Introduction
So, you’re thinking about studying abroad, and you’ve narrowed it down to Canada and Germany. Both countries have a lot to offer, but which one is the best fit for you?
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each country. In Canada, you’ll find a diverse and welcoming society, with world-class universities that are ranked among the best in the world. But Canada can also be a very expensive country to live in.
In Germany, on the other hand, you’ll get a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of Canada. But you can face challenges in terms of the language barrier.
So, which country offers a better education for international students? That’s up to you to decide!
Tuition Fees – Which Country Is Cheaper?
One of the most important factors and criteria that students focus on is the tuition fee. When it comes to tuition fees, Canada can be an expensive option, as the average tuition for a public university in Canada is only around CA$10,000 to CA$30,000 per year.
While public universities in Germany offer free education to both domestic and international students. They are, however, very selective and require excellent prior academic results.
Eligibility Requirement
Another important difference when talking about Canada vs Germany is the eligibility criteria of these countries.
Canada
- For undergraduate admission, students require a minimum of 12 years of study and SAT score (between 400-1600) as well
- Postgraduate admissions are much simpler since the admission requirements are much more flexible
- For management courses, you require a GMAT score (670) and for engineering courses, you must provide a GRE score (310).
- Regardless of the degree you are applying to, if you are from a country whose first language is not English, you will have to provide English proficiency proof.
Germany
- Universities in Germany are usually funded by the government but not always under its control. As a result, each university establishes its own admission requirements, unlike Canadian institutions. It is therefore important to check the university website for the requirements for the particular program.
- As mentioned above, due to the competitiveness at the application level, many universities require students to have 90% in class 12th.
- A German equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the necessary area is required for a PG
- GMAT(between 550-600), GRE (around 315) and English proficiency (IELTS: 6.5) are required as well as a working understanding of German, are required for foreign students.
- If you are opting for German-taught programs then you will have a high degree of skill in the German language. TestDAF(between 16-18) or DSH score will be required.
Cost of Living in Canada vs. Germany
The cost of living in Canada and Germany can vary by city, but overall, Germany is still the cheaper option. In Germany, international students can find affordable student accommodation for about €350 (approximately CA$500. The German Government states that international students need to have a block account in which they need to deposit €11,208, from which they will receive €934 per month for a year for their living cost.
In Canada, international students will spend around $600 to CA$ 750 per month on rent alone. Groceries also tend to be more expensive in Canada than in Germany. When it comes to public transportation and food, you’ll also find that some cities in Canada have higher costs than their German counterparts.
Government Regulations for International Students
When it comes to government regulations for international students, both Canada and Germany offer great advantages. In Canada, international students are given the opportunity to work part-time during their studies, which allows them to gain valuable work experience and build their resumes. And after graduating they can stay for three years to look for a job with a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
In Germany, international students are allowed to work part-time and can stay for up to 18 months after completing their studies in order to find suitable employment. This not only offers great job prospects for German graduates but also gives them the chance to further their education if they wish.
Both countries have strict regulations in place that protect international students’ rights and ensure their safety while studying abroad. So, no matter which country you choose, you can rest assured that your rights as an international student will be respected and your education will be of the highest quality.
Canada vs. Germany for Job Opportunities after Graduation
Known for its strong economy, Germany is overflowing with job opportunities for graduates. In fact, the employability rate for graduates is 91.3% in Germany (second highest). Like Germany, in terms of employability, Canada is also a flourishing state with 18 universities ranked in the top 500 according to QS Graduate Employability 2022.
University Admission Rate
Germany has a lower admission rate compared to Canada. The admission rate is less than 30% for public universities in Germany, while it is between 40% to 58.7% in Canada.
Language Barrier
Although German is the official language of Germany, English is spoken throughout the country. According to the English Proficiency Index (EPI), Germany ranked 10th out of 100 countries of non-native English speakers. This makes it easier for international students to communicate with locals but it is highly recommendable that you know basic German to blend in. On the other hand, Canada has two official languages – English and French. However, in Canada English is the predominant language spoken in Canada, with over 75% who have English as their first language.
Visa Requirements
As we all know a student visa is required to study in both Canada and Germany. The visa process is relatively straightforward in both countries and has similar requirements. Aside from regular visa application documents, you will need:
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A university acceptance letter
- Academic transcripts
- Health insurances
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best study destination, Canada and Germany are two countries that always come up in the conversation. Both have world-renowned universities, and both offer a unique cultural experience. But which one is better?
Well, that’s a difficult question to answer. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a study destination. If you’re interested in a big city environment, then Canada would be a better choice. If you want to experience traditional European culture, then Germany would be the better option.
