UK vs Germany: Which Is Better For Indian Students?

UK and Germany are the top education destinations for Indian students planning to study abroad. When choosing between the UK vs Germany for Indian students, one must consider everything from course fees to campus life to make the right decision. Education in both the UK and Germany provides strong work opportunities in business, engineering, computer science, and other significant job prospects.

This Story also Contains

1. UK vs Germany for Indian Students in 2024: Highlights
2. UK vs Germany Education System: Which is Better?
3. Popular Courses to Study in UK vs Germany
4. Admission Requirements in UK vs Germany
5. UK or Germany: Which is Better for Indian Students for Masters?
6. UK or Germany Which is Better for Living?
7. UK vs Germany: Tuition Fees
8. Scholarships in UK vs Germany 2024
9. UK vs Germany Universities Ranking
10. UK or Germany which is better for a job?
11. Conclusion: UK or Germany Which is Better for Indian Students?

QS World University Ranking 2024 has ranked 14 UK universities and 5 German Universities among the top 100 universities in the world. However, determining which country is best to study abroad can be evident after reading the article below. Those wishing to study in Germany or UK in 2024 must read the entire article to learn about the admission standards, cost of living, ranking, and other major differences between the UK vs Germany for Indian students.

UK vs Germany for Indian Students in 2024: Highlights

UK vs Germany Education System: Which is Better?

Both the United Kingdom and Germany provide international students with world-class education. Here's an outline of the higher education system for students planning to study in UK and Germany.

Education System in UK

The United Kingdom is a popular academic destination, especially to its internationally recognised educational system and worldwide accepted degrees. The UK offers a variety of degrees to international students:

• Undergraduate: In the United Kingdom, undergraduate degrees typically last three years. They offer degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). However, MBBS and other medical degrees might take more time to complete.

• Masters degrees: These courses usually take 1-2 years for international students. Some of the popular academic degrees include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Germany Education System

The German education system is popular among Indian students due to its quality of education and affordable educational cost. Germany offers the following types of degrees to international students:

• Undergraduate degrees in Germany typically last three to four years. Engineering, humanities, arts, social sciences, and natural sciences are among the disciplines offered at colleges in Germany.

• For international students, a master's degree in Germany takes approximately 1-2 years to complete. Energy, engineering, business administration, and computer science are some of Germany's top bachelor's degrees.

• International students can also apply for a doctoral programme in Germany, which usually lasts three to five years.

Furthermore, several universities in Germany provide summer schools and short courses for international students, which typically vary from a few months to a year.

Popular Courses to Study in UK vs Germany

Admission Requirements in UK vs Germany

Admission standards in the United Kingdom and Germany demonstrate distinct approaches to education. An overview of the entrance requirements for both countries is provided below.

UK Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for UK universities vary depending on the programme, university, and nationality.

Undergraduate: Candidates must have obtained excellent scores in their most recent secondary school exams (GCSEs, A-Levels, or equivalents). The specific grade required will vary according on the course of study and the admission competition at the selected university.

Postgraduate (Masters): A Bachelor's degree (Hons) from an accredited university is often required, along with a minimum grade point average (GPA). Some programmes may additionally require particular field requirements.

English Language Proficiency in UK

As the majority of courses are taught in English, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking any of the following standardised exams:

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Most UK universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0–6.5.

• TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language): A TOEFL iBT score of 100 or more is considered acceptable; however, most renowned UK universities prefer TOEFL scores between 92 and 100 or higher.

• PTE Academic (the Pearson Test of English Academic): Candidates wishing to study in the UK will need an overall PTE score of 59 to meet the UKVi PTE requirement.

UK Application Process

For undergraduate courses, universities in the United Kingdom generally depend on a centralised system known as UCAS (Institutions and Colleges Admissions Service). You must submit academic transcripts, English language test results, a personal statement outlining your academic aims and motivations, and reference letters (typically academic or professional). Postgraduate admissions can be submitted via the application form available on the university's official website.

UK Universities Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by programme and university. There are usually two deadlines:

• Early deadline is usually in the month of October.

• The standard deadline is in January.

Germany Admission Requirements

• International students must accomplish certain academic and language standards to be admitted to top German universities.

• Students must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline from a recognised educational institution.

• Numerous universities require a minimum GPA to admit international students.

• Students must be proficient in the German language.

• Students must demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking the following tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and others.

Study in Germany: Documents Required

Here is a general list of documents required when applying for a course to study in Germany.

• Valid passport

• Resume

• Academic transcripts

• English/German proficiency test results such as IELTS

• Standardized/entrance exam results.

• Proof of Health Insurance Coverage

• Work experience letters are optional.

• Letter of Motivation (Optional)

Intakes in Germany

Since German academics have two semesters each year, there are two admissions intakes in Germany: summer and winter admission. The timing for these German intakes differ by university.

Intakes in Germany

UK or Germany: Which is Better for Indian Students for Masters?

