Germany vs Australia for International Students
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Germany vs Australia for International Students

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Sep 17, 2024 21:17 IST

Both Germany and Australia are some of the popular study-abroad destinations among international students. However, it is often confusing to choose which country is better for higher studies. In this article, we will discuss about the programs offered in both the countries, their admission requirements, top universities, the cost of studying, and more, so that you can make an informed decision between two of the top study-abroad destinations.

Country Comparison: Germany vs. Australia

Germany and Australia are popular study-abroad destinations for international students who are looking to study abroad. A lot of times, candidates are unable to decide between two destinations or universities or courses because they appear similar to one another. Through this article, we have tried to address this very confusion. In this article, we have provided a very unbiased outlook of Germany and Australia to help candidates make the right choice. We have taken into account popular parameters such as popular courses, job availability cost of studies as the deciding factors. 

Germany vs Canada Highlights 2024

Factors Germany Australia
Total International Students 416,437 717,587
Total Indian Students 33,753 1,22,202

Teaching Language

English and German

English
Top Universities
  • Technical University of Munich
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen
  • Heidelberg University
  • Free University of Berlin
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Australian National University
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of Sydney
  • The University of New South Wales
  • The University of Queensland

Admission Intakes

September | January | May

February | July | November

Average Cost of Studying

  • UG: €150 (public uni) - €20,000 (private uni) per year
  • PG: €2,000 (public uni)  - €30,000 (private uni) per year
  • UG: AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000
  • PG: AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000
Average Cost of Living 867 Euros monthly AUD 29,710 annualy

Admission Requirements

GMAT/GRE + TestDaF (if opting for German instructed courses) + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE

GMAT/GRE + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo

Best Student Cities

  • Berlin
  • Munich
  • Frankfurt
  • Hamburg,
  • Stuttgart
  • Münster
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Brisbane
  • Adelaide
  • Perth
  • Gold Coast

Popular Courses in Germany vs Australia

Germany

  • Computer Science Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Life Sciences

Australia

  • Accounting
  • MBA
  • Health Care
  • Information Technology
  • Education
  • Hotel Management.

Eligibility/Requirements for Germany vs Australia

Germany

Universities in Germany are often funded by the state but not necessarily regulated by it. So every university decides its own eligibility criteria and cut-off. Hence, it is advisable to check the university website for the specific program’s eligibility criteria.

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To pursue undergraduate courses in Germany you should have completed your 12th class and either one of the below -

  • Cleared JEE Advanced
  • Completed one year of bachelor's degree education from a recognized university in India
  • Cleared the Feststellungsprüfung – the entrance exam for different universities you would take to signify effective completion of Studienkolleg.

A high level of competition at the application stage results in universities asking for as high as 90% in your secondary school examinations. However, in case you have cleared your JEE Advanced, the cut off is 50%.








For a postgraduate program in Germany, you would need a German equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subjects. Apart from this basic requirement, the universities might also require you to have scored well in GMAT or GRE. For international students, IELTS or TOEFL, along with working knowledge of the German language are required. For German taught programs, a high level of proficiency in the language is required and you will be required to take either TestDAF or DSH.







Australia

For UG courses in Australia, almost all universities require 12 years of pre-university education, which makes it easier for Indian students to get admission directly to the course/degree of their choice.

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Is this recommendation relevant?

In PG courses, you can get admissions after finishing a three-year UG degree. In the case of engineering, you will need a four-year UG degree in engineering. To get admission in management courses you will have to appear for GMAT, and for science courses you may need to give the GRE exam.

You might not be required to have work experience in the case of management courses at some colleges. In the case of no work experience, you need to enrol in a graduate certificate or graduate diploma program. TOEFL or IELTS may be waivered by the university but are important for the purpose of getting a visa.

The overall cost to study and living in Germany and Australia is dependent on many factors like university, course, and location.

Cost of Studying in Germany vs Australia

Costs for undergraduates 

Particulars

Undergraduate course in Germany

Undergraduate course in Australia

Tuition

€150 (public uni) - €20,000 (private uni) per year

$15,000 to $33,000 per year

Room and Living expenses

€8,640 per year

AUD 29,710

Duration of course

3-4 years

3 years

Costs for postgraduates 

Particulars

Postgraduate course in Germany

Postgraduate course in Australia

Tuition

€2,000 (public uni)  - €30,000 (private uni) per year

$20,000 to $37,000 per year

Room and Living expenses

 €8,640 per year

AUD 29,710

Duration of course

1-2 years

1-2 years

Visa Process for Germany & Australia

Germany

For a German student Visa, these rules apply -

  • To stay in Germany for more than 90 days as a student, you are required to get a residence permit.
  • You are required to show funds worth €8,640 per year as proof of funds required for the cost of living.
  • A residence permit issued to students is valid for a maximum of two years. It needs to be renewed if the duration of the course is longer than the stated two years.
  • Students can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full time in an academic year. Presently, Germany is the only country where a student can pursue a part-time technical job in a related industry. Some universities also offer part-time jobs on campus called Hi/wi.

