecture and classic art and music, Germany stands to give students an enriching experience. This may broaden their minds and challenge their perspective, creating the bright young leaders that we need to direct today’s world.

Advantageous Location

Positioned fairly close to the center of Europe, Germany seems the perfect place for a student to live. It is very easy for one to travel to other countries for leisure trips places far and wide. Whether by train, plane or sea, travelling around the continent becomes conveniently cheaper because of Germany’s central location. With abundant job opportunities for students, university becomes an opportunity to not only study but explore the world.

The opportunity to study tertiary education is valuable, and its requirement in the modern world has grown considerably fast over the last century. Germany offering it at such a beneficial cost is all the better. Choose Germany, choose opportunities.

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How Do I Apply For Graduate Studies In Germany?

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Germany, a great country in North Central Europe, is the largest economy and the second most populous country in Europe. It is also famous for its generous approach to higher education. The country boasts of public universities which charge no tuition fees to students, regardless of nationality or continent. One should take note of the following before applying for graduate studies in Germany.

Academic Requirements and German Language Requirements

The most important document to provide for admission in Master’s Degree in Germany is a suitable Bachelor’s Degree. It does not have to be a German Bachelor’s Degree, but it still needs to be recognized by German universities. Universities usually require that your Bachelor’s degree is in a similar field (i.e. your major) as the Master’s program you want to apply for, the so-called “field of studies requirement”. In some cases, universities also require work experience as part of the application process. If you are interested in a PhD program, you must already have completed a Master’s degree.

Applying to Universities in Germany

Make sure to contact the university you want to attend directly for detailed information on the application requirements of their Master’s programs.

Costs Associated with Studying in Germany

Please check out Times Higher Education’s website for more information.

Finding the Right Degree Program

For all available degree programs offered at German universities, you can check the DAAD database and also Study in Germany’s website, as well as Hochschulkompass. If you would only like to see programs in English, visit the DAAD database for international degree programs. Make sure to contact the international office of the university you are planning on applying to for details.

So what are you waiting for? German universities are famous for delivering high-quality education and a lot of these universities even rank among the best in the world. By choosing to study in Germany, you can be sure to get an education that is well above the global average, which will come in very useful when looking for a job after graduation! Check out our services so we can support you through your graduate studies in Germany!

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Germany VS France: The Best Place To Study In

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Germany was the great winner of 3 previous battles against the UK, the US, and Italy. But now, we would like to see an interesting battle between Germany and a close country: France. As some of you may know, the French regions “Alsace” and “Lorraine” were German for a moment. Thus, German culture can be found in these French areas. But even if they share some aspects of their culture, is their education similar? Is it easy for international students to live there? How do those countries function? Let’s see the best location to study abroad! Who will win, France or Germany?

1) Tuition fees

Tuition fees make a huge difference in the choice of a higher education institution. In France, students have to pay to get into a public university, unless they benefit from a scholarship. The fees to join an undergraduate program won’t go over 650 euros. For a master’s degree, it will be around 250 euros, and 400 euros for a Ph.D. French public universities are pretty inexpensive, and it will be the same price for Europeans and other international students.

As stated in our previous articles, Germany offers the possibility to study for free. Only the state of Baden-Württemberg charges fees of 1 500 euros to all students except doctoral ones. International students can choose from various prestigious universities without worrying about the cost. So, all they would have to pay is an administration fee, which may also include a transport pass.

As usual, Germany wins this one with its easy access to education! Other countries should definitely take Germany as an example.

German 1 – 0 France

2) Cost of living

The cost of living is always something to take into consideration. Everybody enjoys saving money. Just like we did in our previous articles, we will look at monthly expenses and rent prices in the capital cities, Saarbrucken and Toulon.

Some numbers, according to Numbeo:

-Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 euros in Berlin, 15 euros in Paris

-Rice (1kg): 2,12 euros in Berlin, 1,99 euros in Paris

-Chicken Fillets (1kg): 6,98 euros in Berlin, 12,23 euros in Paris

-Potatoes (1kg): 1,54 euros in Berlin, 2,05 euros in Paris

-Monthly transportation pass: 84,50 euros in Berlin, 75 euros in Paris

-A pair of jeans: 80,56 euros in Berlin, 99,33 euros in Paris

A big part of the monthly expenses is rent. In Paris, a 1 bedroom apartment costs 1 267 euros per month, while it would be 921 euros outside of the center. However, it would be 1 127 euros in the city center of the German capital, and 787 euros outside of it.

In Toulon, France, rent would cost 700 euros in the city center, and 600 somewhere else. In Saarbrucken, it would be 616 euros and 450 euros.

Indeed, Paris is surely famous for being really expensive! But it also applies to the rest of France, if we compare it to Germany. Still, the difference is even more important in big cities! Germany is the winner again.

Germany 2 – 0 France

3) Paperwork

Some foreign students can live in Germany just by proving their rights. It is the case for those coming from the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. Moreover, it’s pretty easy for students coming from Great Britain, the US or Honduras, and many other countries since they would only need a residence permit to stay over 3 months. However, other international students would need a visa costing 80 euros or 37,50 euros for minors. This visa requires the possession of 10 332 euros per year of study. But you can still avoid this by checking our guide to studying in Germany for free!

In France, EU and EEA students would only need a travel ID document or passport to study there. But, it’s more complicated for other international students. They would need a long-stay visa to pursue their education there. To get it, you must prove your proficiency in French, give information about your previous degrees and grades, and prove you have 615 euros per month (7 380 euros per year). The visa costs 58 euros.

Indeed, it’s easier to stay in Germany since you don’t have to speak German or be an outstanding student, but on the other hand, you need less money to study in France. It may sound illogical, as France is more expensive than Germany. Still, it’s pretty easy for french-speaking people to get their visas. We would say it’s a tie for this one.

Germany 3 – 1 France

4) Culture

As mentioned above, the regions of “Alsace” and “Lorraine” share a similar culture to the German one. For example, Strasbourg is famous for its Christmas market. You can also spot some people that speak German dialects there, which are always interesting to hear!

Still, Germany has its own interesting habits like the abendbrodt, their typical dinner with bread, meats, and cheese. In France, meals really depend on the area you live in, which is really interesting. In these two countries, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.

Germany 4 – 2 France

And the winner is… Germany!!

Germany stays undefeated! Free education, interesting culture, inexpensive life… You will get everything you need! We definitely hope France is not too disappointed and offended. Also, this post was written by a French person so that’s okay. Are you interested in pursuing your education in Germany after reading our article? Check out our services to get started!