Germany vs Australia: Which is better?

Germany vs Australia: which is better for education and work? Both countries have plenty to offer, but there are some crucial differences you must consider before you decide between them. Here, we compare and contrast both countries' tuition fees, living costs, university admission rate, visa requirements, and employability after graduating, followed by other deciding factors like safety, location, healthcare, climate, culture, languages, taxes, etc. It will help you identify the crucial differences between Germany and Australia, enabling you to make an informed decision. 

Australia and Germany are two developed countries that are popular for higher education. Australia is an English-speaking country with 768,113 international students up to October 2023, as per the Department of Education, Australian Government. On the other hand, Germany has 458,210 international students as of 2023, according to the Germany International Student Statistics 2024. Nevertheless, both countries have pros and cons. So, without further ado, let’s compare each factor one by one.

Table of Contents

• Why are Germany and Australia popular among international students?
• Deciding factors when choosing a study abroad destination
• Germany vs Australia: Popular Courses Available
• Germany vs Australia: Top Universities
• Germany vs Australia: University Admission Rate
• Germany vs Australia: Cost of Studying
• Germany vs Australia: Cost of Living
• Germany vs Australia: Eligibility Requirements
• Germany vs Australia: Student Visa
• Germany vs Australia: Work While Studying
• Germany vs Australia: Post Study Work Permit
• Germany vs Australia: Permanent Residency (PR)
• Germany vs Australia: Job Opportunities After Graduating
• Germany vs Australia: Ensuring Safety
• Germany vs Australia: Location
• Germany vs Australia: Healthcare System
• Germany vs Australia: Taxes
• Germany vs Australia: Language Barrier
• Germany vs Australia: Climate and Weather Conditions
• Germany vs Australia: Culture
• Germany or Australia: Which is better for students?
• FAQs

Why are Germany and Australia popular among international students?

Germany and Australia are popular study-abroad destinations among international students for offering high-quality education with practical experience. These two countries give you the opportunity to work while studying to help you gain experience and better manage your living costs and tuition fees. Each nation has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choosing to study abroad is based on personal fit. For instance, Germany is well known for its free education and scientific research, while Australia is well known for its pedagogical system and training methodologies.

Deciding factors when choosing a study abroad destination

The deciding factors when choosing a study abroad destination are given subsequently. Besides, your decision will be influenced by your lifestyle, budget, spending habits, and field of study.

Germany vs Australia: Popular Courses Available

The popular courses available in Germany are Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Arts, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physics. 

The popular courses available in Australia are MBA, Healthcare, Law, Accounting, Information Technology (IT), Education, Nursing, Architecture, and Psychology.

Germany vs Australia: Top Universities

Germany and Australia boast some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Germany has over 400 higher education institutions, while Australia is home to 41 universities. Now, let’s look at some of the leading universities in each country and their corresponding 2025 QS World University Rankings below.

Top Universities in Germany vs Australia
Top Australian University	2025 QS World University Rankings	Top German University	2025 QS World University Rankings
The University of Melbourne	13	Technical University of Munich	28
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	19	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	59
The University of Sydney	18	Universität Heidelberg	84
Australian National University (ANU)	30	Freie Universität Berlin	97
Monash University	37	RWTH Aachen University	99
The University of Queensland	40	KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	102
The University of Western Australia	77	Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin	126
The University of Adelaide	82	Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)	147
University of Technology Sydney	88	Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg	212
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)	133	Universität Hamburg	191
RMIT University	123	Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen	222
University of Wollongong	167	Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg	224
The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)	179	University of Göttingen	252
Curtin University	174	Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn	227
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)	213	Technical University of Darmstadt	241

Germany vs Australia: University Admission Rate

Germany has a low university admission rate, with less than 30% of candidates accepted to their desired programs, while in Australia, the admission rate is higher, with some having as high as 85%. This factor makes Australian universities more attractive to international students as they may be easier to get into. In Germany, this factor could make things harder for aspiring students to pursue their dream courses.

Germany vs Australia: Cost of Studying

When it comes to education expenses, the average cost of studying in Germany is 700 EUR/month (63,228 INR). According to DAAD, you must demonstrate funds of 934 EUR per month/ 11,208 EUR per year to study in Germany. On the other hand, the study cost in Australia is 1,200 AUD/month (65,621 INR) on average and may need approximately A$24,505 bank balance to study in Australia. This cost of studying includes tuition fees, study materials, stationery, computer lab, library, clothing (laboratory coats), art studios and miscellaneous. 

Costs for undergraduates

Particulars	Undergraduate course in Germany	Undergraduate course in Australia
Tuition fee	€150 (public univ.) – €20,000 (private univ.) per year	$15,000 to $35,000 per year
Room and Living expenses	€8,650 per year	$19,000–$20,000 per year
Duration of course	3 - 4 years	3 years

Costs for postgraduates

Particulars	Postgraduate course in Germany	Postgraduate course in Australia
Tuition fee	€2,000 (public university) – €30,000 (private university) per year	$22,000 to $37,500 per year
Room and Living expenses	€8,670 per year	$20,000–$22,000 per year
Duration of course	1 - 2 years	1 - 2 years

Note: The tuition fee varies based on the level of course, the city, and the educational institution.

