Germany vs Canada : Which is Better for Study Abroad?

Factors

Germany

Canada

Language of instruction

English, German

English, French

Average cost of study

UG: €150 (public uni) - €20,000 (private uni) per year, PG: €2,000 (public uni) - €30,000 (private uni) per year

UG: $10,000 - $30,000 per year, PG: $15,000 - $36,000 per year

Average cost of living

€11,200/year

CAD 30,000/year 

Exams required

GMAT/GRE, TestDaF, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE

SAT/ACT, GMAT/GRE, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE

Intakes

Fall: September, Winter: January, Summer: May

Winter: September/October, Summer: April

Funding sources

Government aid, part-time jobs, scholarships

Part-time jobs, scholarships, bursaries, grants

Types of degrees

Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Diploma or Magister, Work-study degrees

Associate Degree, Undergraduate Degree, Graduate Degree, Doctorate Degree

Top courses

Law, Engineering, Dentistry, Architecture, Economics, Business Studies, Philosophy, Earth Science, Historical and Cultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Mathematical and Computer Science

MBA, Hospitality Management, Computer Programming, Business & Finance, Engineering, Media & Journalism, Health & Management

Best student cities

Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Münster, etc.

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, etc.

Germany

Canada

Universities

Average annual tuition fees

Universities 

Average annual tuition fees

Technical University of Munich

-

University of Toronto

CAD 30,000 – 58,000

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

-

McGill University

CAD 21,000 – 56,000

Universität Heidelberg

-

University of British Columbia

CAD 32,000 – 55,000

Freie University of Berlin

-

University of Alberta

CAD 13,000 – 49,000 

RWTH Aachen University

-

University of Waterloo

CAD 30,000 – 62,000

KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

€3,000

Western University

CAD 21,000 – 52,000

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

-

Université de Montréal

CAD 18,000 – 36,000

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

-

McMaster University

-

Universität Hamburg

-

University of Ottawa

CAD 16,000 – 32,000

Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg

€3,000

Queen's University at Kingston

-

• Must have completed a total of 12 consecutive years of education
• Must have completed school education till class 12th or cleared JEE advanced, one year bachelor degree or Feststellungsprüfung
• Language requirements – IELTS/ TOEFL for English, TestDAF for German

• Must have completed 12 years of schooling
• SAT/ACT exam scores (if required by the university)
• English language proficiency test – IELTS/TOEFL

• Recognized bachelor’s degree of three or four years
• Entrance exams if any
• Language requirements – IELTS/ TOEFL for English, TestDAF for German

• Must have completed 16 years of education (12 years schooling + 4 years undergraduate studies)
• Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 3.0
• English language proficiency test – IELTS/TOEFL

• Summer intake for the summer semester spanning from March to August or April to September; with deadlines before January
• Winter intake for the winter semester running from September to February or October to March; with deadlines usually falling before July

• Fall intake spanning from September–December/early January; with deadlines falling between December to March
• Winter intake from January–May; with deadlines falling between September and November
• Summer/Spring intake running from May-August; with deadlines usually falling in February

Steps

Germany

Canada

Step 1: Application

Apply for a study program in Germany and get accepted. If awaiting acceptance, apply for a student applicant visa.

Apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada. Some can apply within Canada or at the port of entry.

Step 2: Find Mission

Locate the nearest German diplomatic mission in India.

Not applicable.

Step 3: Appointment

Make an appointment for your visa submission at the German mission.

Not applicable.

Step 4: Documents

Gather required documents, including proof of acceptance to a German institution.

Gather required documents such as a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) and PAL/TAL.

Step 5: Submission

Submit your application at the German mission.

Apply online for a study permit. Paper applications are only for those with disabilities or special identity documents.

Step 6: Wait

Wait for a response from the German mission.

Ensure all documents are submitted to avoid delays. Wait for processing.

Step 7: Enter Country

Enter Germany with your student visa.

Enter Canada with your study permit.

Step 8: Online Application

Not applicable.

Apply online whether you are outside or within Canada.

Criteria

Germany

Canada

Opportunities for International Students

Over 458,210 international students due to quality education and work opportunities during and after studies.

Canada is a popular destination with attractive post-study work opportunities.

Working During Studies

Part-time work allowed to support living expenses.

Part-time work is allowed while studying.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Non-EU graduates can extend their residence permit for 18 months to find employment.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for graduates of designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Eligibility

Graduation from a German university.

Graduation from a DLI with an eligible program.

Duration

18 months from the date of final exams.

Duration depends on the study program length and passport expiry; master's graduates (less than 2 years) may get a 3-year PGWP starting February 15, 2024.

Work Flexibility

Any job to support yourself during the 18-month period.

Can work temporarily in Canada, specific rules apply for online studies.

Required Documents

- Personal ID and Passport
-Proof of Graduation
-Proof of Financial Resources
- Proof of Health Insurance

- Letter of acceptance from DLI
-Provincial/Territorial attestation letter -Complete application

Special Notes

18 months start from the date of final exams; any job is allowed during this period.

Online studies within and outside Canada have specific rules for PGWP eligibility.

Criteria

Germany

Canada

Skilled Immigration Act

Eases the entry of non-EU foreigners with professional training into the German labor market since 2020.

Various immigration programs facilitate entry into the Canadian job market.

Best Jobs for Foreigners

High demand in engineering, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades.

High demand in IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and skilled trades.

Job Search Platforms

Federal government job portals, company websites, and job fairs.

Job Bank, Government of Canada jobs, company websites, and job fairs.

Government Job Programs

Programs to support skilled workers and students in finding jobs.

