Do you want to figure out which is the best country for you to study?
As we all know, studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular. And you’ve heard of many people going to Germany, the UK, and Australia. However, no one tells you about the challenges that you may face if you choose the wrong country. As a result, many students who go to study abroad quit after 2 to 3 months and return to their home country.
So in this blog, we’re comparing the main things to think about when choosing to study in Germany, the UK, or Australia. For each factor, we’ll give points to each country and find the best.
1. Post-Study Visa
Germany:
Germany provides an 18-month job seeker visa for international students who have completed their studies in Germany. During this 18-month visa, they can find a job and live in Germany.
UK:
The UK provides a graduate visa. A graduate visa permits you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing studies in the UK.
Australia:
Australia provides a 2-year temporary graduate visa through which you can find a job and live in Australia.
Points for Post-Study Work Visa/Job Seeker Visa
Please note that we are giving points from 0 to 5. 0 is the lowest point, and 5 is the maximum point.
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
3 | 4 | 4 |
2. Settlement Options
Germany:
Permanent Residence(PR)
- During your 18-month job search visa, you can get a job and apply for PR after 2 years.
- If you get an EU Blue Card (special work permit) job, you can apply for PR after 33 months and even after 21 months if you know the B1 German language.
Nationality
- You can apply for nationality after 5 years of legal stay in Germany.
UK:
Permanent Residence(PR)
- If you get a job during your graduate visa, you can extend your visa to a UK skilled worker visa. (what is UK-sponsored visa?)
- After 5 years of living in the UK on a skilled worker visa, you can apply for PR in the UK (also called ’indefinite leave to remain’).
Nationality
- After living for 10 years in the UK, you can apply for nationality.
Australia:
Permanent Residence(PR)
- If you get a job during your temporary graduate visa, then after 2 years you can extend your visa to PR pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas or skilled migration visas.
- Some of them directly lead to PR, and for some, you can apply after 3 years, depending on the points you have.
Nationality
- After living for 4 years in Australia and having PR for 12 months, you can apply for nationality.
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
4 | 2 | 3 |
3. Total Cost to study
Germany:
Public universities in Germany offer free education for international students. So there are no tuition fees in Germany. However, students need to pay contribution fees, which are around 100–400 euros per semester. So the cost of studying in Germany is very low. However, a block account of 11,208 euros is required for studying in Germany.
Other than tuition fees, there can be other initial expenses like application fees for universities, IELTS fees, flight tickets, health insurance, etc.
- Total cost (including initial expenses): 16,767 euros
UK:
The cost of studying in the UK is high, as the tuition fees for international students in the UK for a bachelor’s program range from £11,400 to £38,000 per year. For postgraduate programs, tuition fees range from £9,000 to £30,000 per year.
- Total cost (including initial expenses): £11,340-£14,200
- Bank statement: All remaining fees after inital deposit.
Australia:
Tuition fees for international students can range from 20,000 to 45,000 AUD per year for bachelors and 22,000 to 50,000 AUD per year for master’s.
- Total cost (including initial expenses): 21,000 AUD-25,000 AUD
- Bank statement: Remaining fees + Initial Expeses
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
30 | 26 | 5 |
4. Weather conditions
Germany:
Winters can be cold, but not extreme. Summers are generally mild and pleasant. Overall, Germany’s weather is often considered moderate and comfortable.
UK:
The UK has mild winters with rare extreme cold. Summers are also mild, but rainfall can be frequent. Overall, the UK’s weather is good but can be moist and wet.
Australia:
The weather in Australia varies significantly across the country. Tropical regions experience hot, humid summers. Southern regions have milder summers but can still be warm. Desert regions have extreme temperatures. Overall, Australia’s weather can be diverse but often leans towards warmer climates.
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
3 | 3 | 4 |
5. Social Life
Germany:
Although social life in Germany offers diversity and openness to others, the German people are a bit conservative at first toward foreigners, and they don’t seem to be polite. So adjusting to the social life of Germany might take some time.
UK:
The UK provides an exciting social life for international students. It has a vibrant and inclusive student community with numerous networking opportunities, including joining clubs and participating in social events. So in the UK, international students will find plenty of opportunities to socialize.
Australia:
Australia has a friendly and multicultural society, offering numerous opportunities for international students to meet new people, join different communities, and engage in social activities.
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
3 | 3 | 4 |
6. Work-Life Balance
Germany:
Germans are known for maintaining a good work-life balance. In Germany, working overtime is not common. Also, 4 weeks of paid leave per year are allowed in Germany.
UK:
Work-life balance is not good in the UK,** and according to statistics**,** 31% of UK employees feel that they do not have a good work-life balance. Usually, 28 days of paid leave per year are allowed in the UK.
Australia:
Australia has the 11th ranking among the top work-life balance countries. Many employers encourage a healthy work-life balance for their employees. Companies in Australia offer 4 weeks of paid holidays, plus 2 weeks of sick leave.
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
5 | 3 | 4 |
7. First 6 Months
Before we start to discuss how your first 6 months in these countries will look, it’s important to note that each person can have a different experience.
Germany:
Your first 6 months as a student in Germany can be difficult because social integration might take some time because of a language barrier. You may also experience cultural shock and feel homesickness. But once you get comfortable with the new environment, it becomes easy for you to socialize and make new friends.
UK:
The first 6 months in the UK as an international student can be exciting because social integration is easy. Also, there is no language barrier in the UK. However, you might need some time to adapt to the British accent.
Australia:
As we have discussed earlier, the people of Australia are very friendly, so the first 6 months can be enjoyable. You may also adapt to an active social life.
8. Jobs/Languages
Germany:
In Germany, students are allowed to work 20 hours per week. And there are many odd jobs and field jobs available. However, if you don’t know the German language, it might be difficult to get a job. But in the IT field, you can easily get a job with only the English language. The minimum wage in Germany is 12.42 euros. So you can earn around 1000-1200 euros per month, with which you can easily manage your expenses.
UK:
Students can work 20 hours per week in the UK.
Australia:
Students can work 24 hours per week in the UK.
Now, let’s sum up all the points for each country.
Germany | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
30 | 26 | 28 |
Germany is the best country to study because it offers free or low-cost education and great job opportunities after graduation. It also has a clear path to permanent residence and a good work-life balance. Many universities offer courses in English, and jobs in tech are available without knowing German. Overall, Germany gives you a strong future with less cost.