There are a lot of things to oversee when you are choosing a destination for you to get an education from. Germany and France both are fascinating places to study and live in. But you can select only one, and it is hard to determine which one is better because both these countries have their perks.
If you look at both the countries closely, there are more than 50 reputable universities combined. So, the answer to this question- where a student should study- is nearly impossible because each of these countries has its advantages and disadvantages.
Read More: Why is Germany Ranking as Top Study Abroad Destination?
Let’s look at some of the most important factors that a student has to go through when he/she visits any of these countries.
Language and Education
Language plays a significant role in whichever place you decide to go. People in Germany speak German, and people in France speak French. You have to determine what language is more accessible for you, and this is a subjective decision.
If in case you find both the languages difficult, then you have to decide which one you are willing to learn the most. Because you have to study either of the languages in case the university has a curriculum where you must learn the local language.
Talking about the quality of education in either of the places, it is above sub-par and even excellent in some of the universities. If you want to go for average quality education so that you could get some exposure to the country, you can go freely.
Read More: Top Universities in Germany
However, if you are prioritizing the quality of your education, then either of the places has extreme competition to get in.
There is one interesting thing though that a lot of people don’t know about both these countries. They both offer free of cost education to students who are okay with studying the local language.
But don’t worry, if you don’t want to study any foreign language, then you can go for English courses in both of these countries. But if you are aiming for more English classes, Germany has to be your favourite option because Germany offers more courses in English than France.
In addition to this, Germany is widely known for its engineering and management courses as well. There are some of the leading automobile industries in Germany. So if you want to complete engineering and then look for a job, Germany seems to be your ideal option.
Lifestyle and Student Diversity
When it comes to making international students welcome and comfortable, universities in Germany have got it covered better than the universities in France. But at the same time, if we are looking solely at the diversity of the students in either of the places, France has the upper hand compared to Germany. There is a high student population and from every part of the world.
Read More: Why France Is a Popular Study-Abroad Destination?
The reason France has more students from different parts of the world is that it has a very modern culture. There are a lot of friendly activities that you can engage in. And the lifestyle is just classic and beautiful like we see in movies. Especially the food in France is too good. For people who love sitting in cafe’s and sip coffee and eat cheese all day, France is your dream location.
Germany is a place which is more of a work-oriented and will surely offer a lot of great work opportunities. But still, that doesn’t mean that Germany isn’t a lovely place for students. It may not have a very modern culture like France does, but it still has got its swag.
Housing Facilities
Some students prefer living in the hostels of the universities. This is for those who prefer living outside the college campus. If you are considering just the money you have to spend, then Germany is way cheaper than France in terms of average rent. So if you want to save some money on rent, go to Germany.
At the same time, France deals with the situation in a different way. Most of the universities in France only offer housing or accommodation for sleeping.
So if you are worried about being stuck in the campus and not being able to network, no need to worry, you can still roam outside the campus and study wherever you like. Most of the universities don’t even put a time restriction on being outside the campus. You can come and go whenever you want.
Work-Life
The most important aspect of getting an education from either of the places is to plan for good work-life and also get good educational exposure internationally. So if we are comparing about work-life in either of the countries, Germany has the upper hand over France here.
Read More: Top Universities in France
While the number of working hours that an international student can go for is not more than 20 hours a week, France also has a limitation of 964 hours in a year. This means when your 964 hours of work is finished in a year, you can’t work any more than that. The average pay per hour is nine euros.
In Germany, you cannot work more than 240 half days or 120 full days. There is a reason behind putting these restrictions on the number of hours of work. The aim is not to get you deviated from your primary purpose of coming to the country, which is to study.
Considering everything, it is tough to determine which place is the best for studying. Because honestly, you can get a good education from either of the locations. You have to consider everything mentioned above and then decide subjectively which country you would enjoy more.
You can also talk to some of the senior’s students in either of the countries to get a better insight into how your lifestyle would look like once you go there.
Scholarships to Study in Germany
Outstanding aspirants from different countries can study in Germany with fully-funded or partially-funded scholarship.
Fully-Funded DAAD-ACEH International Scholarship of Excellence
To support young scientists and academics in Aceh, the German Academic Exchange Service is offering DAAD-ACEH International Scholarship of Excellence. The scholarships offer young scientists and academics the opportunity to carry out a research or continuing education project at a state or state-recognised German university.
Provider: DAAD
Course: Master’s or doctoral degree
Award: Fully Funded
Deadline: Open
Apply Now
Read More: Full Tuition-Free International Scholarships at IFA Paris Fashion School, France
Mobility International Grant at the University of Oldenburg in Germany, 2020
The University of Oldenburg is delighted to announce Mobility Grant for the year 2020. The study program is available for all students who want to start their studies in bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the university. The grant amounts to a maximum EUR 500 in total and will be splitted into two payments (EUR 250 a month) after the transmittal of the corresponding documents (invoices). Only one application per stay is allowed.