From the above two tables, the tuition fees in Germany are generally cheaper than in Australia for students. Besides, the tuition fees in Germany are free at most public universities for EU and non-EU students. For professional courses like MBA, Medicine and Law the tuition fees are expensive in both countries, irrespective of public or private colleges.

Quick Reads:

• Benefits of Studying in Germany
• Benefits of Studying in Australia

Germany vs Australia: Cost of Living

Generally, the cost of living in a country is estimated based on various factors like city location, accommodation (on-campus/off-campus), food, travel, insurance and most importantly, spending habits. 

Germany is considered one of the affordable countries in Europe. The cost of living in Germany is significantly lower than in Australia. Rent for a 1BHK apartment in a major city like Berlin is around €700 (₹63,228) per month, whereas in Sydney, it is at least AUD$2,000 (₹1,09,415) per month, including utilities and WiFi. For food and entertainment, it is eighty dollars a week in Australia and seventy euros a week in Germany. And groceries are cheaper in Germany. For travel, a one-way ticket in local transport is $5 (₹273.54) in Australia and €3 (₹271.38) in Germany. Overall, the living cost in Australia is higher than that of Germany for international students.

Quick Reads:

• Cost of living in Germany
• Cost of living in Australia

Germany vs Australia: Eligibility Requirements

To study abroad, Germany and Australia have their own set of rules and prerequisites. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of eligibility requirements of both countries below.

Criteria	Germany	Australia
Academic Eligibility	Secondary school diploma or equivalent, specific course requirements for certain university admissions like JEE Advanced.	Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent; course-specific requirements like GMAT.
Language Proficiency	German proficiency TestDAF or DSH (for German taught-programs); IELTS or TOEFL for English-medium courses.	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent English language tests.
Financial Proof	Around €10,332 per year (9,25,262 INR).	Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare.
Health Insurance	Mandatory health insurance coverage for all students.	Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required.

Apart from the above mentioned eligibility criteria, student visa is also required to study in both countries.

Germany vs Australia: Student Visa

International students must obtain a student visa to study in Germany or Australia. But there are some major differences in each country’s student visa. Let’s see them here. 

Germany Student Visa

There are three types of German student visas:

1. Language Course Visa (Visa for Language Learning) 
2. Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung)
3. Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken) 

With this visa, students can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full-time in an academic year. Some German universities also provide part-time jobs on campus called Hi/wi. Germany is the only country that allows students to pursue a part-time technical job in a related industry.

The German student visa application fee is 75 EUR (6,793.20 INR). The processing time for a long-term study visa is from 6 to 12 weeks, while a short-stay study visa is between 15 and 30 days. If you want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days or 3 months (short-stay visas), you need to get a Resident Permit. 

Australian Student Visa

The Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government has offered a student visa (subclass 500) to allow foreign students to participate in a course of study. 

With this visa you can:

• enrol in an eligible course
• travel in and out of the country
• work up to 48 hours a fortnight if your course or training is in session
• Bring your partner/spouse and child as your family member

It’s a temporary visa to study for up to 5 years. The visa costs from AUD 710.00 (INR 38,924.36). You need to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course.

The visa will be digitally linked with your passport. You will not get any label or sticker in your passport.

Germany vs Australia: Work While Studying

In Germany, international students can work full-time or part-time, up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year while studying. There is no limit to how much you earn during semester breaks. In Australia, the rules are a bit lenient. Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time and virtually no limits during the holidays.

Germany vs Australia: Post Study Work Permit

In Germany, international students after graduation can apply for a Residence permit and stay in the country for 18 months to find full-time employment. If students get a job offer that is relevant to their education stream before the course completion, they can immediately apply for a Residence Permit or an EU Blue Card. 

According to a survey conducted by McKinsey and the Stifterverband, more companies in Germany are particularly interested in hiring university graduates with international experience.

In Australia, international students after their bachelor’s or master’s degree can stay for up to two years to find jobs in different fields. Other fresh grads may be eligible for 18-month Subclass 485 visas through the graduate work stream.

Germany vs Australia: Permanent Residency (PR)

In Germany, international students with graduation can secure permanent residency (PR) after two years of holding a work-related permit. Otherwise, if you’re living in Germany for more than five years on a German residence permit, apply for a German permanent visa. The application process for a PR in Germany normally takes around two to four weeks (1 month).

To become a permanent resident in Australia, you need to apply for a permanent visa that allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. The most common permanent visas include certain skilled work and family visas. In Australia, getting a PR is a long process. The immigration officials check your background details to make sure it is not fraudulent. After verification, the PR permit may take some time to get approved.