Australia

For the Australian student visa, these rules apply -

  • The Australian student visa is not granted in the form of a sticker.
  • It costs $ 535 to apply for this visa.
  • Spouses get dependent only if the student is pursuing Masters's degree or PhD. The spouses of Master's and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
  • Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their studies in Australia.

Post Study Work Permit: Germany vs Australia

Germany

International students are required to apply for a Residence Permit after completion of their education from a German University. The Immigration Laws permit the students who have completed their degree to apply for a Residence Permit of 18 months duration to look for a job related to their qualification. This permit is not combined with the Student Visa for Germany and you need to apply for it separately at the foreign nationals’ registration office.

In case you have a job offer that is relevant to your stream of education even before you complete your education, you can directly apply for a Residence Permit or an EU Blue Card.

Australia

Graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Other graduates may be eligible to apply for an 18-month subclass 485 visas through the graduate workstream.

Employment Opportunities: Germany vs Australia

Germany

Jobs in fields like the health sector, mechanical & automotive, electrical and electronics industry, building & construction, information technology & telecommunications etc. are some of the top jobs in Germany.

Australia

Top jobs in Australia are education, medical services, hospitality industry, computer system design, accounting etc. Note - The Indian concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment does not apply to foreign universities. Students are expected to look for internships and jobs on their own.

Permanent Residency Opportunities

Germany

If you have been living in Germany for five years on a German residence permit, you can apply for a German permanent visa. There are exemptions for shorter stay time requirements. After eight years of living there, you become eligible to apply for German citizenship. In case you marry a German citizen, you can apply for German citizenship immediately.

Australia

Getting a permanent residency permit to Australia is possible but it is a long process. The immigration officials conduct a thorough background check on the candidate to make sure s/he is not fraudulent. Because of the complicated process, the PR permit may take some time to get approved but it is possible to get Australian citizenship.

Climate in Germany vs Australia

Germany

German summers are hot and the winters are cold and snowy, but rains are unpredictable and common during all seasons. The average winter temperature is 3°C and in summers it is 22°C. Maximum temperatures commonly reach -10°C in winter and 35°C in the summer months. The country is divided into 16 states and has an exceedingly varied landscape, so it is difficult to generalize the weather for the whole country.

Australia

The country is located in the southern hemisphere. This means Australia's summer starts in December and winter begins in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid 20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is Germany cheaper than Australia for international students?

A. For an international student it is very important to know which country is more budget-friendly. Because at the end of the day it comes down to money. The first thing that you need to know is the currency used in both countries and its conversion rate to the currency of your country. Euro is the official currency in Germany and the Australian dollar is the official currency of Australia. Now, if you look overall in terms of US dollars then Germany is cheaper than Australia. Public transportation, food, housing and many other things, are very cheaper than in Australia. 

Q. Is Australia better than Germany?

A. Australia and Germany both are good countries for higher education. Both countries have the world’s top universities and are known all over the world for their standard and quality of education. In terms of quality of education, there is not much difference between Australia and Germany. However, if you consider the cost of living and tuition fees, then Germany seems to be a better option. Meanwhile, in Australia the native language is English, so it becomes very easy to communicate and adjust to the culture and society than in Germany. 

Q. Is IELTS/TOEFL required in Australia and Germany?

A. IELTS and TOEFL both are English language proficiency tests. These tests are required for international students belonging to non-English speaking countries. English is the official language in Australia and the mode of instruction in universities and colleges in Germany is mostly English. Universities in Australia require you a minimum IELTS/TOEFL score for admissions. In Germany, not all universities require IELTS/TOEFL scores. IELTS/TOEFL score also depend on the program you have applied for and the level of study. Therefore, if you are applying for a German university, you should check the university’s website and course entry requirements for IELTS/TOEFL.

Q. Between Germany and Australia which country has a lower tuition fee?

A. Tuition fee is an important aspect of pursuing higher education abroad. The first thing that a student looks at is, the best university/college for higher education and after that next important aspect of studying abroad is tuition fees. German universities are way cheaper than Australian universities. In Germany, public universities charge very minimal tuition fees. Tuition fees for international students in German public universities is just few hundred euros. Germany does not differentiate between domestic and international students. Tuition fees for both international and domestic students are the same in Germany. However, the tuition fees for international students and domestic students are not the same in Australia. 

Q. Why is tuition fee in Germany so less?

A. Tuition fees in Germany are almost nil for international students and domestic students. This is only in public universities, private universities and colleges are not free for either international or domestic students. Public universities and colleges are funded by the government of Germany. Therefore, they do not require funds from students. All the funds required for research and other expenditures are provided by the German government. There are several countries in Europe which are funded by their government and still charge a hefty tuition fee from international students then why not Germany? It is because Germany does not differentiate between domestic and international students. Therefore, the tuition fee in Germany is the same and almost nil for international students. 

