France vs Germany 2025 – Study Costs, Universities, Jobs & PR Comparison

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France or Germany: Which Is Better for International Students?

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jun 30,2025 12:34 PM IST

Germany is world’s 3rd largest economy, while France stands at 7th position.
During 2024-2025, over 460,000 students were studying in Germany, while during the same time, France had over 430,000 students.
Germany is the most cost-effective study destination in the world, while France is home to some of the world’s largest companies.

France vs Germany.webp

In 2024, many vintage study destinations, including the Big 4, saw a drop in international enrolment, and this trend continues till this year. This led study abroad aspirants to look for alternative study destinations, and most students have narrowed down their choice to the 2 most popular destinations in Europe: France and Germany.

Germany offers free education to international students along with a safe environment, while France offers world-class universities and the opportunity to work at top brands. Now the question arises, how to choose where to study: France or Germany? Don’t worry, in this blog we are going to compare both destinations, after which you will know which one to choose.

France vs Germany: A Quick Comparison

Both France and Germany are excellent study destinations in Europe. Here is a quick comparison between both:

Parameter	France	Germany
Capital	Paris	Berlin
Currency	EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Best Universities	Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon	Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Universität Heidelberg, Freie Universitaet Berlin, KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Annual Study Cost	€3,000 (UG)-€4,000 (PG)	No tuition fee for UG and PG programs at public universities
Annual Living Cost	EUR 10,000 – 18,000	EUR 12,000 – 34,000

France vs Germany: Top Universities

France and Germany are home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities. Here are the best universities in France and Germany.

French Universities	QS Ranking 2026	German Universities	German Universities
Université PSL	28	Technical University of Munich	22
Institut Polytechnique de Paris	41	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	58
Institut Polytechnique de Paris	70	Universität Heidelberg	80
Sorbonne University	72	Freie Universitaet Berlin	88
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon	205	KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	98
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne	257	RWTH Aachen University	105
Université Paris Cité	300	Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin	130
Université Grenoble Alpes	321	Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)	145
Sciences Po	367	Universität Hamburg	193
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA)	406	Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg	201

France vs Germany: Cost of Studying and Living

One can’t choose a destination without considering the study and living costs. Let’s see how much money you need to study in France vs Germany:

Tuition Fees in Germany

German public universities charge no fee to pursue any of the programs. However, private universities charge a nominal fee.

A German bachelor’s degree costs an average of EUR 5000 - 15000/year, while a master’s degree costs just EUR 8800 - 18000/year.

Tuition Fees in France

The tuition fees in French universities are higher than those in German universities, but still within the budget.

A French bachelor’s degree costs around EUR 7,000/year, while a master’s degree costs around EUR 9,000/year.

Cost of Living in Germany

The average monthly living expenses in Germany cost EUR 800 – 1,000.

Cost of Living in France

On the other hand, the average monthly cost of living in France falls between EUR 800 to 1,200.
France vs Germany: Popular Courses

The leading French and German universities provide the most sought-after courses for international students. Here are the best offerings of both countries:

Top Courses in France

Business & Management
Engineering
Luxury Goods Management
Fashion Design
Humanities
Social Sciences

Top Courses in Germany

Natural Sciences
Mathematics
Business
Law
Medicine
Architecture

France vs Germany: Admission Requirements

Another factor on which France and Germany vary is admission requirements. Three years bachelors degree is accepted for the masters program in both the countries. Here is what you need to fulfil to study in both countries:

Admission Requirements	France	Germany
Academic Requirement	Must pass 12th for the UG program, Must complete a bachelor’s degree for the PG program	Must pass 12th for the UG program, Must complete a bachelor’s degree for the PG program
CGPA Requirement	70-80%	65%
Accepted English Language Tests	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE	IELTS, TOEFL
Financial Proof	EUR 615/month	EUR 992/month

France vs Germany: Scholarships

Although the fees in German and French universities are already so less that a scholarship is not required. Still, in the following table, you can see the best scholarships in both destinations:

Best French Scholarships	Best French Scholarships
GEDU - Global Business Studies (GBS) - Dubai Campus Scholarships	Accadis University of Applied Sciences Scholarships
GEDU - Schiller International University - Paris Campus Scholarships	CBS University of Applied Sciences - Cologne Campus Scholarships
De Vinci Higher Education - EMLV - Ecole de Management Leonard De Vinci Scholarships	EU Business School - Munich Campus Scholarships

France vs Germany: Post-Study Work Opportunities

After completing studies, you might want to stay back in the country to work and earn, so it's important to learn the post-study work options before choosing between France and Germany.