Germany vs Australia: Job Opportunities After Graduating

Germany is the world’s manufacturing powerhouse with 765,000 vacancies. The employment rose again slightly in November 2023, as per the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatics). The highest paying jobs in Germany are in the Health sector, Aviation, Law, Mechanical and Automotive, Building & Construction, Education, Hospitality, Information Technology & Telecommunications, Finance and Accounting, Management, Cyber Security and English-speaking jobs.

Australia is famous for Science and Technology. In Australia, the economic conditions are stable, and there is an emerging job market across various industries. The total job vacancies in Australia are 388,800, including public and private sectors. The highest paying jobs in Australia are Medical services, Hospitality industry, Computer Science Design, Education, Accounting, Data Management and Digital Marketing.

In both countries, international students find jobs through campus placement, recruitment agencies, online job portals, referrals, and networking events.

Germany vs Australia: Ensuring Safety

Germany is considered a safe country to live in for international students. The German police and security personnel are efficient and reliable. While Australia’s overall safety is high, except for a few natural threats like jellyfish, sharks, spiders, snakes and crocodiles. In terms of crime rate, Germany registered less crime than Australia. Moreover, in the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), Germany ranks 15th, and Australia ranks 22nd.

Germany vs Australia: Location

Germany is in the heart of Europe, with easy access to other countries on the continent. For a weekend getaway, you are surrounded by beautiful neighbouring countries like Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland and Denmark. It’s just a drive, train, or plane ride away. Australia is a subcontinent without borders, making international travel (flights) more expensive and time-consuming.

Germany vs Australia: Healthcare System

Germany has a decentralised healthcare system. Health insurance is compulsory for all Germans and international students. The institutions responsible for healthcare in Germany include the Federal Ministry of Health, regulatory bodies, and health insurers. In Australia, the healthcare system is effective, safe and affordable. However, it is not as centrally organised, meaning there can be many options for health coverage via private insurers. International students in Australia must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to meet their health expenses.

Germany vs Australia: Taxes

The income tax in Germany is between 14% and 45% depending on income, whereas, in Australia, the tax rate is slightly lower, with students paying an average of 15.5% on earnings. In both countries, there is a tax cut if your earnings are below a certain threshold. If your income is less than €9,984 (₹9,03,653) per year in Germany, you will be tax-free, while in Australia, if you earn below AUD$18,000 (INR 9,84,616), you will not be taxed.

Germany vs Australia: Language Barrier

Even though many universities in Germany teach in English, international students face a language barrier in their day-to-day activities as their official language is German. On the other hand, Australia is itself an English-speaking country, so students from their home country do not have a language barrier. They're comfortable conversing with people, buying groceries, etc.

Germany vs Australia: Climate and Weather Conditions

Germany has a moderately continental climate with cold winters and warm summers throughout the year. The average temperature in Germany ranges from negative degrees Celsius during winter to 25 degrees Celsius during summer. In Australia, the weather is more varied. Being a vast country, there is a tropical climate in the north and a temperate climate in the south. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), nearly all of Australia was warmer than normal in 2023. Overall, international students find Germany suitable for living due to its favourable climate and weather conditions.

Germany vs Australia: Culture

Germany has a rich cultural heritage and history. Germany is known for its poets and thinkers. German food, clothing, arts and culture, and philosophy are globally recognised. Many international students embrace German culture for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. When it comes to Australian culture, they are primarily a Western culture. International students are fond of traditional Aussie foods like Vegemite, ANZAC biscuits, Tim Tams, and Lamingtons. Lastly, Australian society itself boasts multiculturalism and diversity through festivals and celebrations.

Germany or Australia: Which is better for students?

After comparing all critical factors between Germany and Australia, it’s clear that both countries have their advantages and disadvantages. Based on your academic needs, financial situation and future plans, you can decide which country is better for you. Then, you will be sure to have a fantastic overseas study experience. If you need assistance, we are happy to help you out.

FAQs

1. Are salaries in Australia higher than Germany?

Yes. The salaries in Australia are higher than in Germany. Australians earn approximately USD 55,200 per year on average, while Germans earn around USD 53,750 per year on average.

2. How is Australia different from Germany?

Australia is different from Germany in various factors, including the country’s population, language, culture, geographical location, and living costs. For example, even though Australia is nearly 21 times the size of Germany, large parts of Australia are less populated due to their remoteness, aridity and high temperatures.

3. Is it more affordable to study in Germany or Australia?

Studying in Germany is more affordable due to low or no tuition fees at public universities, while Australia offers a wide range of scholarships yet has higher tuition fees and living costs for students.

4. Which is better for an MBA, Australia or Germany?

To study MBA at affordable tuition fees, Germany is better. Otherwise, if you want to study in an English speaking country with a higher cost of living, Australia might be the better choice.

5. Germany vs Australia, which is better for Masters?

To study a Master's program, Germany would be better than Australia because German universities offer quality education with international experience. 

6. Germany vs Australia, which is better for international students?

Germany and Australia are popular overseas destinations offering quality education for international students. Since both countries have pros and cons, students choose Germany or Australia based on their academic needs and budget.