Provider: University of Oldenburg
Course: Bachelor’s and master’s
Award: EUR 500
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Apply Now
International Scholarships at Berlin Institute of Technology
Berlin Institute of Technology is inviting candidates to apply for the scholarships for the academic year 2020-2021. The grant is open for those brilliant candidates who will commence in the undergraduate and postgraduate degree coursework at the institute. Each successful scholar will get the educational fund for their studies.
Provider: Berlin Institute of Technology
Course: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Award: Educational fund
Application Deadline: April 20, 2020
Apply Now
Read More: Study in Germany with International Scholarships
International Awards at the Technical University of Munich, Germany
The Technical University of Munich is offering scholarships for the Domestic and International Students. The sponsorship will be awarded in any degree subjects are offered by the university. Students who are not eligible for BAföG due to their nationality (see §8 BAföG). Applicants will receive financial aid between €500 and €1,500 per semester. You can reapply every semester.
Provider: Technical University of Munich
Course: Any degree
Award: €500 and €1,500
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Apply Now
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships for International Applicants in Germany, 2020
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is offering Fully-Funded international awards to supports foreign students in Germany. The program is open to provide financial assistance to international students for a postgraduate or master’s program and doctoral candidates at any German universities and colleges. Each winning candidate will get varies benefits for their study.
Provider: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Course: Postgraduate
Award: Varies
Deadline: July 15, 2020
Apply Now
International Advanced Research Opportunities Program at RWTH Aachen University, Germany
The RWTH Aachen University is giving an opportunity to participate in the International Advanced Research Opportunities Program. The sponsorship will be awarded in any Doctoral, Post-Docs degree subjects offered by the university. The grant will provide a travel grant of 1,000 euros (lump sum), German language classes and intercultural training and a monthly stipend of 1,800 euros for a period of up to 6 months.
Provider: RWTH Aachen University
Course: Doctoral, Post-Docs degree
Award: Varies
Deadline: September 30, 2020
Apply Now
Scholarships to Study in France
There are various types of scholarships in France, which are open to all students.
Full Tuition-Free International Scholarships at IFA Paris Fashion School, France
Apply for the Full Tuition-Free International Scholarships offered by the IFA Paris Fashion School in France. The studentships are available for those brilliant candidates who wish to study the undergraduate and postgraduate degree at IFA Fashion School. Three types of scholarships are available to support outstanding candidates according to their academic profile and financial situation.
Provider: IFA Paris Fashion School
Course: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Award: Varies
Deadline: March 15th 2020
Apply Now
IESEG’s International Scholarships at IESEG School of Management, France
IESEG’s international scholarships are initiated by the IESEG School of Management to attract talented students from around the world to pursue higher studies in France. The sponsorship will be awarded in any subject offered by the School. The IESEG School of Management will provide the tuition waiver from 10% to 50% for the candidates.
Provider: IESEG School of Management
Course: Higher studies
Award: Tuition waiver from 10% to 50%
Deadline: Mid March
Apply Now
Calmette and Yersin Doctoral Grants for International Students at Institut Pasteur
Apply for the Calmette and Yersin Doctoral Grants which is implementing by the Institut Pasteur. The program is open for worldwide students who want to pursue the research program at the Institut Pasteur in France. The educational bursary will cover living and insurance expenses depending on the salary scales.
Provider: Institut Pasteur
Course: Research program
Award: living and insurance expenses
Deadline: May 11, 2020
Apply Now
FACC Foundation Serge Bellanger International Business Degree Scholarship Program
The FACC Foundation is glad to offer Serge Bellanger International Business Degree Scholarship Program for overseas students. To apply for the program, the applicant must be a full-time graduate student. Each scholarship is worth $10,000 and exclusively covers academic tuition.
Provided By: FACC Foundation
Course: Business Degree program
Award: $10,000
Application Deadline: April 29, 2020
Apply Now
Top Universities to Study in Germany or France
| Top Universities in Germany | Tuition fee | Top Universities in France | Tuition fee |
| Technical University of Muni | 67.40 Euros | HEC Paris School | € 24,600 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | No tuition fee | Sorbonne Université | 6, 500 Euros per academic year |
| Heidelberg University | 169.25 Euros | Pantheon-Sorbonne University | 6, 500 Euros |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | No tuition fee | École Polytechnique | 4,000 EUR |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 1,500 Euros | INSEAD Europe Campus | €80,800 |
| Free University of Berlin | No tuition fee | Lumière University Lyon 2 | $677-1,244 USD/Month |
| RWTH Aachen University | 240 Euros | Télécom Paris | €4,150 |
| Technical University of Berlin | No tuition fees | ESSEC Business School | 13,500 EUR |
| University of Tübingen | 3,000 EUR | University of Paris | 243 Euros |
| University of Freiburg | No tuition fee | Strasbourg University | 184 Euros |
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