Comparison Between: Germany and France
In terms of studying in Europe, both France and Germany are recognized for having excellent educational reputations. Due to its magnificent universities, stunning architecture, quaint cafes, and world-class fashion houses, France is regarded as one of the best study abroad destinations. It is widely known that Germany offers free education to international students, has an impressive technological infrastructure, and a long-standing tradition that has led to its transformations into modern metropolises. It has earned the title of "Land of Poets and Thinkers". Below you will find information about studying in France and Germany, and which is right for you:
Higher Education Systems In Germany & France
Germany
- Public Universities: Academic Universities: Research-based institutions that focus more on theorizing than practical applications. These institutions offer all types of degrees to students.
- Universities of Applied Sciences: These universities focus on the application of research findings. Students are required to complete projects with companies, participate in mandatory internships, take classes from professionals from various fields, etc.
- Universities of Art/Music: These universities mainly focus on artistic training as well as admit students with artistic talents, such as in design, architecture, and photography.
France
- State Universities: Universities: In France, the majority of university education is provided by public institutions. These universities offer three types of degrees: licensure, master's, and doctorate.
- Grandes Ecoles: A Grandes Ecoles operates similarly to an institution of higher learning, which consists of both public and private institutions. These institutions are considered to be the elite schools of higher education.
- Specialized Schools: The majority of specialized schools are offered by public and private institutions. They provide licenses and master's degrees, with the purpose of developing students' skills in order to assist them in developing their career paths.
Top Universities In Germany & France
Germany and France have numerous universities that are listed among the top worldwide universities based on QS World University Rankings 2022.
Top 5 Universities in Germany
Check out top five universities in Germany with their QS World Rankings in 2024:
| Institutions | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 37 |
| Universität Heidelberg | 87 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 54 |
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | 98 |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | 120 |
Top 5 Universities in France
Check out top five universities in France with their QS World Rankings in 2024:
| Institutions | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University) | 24 |
| Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech) | 61 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 |
| CentraleSupélec | 138 |
| École Normale Supéri€e de Lyon | 184 |
Popular Courses To Study In Germany & France
Germany and France both offer a variety of programs to international students. Following is a list of the best courses to study in Germany and France:
| Popular Courses in Germany | Popular Courses in France |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Medicine |
| Fine and Applied Arts | Biotechnology |
| Business and Economics | Pharmacology |
| Medicine and Dentistry | Gastronomy |
| Art & Design | International Economics |
| Architecture | Art History |
| Psychology | Engineering |
Admission Requirements In Germany & France
There are a few things you need to consider if you intend to study in Germany or France. Prior to applying for a course in either country, you should be aware of the general eligibility criteria:
Germany
| Prospective Degrees | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | At least 50% in the required subjects in your class 12th certificate. |
| Master’s | The applicant must possess a three- or four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and subject with the passing percentage set by the course and/or university. |
| PhD | A bachelor's or master's degree in an area of study relevant to your position. |
France
| Prospective Degrees | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Applicants should hold a class 12th certificate with a minimum of 60% in the required subjects. |
| Master’s | A minimum percentage of 55% must be obtained on the bachelor's degree. |
| PhD | Applicants must hold a five-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's degree in a relevant field of study, and have an excellent score on the language proficiency test. |
*Admission requirements are subject to change depending upon the course and university you have chosen.
Cost Of Studying In Germany & France
Check out the average cost of studying in Germany and France:
| Study Programs | Tuition Fees In Germany Yearly (EUR) | Tuition Fees In France Yearly (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 14,000 EUR - 26,000 EUR | 400 EUR - 2,770 EUR |
| Graduate Degree | 20,000 EUR - 40,000 EUR | 600 EUR - 3,770 EUR |
| PhD | 800 EUR - 900 EUR | 380 EUR |
Cost Of Living In Germany & France
Check out the average cost of living in Germany and France:
| Expenses | Cost Of Living in Germany Per Month (EUR) | Cost Of Living in France Per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment | 667 EUR - 952 EUR | 879 EUR - 1220 EUR |
| Meal for a Single Person | 10 EUR | 14 EUR |
| Local Public Transport | 3 EUR | 1.90 EUR |
| Taxi Tariff/km | 2.15 EUR | 1.60 EUR |
| Miscellaneous (including internet) | 270.86 EUR | 207.69 EUR |
Scholarships Offered In Germany & France
The following is a list of some of the major scholarships awarded to students every year who wish to study in Germany and France:
| Germany Scholarships | France Scholarships |
|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarship Programs | Université Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarships |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships | Eiffel Scholarships in France |
| DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Programme | Ampère Excellence Scholarships |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships | ENS International Selection Scholarships |
| Erasmus Scholarship Programs | Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarships |
Student Visa Requirements In Germany & France
The requirements for student visas differ in France and Germany. Both countries offer multiple visa options for a range of purposes such as study, leisure, work, etc.
Germany
There are three different types of student visas available in Germany - the German Student Visa, the German Student Application Visa, and the German Language Course Visa.
- German Student Visa: A standard student visa for those seeking a full-time program of study in Germany.
- German Student Application Visa: For people who are planning to undertake the admission process in person in Germany, this type of German study visa is appropriate. The German Student Application Visa does not apply to students wanting to study in Germany, but rather to those who are visiting Germany to complete their admissions process within a certain time frame. Usually, it is granted for 3 months and can be extended for another 6 months during which you can get the acceptance letter and apply for a student visa.
- German Language Course Visa: This visa is for students who intend to study in Germany to learn the German language.
Documents Required
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Two photographs
- Academic transcripts
- Acceptance letter by a German University
- Proof of funds
- Language proficiency test results (English or German, depending on the language of your course)
- Health insurance
- Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted
France
There are two types of visas available to students in France - a Short Stay Visa (for a period of less than 90 days) and a Long Stay Visa (for a period exceeding 90 days).
- Short Stay Visa: According to EU regulations, these permits allow you to stay in the 29-country Schengen area for up to three months. A Short Stay Visa allows the holder to enter France in order to take an entrance examination or to attend an interview at a French university.
- Long Stay Visa: A Long Stay Visa can be obtained for a period of between three months and one year.
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- University/ Institute Acceptance letter
- Passport size photos
- Language test scores
- Valid Passport
- Cover letter
- Flight Ticket
- Proof of Funding
- Proof of Accommodation
- Medical Insurance
Job Opportunities In Germany & France
Here is the average annual salary offered of the most popular jobs in both Germany and France:
| Popular Jobs In Germany | Average Salary Annually (EUR) |
|---|---|
| IT Specialists | 60,109 EUR |
| Software Developers | 49,979 EUR |
| Electrical Engineers | 49,809 EUR |
| Doctors | 101,696 EUR |
| Data Scientists/Analysts | 103,180 EUR |
| Technical Consultants | 54,319 EUR |
| Popular Jobs In France | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Technologist | 35,100 EUR |
| Emergency Medical Service Provider | 173,232 EUR |
| Pharmacist | 63,200 EUR |
| Psychotherapist | 40,174 EUR |
| Mental Health Counselor | 62,700 EUR |
| Radiology Therapist | 137,000 EUR |
PR In Germany & France
Germany
After living in Germany for five years on a German residence permit, you may be eligible for a German permanent visa. Shorter stays may be exempt from the residency requirement. Once you have resided in Germany for eight years, you will be eligible to apply for German citizenship.
France
It is possible to apply for a carte de resident after living in France for five continuous years. The permit allows you to live in France for a maximum of ten years.
Hence, this well-written article has covered all the vital information related to Germany vs France that help students make the right decision.