According to media sources, there has been a visa clampdown, resulting in a decrease of over 21,800 students going to study in the United Kingdom. Master's programmes in the UK are typically shorter than those in Germany. The course period for a master's degree in the United Kingdom is approximately one to two years, however in Germany, the master's program lasts 2-3 years.

Meanwhile, master's courses in Germany are less expensive than those in the United Kingdom. Again, the increase in English language master's degrees has boosted the number of international students to 26% by 2023. Below, we have provided information on master's programmes in both the United Kingdom and Germany.

UK vs Germany for Masters: Which is Better?

UK or Germany Which is Better for Living?

The United Kingdom offers international students a high-quality education that is renowned around the world. In contrast, Germany has a 21.3% cheaper cost of living than the United Kingdom. As a result, many Indian students choose Germany to decrease their financial burden.

UK vs Germany: Tuition Fees

In 2024, the average UK university fee ranges from Rs. 8 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs for admission to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. On the other hand, international students in Germany pay between Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 30 lakhs for undergraduate and master's degree. A detailed course fees ffor Indian students is provided below.

UK vs Germany Tuition Fees for Indian Students

UK vs Germany Cost of Living

For Indian students, education in the United States is far more expensive than in the United Kingdom. The UK has a 7.1% higher cost of living than Germany, including rent. However, without rent, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is 0.5% less than in Germany. Restaurant prices in the United Kingdom are 11.9% more than in Germany, whereas grocery prices are 5.3% lower.

UK vs Germany Living Expenses 2024

Scholarships in UK vs Germany 2024

International students can select from a variety of scholarships and financial help initiatives offered by both public and private universities in the United Kingdom and Germany. Many government and non-government organisations offer these scholarships to encourage students to study abroad. A list of scholarships provided by both the countries is provided below:

Scholarships in UK vs Germany

Also read:

• Student education loan for the UK

• Scholarships in UK

• Scholarships in Germany for international students

UK vs Germany Universities Ranking

International students can pursue high-quality education and research opportunities in both the United Kingdom and the United States. UK and German universities are ranked among the top universities in the world 2024. However, choosing the finest educational institution between the two countries is difficult for international students. We prepared a list of a few top-ranked universities in the United Kingdom and Germany for Indian students considering the QS Ranking 2025.

Top 2024 Universities in UK

QS Ranking Report 2024 ranks some of the top institutions in UK based on a range of factors including infrastructure, curriculum, student life, and more. These universities provide a high-quality education with excellent employment prospects. A list of the top 10 universities in UK is provided below.

Best Universities in UK 2024

Top 2024 Universities in Germany

Germany will be a leading study-abroad location for higher education in 2024. Many German institutions compete with top colleges in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in the Times Higher Education, QS, and ARWU rankings. Check the list of best universities in Germany in the table below.

Best Universities in Germany 2024

UK or Germany which is better for a job?

Both the United Kingdom and Germany offer exciting career and post-study prospects to international students studying abroad. The following is an overview of potential job opportunities and post-study work possibilities for international students in the UK and Germany.

Employment Sectors in the UK

The most popular employment sectors in the United Kingdom are:

• Engineering

• Information Technology

• Business, Finance, and Consulting

• Healthcare

• Law

Post-Study Work in UK

A graduate visa permits students to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course in that country. One must be in the country while applying for a job after studying in UK and meet the prerequisite guidelines. A graduate visa has validity of two years, however, if one holds a PhD or another doctorate certification, it is valid for three years.

Note: One cannot extend the Graduate visa, however, students might still be eligible for another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.

Employment Sectors in Germany

Germany's most popular employment sectors include:

• Automotive Industry

• Mechanical Engineering

• Chemical Industry

• Electrical and Electronics Industry

• Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunications

• Aerospace Industry

• Finance and Insurance

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Post-Study Work in Germany

International students can work after completing their studies by obtaining a post-study work visa in Germany. This extended student visa permits international students to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to find employment. During these 18 months, the candidate may work full-time or part-time, in any occupation connected or irrelevant to their field of study.

Students also liked:

• Popular short term courses in the UK

• Study in UK intakes

• Work after study in Germany

Conclusion: UK or Germany Which is Better for Indian Students?

The United Kingdom and Germany are the most popular study abroad destinations for Indian students. Every year, hundreds of students come to UK and Germany to pursue higher education. Growth opportunities and career prospects are quite similar in both countries, and with a post-study work visa, students can stay for up to 1-3 years in both countries.

Both the UK and Germany have top-ranked universities, including Oxford University, Technical University of Munich, and more. However, comparing the education systems of the two nations, we can see that schooling in the United Kingdom is similar to that of India, making it a better fit for Indian students.

In contrast, Germany is well-known among Indian students due to its affordability. Public universities in Germany often charge little to no tuition fees for international students, but UK universities can be considerably more expensive.

However, most German universities use German as their primary language of instruction, and require German language proficiency for certain courses. This could affect the number of students going to the country. However, the low financial burden and easy immigration process, makes Germany a better alternative for Indian students.