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Germany |
Canada |
Your choice depends on |
Quality of Education |
- Ranked 3rd in the world. (World Population Review data)
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- Ranked 4th in the world (World Population Review data)
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- Both Germany and Canada offer world-class education with a wide range of programmes and research opportunities, ensuring students receive an exceptional quality of education.
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Flexibility |
- Has double degree programmes
- Students can enroll in two part-time programmes or combine full-time and part-time studies.
- Students can personalize their education, aligning it with their career goals.
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- Students can customize their curriculum
- Have options for part-time and full-time study.
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- Both countries provide flexible options to students.
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Duration |
- Bachelor’s degree: 3 to 4 years
- Master’s degree: 1 to 2 years
- PhD programmes: 5 to 6 years.
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- Bachelor’s degree: 3 to 4 years
- Master’s degree: 1 to2 years
- PhD programmes: 3 to 6 years.
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- Both Germany and Canada typically have similar durations for bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
- However, Canada often offers shorter PhD programmes – can be a benefit if students are looking for a finishing the doctoral degree faster.
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Average Tuition Fees |
- No Tuition fees for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
- Students usually pay a modest semester contribution from €100 to €350 (US $108 to US $380).
- Federal State of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU citizens €1,500 (US $1637) per semester.
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- Bachelor’s degree: CAD $36,100 (US $26,817.28)
- Master’s degree: CAD $21,100 (US $15,582)
- PhD programmes: CAD $6,000 (US $4416)Â to $20,000 (US $ 14,721)
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- Germany’s free tuition offers a distinct advantage over Canada
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Work Regulations |
- International students can work part-time for 20 hours, with a minimum wage of €12.00 (US $13) per hour since October 2022.
- After graduation, international students can apply for an 18-month residence permit to seek employment in Germany.
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- International students in Canada can work 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables up to three years of post-graduate work.
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- Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offering up to three years of post-graduate work is notably advantageous compared to Germany’s post-study work options.
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Campus Life |
- Ranks 7th in the world in terms of quality of life.
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- Ranks 3rd in the world in terms of quality of life
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- Both countries have a multicultural and welcoming campus life. If you want an English-speaking nation, then Canada is your choice
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Cost of Living |
- About EUR €11,208 (USD $12,181) annually.
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- About CAD $15260.38 (US $11,220) per year on average per year
- Effective January 1, 2024, the financial requirement for international students applying for study permits will increase to $20,635.
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- Canada’s affordable cost of living is an important factor to consider for international students. However, the revised financial requirements may prove to be a burden for many applicants making Germany a better choice overall.
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Safety |
- According to World Population Review, Germany has a crime rate index score of 35.79
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- According to the World Population Review, Canada holds a crime rate index score of 41.89.
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- Overall, Germany is safer as compared to Canada
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Weather |
- Experiences diverse weather – warm summers and cold winters
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- Experiences varying climates – extremely cold winters in some regions.
- The weather can be challenging for those unaccustomed to colder temperatures.
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- Canada’s range from temperate to subarctic conditions can pose notable challenges for international students, especially those from warmer climates, during their academic journey.
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Studying abroad is a transformative experience, and Germany as well as Canada, are educational powerhouses offering unique advantages and distinct challenges. Germany, renowned for its academic excellence, provides affordable education, diverse programmes, and generous post-study work opportunities.
Meanwhile, Canada boasts multiculturalism, high-quality institutions, and a welcoming environment.
However, alongside these advantages come certain disadvantages. Germany’s complex bureaucracy and language barrier can be daunting, while Canada’s higher cost of living may pose financial constraints.
Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Germany and Canada.
Canada
Canada has streamlined immigration procedures, student-centric policies and robust employment opportunities cementing its status as a coveted destination for top-tier education.
In 2022, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship lifted the 20-hour-per-week work restriction for post-secondary students, expanding financial support avenues. Canada’s steadfast commitment to welcoming immigrants, equivalent to 1% of its population, underscores its inclusive values.
