vs 
Australia vs Germany: which should you study in?
Both are strong destinations, and the honest answer depends on your budget, your grades and whether you want to stay on after graduating. Here is the side-by-side.
Australia vs Germany, line by line
| Metric | Australia | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $20,500 | ≈ $13,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $21,500 | ≈ $350 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $29,000 | ≈ $4,200 |
| Total per year | ≈ $49,500 | ≈ $17,700 |
| Post-study work | 2 years | 1.5 years |
| Work while studying | 24 h/week | 20 h/week |
| PR pathway | strong | strong |
| Institutions | 31 | 32 |
| Courses listed | 120 | 111 |
| World rank | #19 | #28 |
| Typical entry grade | 77% | 74% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.4 |
Which one fits you?
Choose Australia if…
- ✓you want longer post-study work rights (2 years)
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
Choose Germany if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $7,000 a year less)
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $350 a year)
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (32 here)
The short version
Germany is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while Australia gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, Australia has the stronger pathway.
Australia
Subclass 500 student visa. Financial capacity requirement is AUD 29,710/yr of living costs. The Temporary Graduate visa (485) gives 2 years for bachelor's/coursework master's and 3 for research degrees and PhDs; skilled occupations feed a points-based PR system.
Germany
National (D) visa with a blocked account of €11,904/yr (€992/month, 2026 rate). Public universities charge little or no tuition; an 18-month job-seeker window can lead to an EU Blue Card and PR.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Australia or Germany?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Germany works out cheaper. Tuition in Australia starts around $21,500 a year against $350 in Germany, and living costs run $$20,500 versus $$13,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, Australia or Germany?
Australia allows 2 year(s) of post-study work and Germany allows 1.5. During term, students can work up to 24 hours a week in Australia and 20 hours in Germany.
Which is easier to get into, Australia or Germany?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 77% in Australia and 74% in Germany, with English requirements of IELTS 6.5 and 6.4 respectively. Entry difficulty varies far more by institution than by country.
Other comparisons
Estimated figures. Tuition, living costs and entry benchmarks on this page are estimates for guidance and comparison. Always confirm exact figures with the institution before you apply.
Still torn between Australia and Germany?
Put your marks, budget and goals in and we will score real courses in both countries, then tell you which side wins for your profile.
Get my matches →