Q. Is Germany more friendly to international students than Australia?

A. Germany and Australia both are foreign-friendly countries. The crime rate towards foreigners is very less. Germany and Australia both are secular countries. People are friendlier to foreigners and tolerant towards other cultures and traditions. You are free to practice your faith and celebrate your festivals in both countries and no one is going to object to that. Germans and Australians are liberal people, they respect other people’s opinions and beliefs. All foreigners are treated equally before the law in Germany and Australia. 

Q. What is the cost of a student visa to Australia and Germany?

A. You are required to have a visa to go to Australia and Germany for higher education. Germany is part of the European Union, therefore, students from EU countries do not require a visa to go to Germany for studying. Other than EU countries there are several other countries’ nationals that do not require a visa to visit Australia and Germany. For Australia, you need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) and the base application charge for it is AUD650. To accelerate the student admission and visa process, the German Embassy has introduced the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS). APS is attached to the science section of the German Embassy in New Delhi. Indian students are required to pay 75 Euro for a student visa, however, minors (age 0 – 17) are charged 37.50 Euro

Q. What are the chances to get admission in Australia and Germany?

A. Australia and Germany are some of the most sought-after destinations among international students for higher education. Getting admission into a university in Australia or Germany is a dream for many. However, the admission rate in Germany is relatively lower, it is relatively difficult to get admission into German universities. However, the rate of admission in Australian universities is very high. There is a very high chance that you will get admission in Australia with ease. This factor makes Australia more attractive for international students to apply to Australian universities than German universities. 

Q. How long can you live after graduation in Australia and Germany?

A. Studying abroad is not the only thing that international students think about when they go to study abroad. Australia and Germany both are some of the richest countries in the world. The living standard in these countries is also world-class. Therefore, after graduation, you think of working in Australia and Germany. After graduation, Germany allows international students to stay in Germany for 18 months and seek for a job. However, Australia allows international students to live in Australia for two years after completing of graduation of international students, to seek jobs. 

Q. How is the health system in Australia and Germany?

A. Health system is important for international students. It is important to see if the health system was cheap or expensive in Germany and Australia. The German healthcare system is considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Hospitals in Germany are equipped with high-tech machinery, tools and healthcare services in Germany are world-class. The German healthcare system makes it mandatory for international students to have health insurance. The Australian healthcare system is also one of the best in the world. The Australian healthcare system is not centrally organized and there are a wide variety of options available for international students for coverage via private insurers. 

Q. How is the weather in Australia and Germany?

A. Germany is located in western Europe. Germany is a cold country the overall temperature is cool all over the world. The average temperature in Germany ranges from negative degree Celsius in winter to 25 degree Celsius in summer. Australia is a continent in itself. It is located in the Indian Ocean. It is a vast country with varied weather. Australia has a tropical climate in the north and moderate temperature in the south of Australia. However, there are some parts of Australia that experience extreme heat and the maximum temperature in summer reaches as high as 50 degree Celsius. 
About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Germany, France, Ireland and Sweden Expert

Priyakant Sharma brings over 14 years of diverse experience in operations management, team leadership, and devising sales/merchandising strategies for multi-unit retail chains across Europe and India. Transitioning ... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(14)

S

Sahil Rana

3 years ago

where should i do bachelors in nursing germany or australia i have got 85 in 12 can i get scholaship pls tell me

Reply to Sahil Rana

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Sahil. The article provides a very unbiased approach to both Germany and Australia. You can get in touch with our Shiksha Counsellors to decide further on your approach: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply Check out popular universities in Germany here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/germa

...more

Hello, I have completed my bachelor's in Computer Science and Engineering. Which country do you think is better for a master's degree? (Germany or Australia)

Reply to Tanka Prasad Tiwari

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Tanka. We have tried to provide a balanced comparison between Germany and Australia on factors that we think are important to our students. Both countries provide equal opportunities to international students, you will have to be the better judge to understand which country would benefit you

...more

In which country there more opportunities in Masters in finance Germany or Australia ?

Reply to Vatsal Kakasaniya

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Vatsal. There are a lot of factors that come into play, your qualification, your university, your grades. the better the grades the better the opportunity whether you are in Germany of Australia.

V

Vishal Patel

4 years ago

Hi, I have completed my bachelor in Instrumentation and control engineering with CGPA 7.50. Can I get admission in any German public university related to my field for Masters?

Reply to Vishal Patel

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Vishal. Check out Public Universities in Germany, courses offered, fee structure, eligibility requirements and admission criteria here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/list-of-public-universities-in-germany-articlepage-1995

M

Murshid Msd

4 years ago

Which is the best country for masters in computer science and applications ?

Reply to Murshid Msd

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Murshid. you can check out popular MS in Computer Science & Engineering Colleges Abroad, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-computer-science-engineering-from-abroad-ds11509277? for the best countries visit: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/best-country-for-studying-abroad-articlepage

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