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Germany vs France: 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.
Germany vs France, line by line
| Metric | Germany | France |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $13,500 | ≈ $14,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $350 | ≈ $450 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $4,200 | ≈ $7,700 |
| Total per year | ≈ $17,700 | ≈ $22,200 |
| Post-study work | 1.5 years | 1 years |
| Work while studying | 20 h/week | 20 h/week |
| PR pathway | strong | moderate |
| Institutions | 32 | 15 |
| Courses listed | 111 | 47 |
| World rank | #28 | #24 |
| Typical entry grade | 74% | 75% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.4 | IELTS 6.5 |
Which one fits you?
Choose Germany if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $1,000 a year less)
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $350 a year)
- ✓you want longer post-study work rights (1.5 years)
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (32 here)
- ✓settling permanently matters to you
Choose France if…
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
The short version
Germany is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while Germany gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, Germany has the stronger pathway.
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.
France
VLS-TS student visa. Master's graduates can take a 1-year (renewable) job-search stay (APS); public tuition is modest even for non-EU students.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Germany or France?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Germany works out cheaper. Tuition in Germany starts around $350 a year against $450 in France, and living costs run $$13,500 versus $$14,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, Germany or France?
Germany allows 1.5 year(s) of post-study work and France allows 1. During term, students can work up to 20 hours a week in Germany and 20 hours in France.
Which is easier to get into, Germany or France?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 74% in Germany and 75% in France, with English requirements of IELTS 6.4 and 6.5 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.
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