Programs like Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and jobs in national security and defence.

Work Permits

Non-EU graduates can extend residence permits for 18 months to find employment.

Options to apply for or extend work permits; specific programs for foreign workers.

Immigration to Work

Opportunities for permanent residency after securing a job.

Pathways for permanent residency through work, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Training and Skills Development

Programs to help young people gain practical training in their home countries or in Germany.

Tools and resources to help foreign workers and employers improve skills and job readiness.

Mobility and Relocation

Support for moving and settling in different regions within Germany.

Information and support for labor mobility between provinces and territories.

Criteria

Germany

Canada

Types of Residence Permits

Temporary Residence Permit, EU Blue Card, Permanent Residence Permit

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec Immigration

Temporary Residence Permit

Allows for shorter stays, typically one year, extendable if requirements are met.

Not applicable.

EU Blue Card

This is valid for four years and leads to permanent residence after 21-33 months for highly skilled non-EU nationals.

Not applicable.

Permanent Residence Permit

Granted after holding a temporary permit for a few years or holding an EU Blue Card, allows indefinite stay.

Granted through various programs like Express Entry, PNP, etc., offering permanent residency with options for citizenship.

Eligibility

Must have a valid passport, no criminal record, German proficiency (B1 level), health insurance, and financial stability.

Based on the points system (age, education, work experience, language skills), specific requirements vary by program.

Work Flexibility

Can work and travel freely within Germany; allows family reunification.

Can work and settle anywhere in Canada; family members can immigrate together.

Application Process

Apply for a temporary permit first, then transition to permanent residence.

Apply directly for PR through Express Entry or PNP; some programs require a job offer.

Language Requirements

German proficiency at least B1 level for permanent residence.

Proficiency in English or French, depending on the program.

Processing Time

Varies, typically several months to a year.

Express Entry aims to process within six months; PNP and other programs may vary.

Criteria

Germany

Canada

Government and Organization-Funded Scholarships

Numerous options, like DAAD, Heinrich Böll Foundation, and DeutschlandStipendium, provide full or partial funding for international students.

Various scholarships, including Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and more.

Popular Scholarships

DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Program, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Ontario Trillium Scholarship

University Scholarships

Many German universities offer specific scholarships, such as the Humboldt Research Fellowship and the TUM Linde/MDSI Master Scholarship.

Canadian universities offer scholarships like the University of Toronto Fellowships and University of British Columbia awards.

Eligibility

Varies by scholarship but generally includes academic excellence, social engagement, and in some cases, financial need.

Often based on academic merit, research potential, and sometimes financial need or specific areas of study.

Application Process

Apply directly through the scholarship's official website or the respective university.

Applications are usually made through the scholarship provider’s website or the university's financial aid office.

Coverage

Scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.

Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and research expenses.

Popular Programs

Erasmus+, Expatrio Scholarship, Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarship Plan, National Research Council of Canada (NRCC), Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

Specific Scholarships for MBA Students

ESMT MBA Scholarships, HHL Leipzig Scholarships, WHU Otto Beisheim Scholarships

Canadian universities offer specific MBA scholarships, such as those at the Schulich School of Business and Rotman School of Management.

Application Deadlines

Varies; generally, deadlines are set annually or bi-annually depending on the scholarship.

Varies; typically, annual deadlines with specific dates for each scholarship program.

Criteria

Germany

Canada

Overall Climate

Generally temperate with mild winters and summers.

Wide variety due to large latitudinal extent; ranges from temperate to polar climates.

Winter Temperatures

Rarely extreme; temperatures hover around freezing.

Extremely cold, especially in the interior and northern regions; coastal areas are milder.

Summer Temperatures

Warm but not excessively hot; rarely exceeds 30°C (86°F).

Can be very hot, especially in the interior plains; coastal areas are moderate.

Precipitation

Well-distributed throughout the year; varies by region.

Varies widely; the west coast is very wet, interior plains are drier, and the east coast is moderate.

Seasonal Variation

Subject to quick changes due to Atlantic winds colliding with northeastern cold air masses.

Pronounced seasonal variations; cold winters and warm summers.

Sunshine and Overcast Conditions

Long periods of overcast in cooler seasons, with limited sunshine in winter.

Coastal regions have more sunshine; the interior can be overcast and snowy in winter.

Regional Climate Differences

Maritime influence in the northwest; continental influence in the east and southeast.

Coastal British Columbia has a mild, wet climate; interior and northern areas are colder.

Special Climate Features

Foehn winds in Bavaria can cause warm, dry conditions and optical phenomena.

Coastal fog is common in Newfoundland and Labrador due to cold and warm ocean currents meeting.

Annual Precipitation

Ranges from 20 to 60 inches (500 to 1,500 mm); higher in the Alps.

Coastal areas can exceed 100 inches (2,500 mm); interior plains and northern areas are much drier.

On-campus accommodation: CAD 8,000

Shared Apartment Off-campus: CAD 9,000

Area of specialization in Germany

Average annual salary

Area of specialization in Canada

Average annual salary

Healthcare

€1,02,036

Healthcare

CAD 54,365

Data Science & IT

€68,000

Statistics/Data Science

CAD 96,248

Engineering

€70,000

Chemical Engineering

CAD 69,768

Finance

€80,000

Management

CAD 77,733

Research

€65,000

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

CAD 67,000

• Eligible for PR upon living in Germany for 5 years on a residence permit.
• Can apply for German citizenship after living in Germany for 8 years or marrying a German citizen.

• PR in Canada is easy when compared to other countries.
• Students can apply for a PR under the Canadian Experience class while having a post-study work permit.