Both the countries have the lucrative option of EU Blue card which allows the candidates to stay on if they have a job contract on minimum 6 months with an annual threshold salary decided by the respective govt. This is a resident permit which allows them to live and work in both the countries eventually leading to PR.

Working in Germany

However if any student does not have a job offer immediately on completion of the program of study is allowed to stay back for 18 months on a job seekers visa.

Working in France

Unlike Germany, France provides a 2-year post-study work visa to master’s students. France vs Germany: Permanent Residency Opportunities

France vs Germany: Permanent Residency Opportunities

Permanent residency is often something international students chase after spending a good time in a foreign country, and France and Germany are no exception. The PR rules vary for both countries as follows:

PR in France

1. A minimum stay of 5 years in France.

2. One must hold a valid residence permit.

3. Candidate must demonstrate language proficiency.

PR in Germany

1. Candidate must work for at least 2 years.

2. They must hold a valid work/residence permit.

3. The income must be a minimum of EUR 45,300/year.

How to Choose between France and Germany?

Choosing between the two countries is tough, as both countries are great study destinations and offer unique advantages for international students. However, you can consider the following factors while deciding between France and Germany:

1. Tuition Fees: German public universities offer free education, while French universities charge more comparatively.

2. Field of Study: French universities are best for pursuing courses in arts, business, and fashion, while German universities have an edge in engineering and research programs.

3. Career Opportunities: France can provide you with better job opportunities in luxury goods, finance and aerospace. On the other hand, Germany has a good job market in manufacturing, engineering, and technology.

Conclusion

France and Germany are two of the best European study destinations for international students, offering the most pocket-friendly education. Both are amazing places to pursue higher education, allowing students to explore the rest of the 43 European countries during leisure. However, the choice of students may depend on factors like tuition fees, study visa, post-studies work opportunities and PR options. If you are still confused about which one to choose, connect with �鶹��’s study abroad consultants and choose the one which suits you.

FAQ

Which country is better for international students, France or Germany?

There is no clear answer. Germany provides free education and has an open and inclusive society. On the other hand, France also has world-class institutions and is a hub for MNCs like Orange, Total, Airbus, LVMH, and more.

Are salaries better in Germany or France?

Germany provides higher salaries than France, but also has a higher cost of living. France offers lower salaries, but the inflation-adjusted income is comparatively higher.

Which economy is better, Germany or France?

Germany is the 3rd largest economy in the world, while France is the 7th largest.

Should I study German or French?

If you love research-based subjects, then you should go for German universities, while if you have an interest in arts or fashion, French universities will be a better option.

Is Germany more successful than France?

No, France has performed better than Germany in the past 4 years.

Which is safer, France or Germany?

Germany is safer than France.

Which is more beautiful, France or Germany?

In terms of natural beauty scenes, France is better than Germany.

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France or Germany: Which Is Better for International Students?

Table of Contents

France vs Germany: A Quick Comparison

France vs Germany: Top Universities

France vs Germany: Cost of Studying and Living

Tuition Fees in Germany

Tuition Fees in France

Cost of Living in Germany

Cost of Living in France

Top Courses in France

Top Courses in Germany

France vs Germany: Admission Requirements

France vs Germany: Scholarships

France vs Germany: Post-Study Work Opportunities

Working in Germany

Working in France

France vs Germany: Permanent Residency Opportunities

PR in France

PR in Germany

How to Choose between France and Germany?

Conclusion

FAQ

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Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

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