Germany vs Australia: Which is Better for Indian Students

Updated on 29 January, 2024

Anupriya Mukherjee

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

The UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Germany have always been students' top 5 preferred choices. However, if you are confused between Germany and Australia, this article will help you delve into several aspects of both the countries. Ofcourse, Germany vs Australia becomes a tough choice, as they offer unique benefits for higher education. Germany draws international students with its diverse student body and tuition-free options. While Australia offers top universities and programs. Hence, let’s have a look and decide on Germany vs Australia; which is better?

Highlights Comparison

Let’s check some insights on  Australia vs Germany for international students:

Parameter Australia Germany
Total number of universities 41 423
Popular intake February (first semester) and July Summer (second semester) September/October (winter semester) and March/April (summer semester)
Number of universities ranking in QS in 2024 38 49
Popular sectors Mining, finance, health and education, construction, and manufacturing Automotive, mechanical engineering, chemical, and electrical industry
Tuition fee range AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 (INR 10,93,744 to INR 27,34,362)

EUR 1500 to EUR 16000 (INR 1,35,957 to INR 14,50,214) per semester

No tuition fee for PhD courses

Part-time working hours 48 hours a fortnight 120 full days or 240 half days per year

Top Universities to Study: Germany vs Australia

To decide on Australia vs Germany, we bring you the list of top 6 universities of both the countries based on the QS World University Ranking (WUR) 2024 data. Here’s the list:  

Australia:

Name of the University QS WUR 2024
The University of Melbourne 14
The University of New South Wales =19
The University of Sydney =19
Australian National University (ANU) =34
Monash University 42
The University of Queensland 43

Germany:

Name of the University QS WUR 2024
Technical University of Munich  37
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 54
Universität Heidelberg  =87
Freie-Universität Berlin  98
RWTH Aachen University  106
Karlsruher-Institut für Technologie (KIT) 119

Admission Requirements: Germany vs Australia

One crucial factor to consider before selecting a country is its admissions standards. Since each country will have specific conditions to be met, the choice between Germany vs Australia will eventually depend on the requirements.

Germany:

Below are some essential prerequisites for applying to a German university:

  • School leaving certificate
  • Marksheet and other transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Proof of German language proficiency, if needed
  • University application form
  • Student visa
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Residence permit
  • Health insurance

Australia:

Here are the requirements for studying at an Australian university:

  • School leaving certificate
  • Marksheet and other transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • University application form
  • Student visa
  • Overseas student health cover
  • Proof of fund

Tuition Fees: Germany vs Australia

Below mentioned are the tuition fees for different level of courses that will help you decide on Germany vs Australia:

Course Australia Germany
Undergraduate AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 (INR 10,95,195 to INR 24,64,312) EUR 1,500 to EUR 6,000 (INR 1,35,957 to INR 5,43,830) per semester
Postgraduate AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 (INR 12,04,774 to INR 27,38,124) EUR 1,500 to EUR 16,000 (INR 1,35,957 to INR 14,50,214) per semester
Doctoral AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 (INR 10,95,195 to INR 23,00,024) No tuition fee

Cost of Living: Germany vs Australia

Apart from the tuition fee, students must also consider the cost of living in both countries. This cost of living will determine how much money a student will require to manage the basic daily expenses. The table below will give a comparison of the living cost per month based of various factors in both countries:

Utilities (per month)

Germany

Australia

Rent

EUR 246 to EUR 389 (INR 22,277 to INR 35,226)

AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,400 (INR 65,719 to INR 1,31,438)

Transport 

EUR 89 (INR 8,042)

AUD 60 (INR 3,285)

Health Insurance

EUR 100 (9,036)

AUD 51 (INR 2,793) (varies based on the insurance provider)

Internet

EUR 32 (INR 2,891)

AUD 100 (INR 5,476)

Food

EUR 198 (INR 17,892)

AUD 60 (INR 3,285)

Miscellaneous

EUR 144 (INR 13,014)

AUD 125 (INR 6,845)

Total

EUR 809 to EUR 952 (INR 73,254 to INR 86,202)

AUD 1,596 to AUD 2,796 (INR 87,416 to INR 1,53,144) 

Read More About Study in Australia:

Germany vs Australia: Student Visa Process

To apply for a German student visa, you must follow the process given below:

  1. Select the program and university. Apply for the program.
  2. Contact the German diplomatic mission (Consulate General or Embassies).
  3. Make an appointment to submit your visa.
  4. Gather all the required documents. Here’s the list:
    • Valid passport
    • Health insurance proof
    • Proof of sufficient proof
    • Academic records and language skill document
    • Letter of university acceptance
    • Health certificate
  5. Upload the documents and submit your application.
  6. Pay the visa fee.
  7. Wait for the response.

To study in  Australia, you must apply for subclass 500 (student visa). Using your ImmiAccount created of the australian official website, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:

  1. Accept the offer letter from the university that you have applied for.
  2. Submit the Confirmation of Enrolment document along with the visa application.
  3. Provide a certificate of proof of English language proficiency.
  4. Complete the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement by writing a statement and submitting the required documents.
  5. Submit proof of sufficient funds.
  6. Buy and submit the proof of Overseas Student Health Cover, else the visa can be refused.
  7. Undergo health checkup and submit the proof.
  8. Answer questions related to character assessment.
  9. Keep a check on their response.

Post Study Work Opportunities: Germany vs Australia

After completing their course, most students look for job opportunities in the same country. Both the countries, Germany and Australia, are good markets for international students.

After graduating, students from non-EU nations can work in Germany for up to 18 months as long as they find employment related to their studies. While in Australia, students can spend an extra two years working after completing their studies.

More Articles About Study in Germany:

Conclusion

Various elements, such as academic choices, cultural experiences, linguistic concerns, and career goals, play a role in the decision-making process when deciding between Germany and Australia. The choice ultimately comes down to personal priorities and objectives. For students looking for a worldwide education, Australia and Germany offer distinctive and rewarding options, whether the multicultural immersion on Australian campuses or the rigorous academic standards of German universities.

Disclaimer: All the tuition fee and living cost are subject to change.

FAQs

What is the minimum wage in Germany and Australia?

In Germany, you can earn EUR 12 (INR 1,086) per hour whereas the minimum pay in Australia is currently AUD 23.23 (INR 2,102) per hour.

Which country is cheaper in terms of the cost of living – Germany or Australia?

The cost of living in Germany and Australia will always vary depending on one’s lifestyle and the city they live in. However, the cost of living in Germany ranges from EUR 809 to EUR 952 (INR 73,254 to INR 86,202) per month while in Australia, it ranges from AUD 1,596 to AUD 2,796 (INR 87,416 to INR 1,53,144). 

Germany vs Australia – which country is cheaper for higher education?

Germany is usually considered an economical option for higher education for international students, as it has more public universities that offer courses at reasonable tuition fees of EUR 1500 (1,35,754) per semester. The private university fee may be as high as EUR 16,000 (INR 14,50,214) per semester. In contrast, the tuition fee in Australian universities ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 (INR 10,93,744 to INR 27,34,362) for a program.

Did you find this article helpful?

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-quality, engaging content for websites, blogs, news articles, video scripts, brochures, and ebooks.

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