Canada has recently announced updates to three temporary policies for international students:
- The 20-hour-per-week off-campus work limit waiver, which allows international students to work more than 20 hours per week during the school year, is extended until April 30, 2024. The government is also considering increasing this limit to 30 hours per week.
- The policy allowing students to count online study time toward their post-graduation work permit will continue until September 1, 2024, for those who begin their program before that date. This measure won’t apply to students starting after that date.
- A temporary policy granting an 18-month work permit extension to post-graduation work permit holders expiring by December 31, 2023, remains in effect. However, it won’t be extended beyond this date.
Aspiring students must navigate certain considerations. The choice of city significantly influences living costs; while dynamic metropolises like Toronto and Vancouver offer vibrant lifestyles, they come with higher expenses, necessitating prudent financial planning.
Moreover, Canada’s vast geographical diversity leads to a wide range of climates. Summers in some regions can see temperatures as high as 25 to 30°C, providing a warm and pleasant experience. In contrast, the winters in certain areas can bring frigid lows of -25°C or lower. Students should be prepared for these climate variations when choosing their study destination and packing for their Canadian adventure.
As of 2023, Statistics Canada reports the following costs for higher education:
- Undergraduate degree: Approximately CAD $36,100 (US $26,817.28) on average.
- Postgraduate degree: Generally starts at CAD $21,100 (US $15,582) for international students in graduate programmes.
- Doctoral degrees: Range from CAD $6,000 (US $4,416) to CAD $20,000 (US $14,721).
Considering an average annual living expense of CAD $15,000 (US $11,220.60) is vital for effective budgeting while pursuing education in Canada (Universities Canada, 2019). Additionally, starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants in Canada will increase.
It will be annually adjusted based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off (LICO) to ensure that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada. Previously unchanged since the early 2000s at $10,000, the new requirement for 2024 will be $20,635, alongside first-year tuition and travel costs, for single applicants. This change applies to new study permit applications from January 1, 2024.
Germany
Germany is home to a large international student community, with over 400,000 international students as of 2021/2022. According to the BintHo study, Germany is the first choice for more than three-quarters of international students surveyed (76%).
Students choose Germany primarily for its specific course content, the reputation of its institutions, the absence of cost of studying, and the availability of English-language programmes.
Germany has a rich tradition of scientific and research excellence. It boasts the oldest university in Heidelberg, founded in 1386, and has produced over 80 Nobel Prize winners, including pioneers in natural sciences, medicine, and technology.
Half of international students in Germany are enrolled in English-only degree programmes, making it accessible for non-German speakers. Germany is often more affordable than many other study destinations.
Here’s the fee structure for international students:
- Tuition fees are non-existent in most German states for graduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
- Students usually pay a modest semester contribution, typically ranging from €100 to €350 (US $108 to US $380).
- This contribution often includes a semester ticket for convenient public transportation access.
- The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU citizens €1,500 (US $1637) per semester. However, doctoral students don’t have to pay any fees.
Upon graduation, international students have the opportunity to apply for a residence permit, which allows them to stay in Germany for 18 months to search for employment. Germany offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous bars, clubs, museums, cinemas, and theatres.
One of the most significant challenges faced by international students in Germany is finding suitable accommodation. Approximately 60% of international students struggle with this issue. The demand for student housing often exceeds the available supply, especially in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Although many top universities offer English-language programmes, there can still be language barriers for international students, particularly when dealing with administrative application processes, local authorities, or daily life situations. Learning German may be necessary for a smoother experience outside of the classroom.
Winner: Germany
Germany stands as a compelling study-abroad destination, offering unique advantages when compared to Canada. Notably, Germany boasts highly regarded universities that provide world-class education often with minimal or no tuition fees.
The country’s central location in Europe allows for easy exploration of neighbouring nations such as France or Spain, enriching the cultural experience. Furthermore, Germany’s strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through internships and co-op programmes prepares students for the job market effectively.
While Canada excels in many aspects, including a welcoming environment and diverse society, Germany’s combination of academic excellence, affordability, and career opportunities makes it an enticing choice for international students.