The United States' universities and colleges have consistently ranked first in global rankings such as the QS World University Ranking, Times Higher Education Ranking, etc. Several universities, areas of study, and specialised degrees are available in the United States. Universities in the United States are proud to be at the forefront of technology, research, and methodology. They ensure that students have access to the most excellent possible equipment and resources. Even if the speciality does not directly include science or engineering, you will have the opportunity to learn how to conduct research and gather and process information utilising cutting-edge technology.
Germany is a diverse country that is liberal and hospitable, and its universities are well-known for providing high-quality education; Many of them are considered among the best in the world. If you choose to study in Germany, you may be confident that you will obtain a significantly superior education to the global average, which will be advantageous when looking for work after graduation. Germany's tuition fees are considerably lower than other nations like the United States or the United Kingdom. So, you may study at top-ranked colleges for little tuition in Germany. Compared to neighbouring nations such as France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Germany is remarkably low. It is significantly cheaper if you include the student discounts.
Difference Between Education Systems in Germany vs USA
In general, the German school system focuses on exams, but the American school system is increasingly implementing criteria requiring tests to be written weekly. The grading system in these two systems differs significantly; in Germany, grades range from 6 (the lowest) to 1 (the highest) (being the best). Students obtain grades ranging from zero to fifteen points after the 12th grade. In the United States, grades range from a (the best) to f (the poorest) (being the worst).
From student life to class schedules, Germany's educational system is far from the American model. The most significant difference is a system that places Germans in advanced technical training, college, or trade by ten instead of the K-12 system in the United States. In addition, German kids spend more time in school than their American counterparts, and they must join local organisations to partake in extracurricular activities that are not provided by schools.
USA vs Germany Eligibility Criteria to Study Higher Education
USA
- You must have completed 12 years of schooling to enrol in undergraduate (UG) courses. However, you must take the SAT exam to be considered for admission.
- A minimum of 16 years of study is required for postgraduate (PG) studies. It equates to 12 years of schooling and four years of college education for Indian students. However, because most Indian universities offer three years of UG study, you may need to enrol in a one-year course to make up the difference. Some US institutions may recognise your three-year degree if you studied at a prestigious Indian institute, though this is uncommon. You can contact the university's admissions office and inquire about your situation.GMAT is required for admission to management programmes, whereas the GRE is required to enter science programmes.
- Because there are no cutoffs in colleges, you must score as high as possible on all tests. Colleges post average approved scores for various courses on their websites. This will give you an idea of a decent score, and you will have to take language exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS regardless of your degree.
Germany
Universities in Germany are frequently supported by the government, but they are not always regulated. As a result, each university sets its eligibility standards and cutoffs. It's a good idea to look out for the qualifying requirements for each programme on the university's website.
To enrol in undergraduate classes in Germany, you must have completed your 12th grade and one of the following:
- JEE Advanced
- Completed one year of bachelor's degree studies at a recognised Indian university.
- The Feststellungsprüfung, an admission exam for several colleges that you would take to demonstrate that you have completed your Studienkolleg.
- Due to the high level of competitiveness at the application stage, universities may require as much as 90% in your secondary school exams. If you have passed JEE Advanced, the cutoff is higher.
- A German equivalent of a bachelor's degree in the relevant topics is required for a postgraduate programme in Germany. Aside from this essential prerequisite, institutions may also ask that you have a high GMAT or GRE score. IELTS or TOEFL, as well as a working grasp of German, are required for overseas students. A high degree of language skill is necessary for German-taught programmes, and you will be required to take either TestDAF or DSH.
USA vs Germany Admission Process
There is a significant difference in the accessibility of colleges and universities in these two countries. In the United States, nearly half of the population obtains a college degree during their lifetime; only about one-third of the population does in Germany. This is partly since attendance at German universities is free; the only requirement for studying at a university is the Abitur (in some viral fields, a unique mark in the Abitur called the NC is also required). The German government even provides a loan for everyday necessities to every student who does not have wealthy parents. In the United States, many parents work their entire lives (including second jobs) to save enough money to pay for their children's higher education.
Top Universities in USA vs Germany
Germany Universities
Ranking
|
QS Ranking
|
Universities
|
1
|
50
|
Technische Universität München
|
2
|
63
|
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
|
3
|
64
|
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
|
4
|
117
|
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
|
5
|
130
|
Freie Universität Berlin
|
6
|
131
|
KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
|
7
|
145
|
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
|
8
|
148
|
Technische Universität Berlin
|
9
|
=173
|
Technische Universität Dresden
|
10
|
=175
|
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
|
USA Universities
Ranking
|
University
|
1
|
Harvard University
|
2
|
Stanford University
|
3
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
|
4
|
University of California Berkeley (UCB)
|
5
|
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
|
6
|
Yale University
|
7
|
Columbia University
|
8
|
Princeton University
|
9
|
New York University (NYU)
|
10
|
University of Pennsylvania
|
Costs of studying Undergraduate Courses USA vs Germany
USA
Public two-year colleges
|
Public four-year colleges (out-of-state fees)
|
Private non-profit four-year colleges
|
Tuition and other fees
|
$10,230
|
$26,290
|
Room and board
|
$11,140
|
$11,140
|
Total (per year)
|
$21,370
|
$37,430
|
Germany
Public University
|
12,000 INR – 1,30,000 INR
|
Private University
|
Up to 28,00,000 INR
|
Accommodation and Utilities
|
18,721 INR – 46,000 INR
|
Costs of studying Postgraduate courses USA vs Germany
Germany
In Germany, there are no tuition fees for master's programmes because most German universities are state-funded. Students need to pay a one-time enrollment fee that ranges from 3,269 EUR to 16,626 EUR depending on the programme.
Course
|
Tuition Fees
|
MS in Cyber Security
|
$44,084.7
|
MBA
|
$100,192.5
|
Master of Science in Information Systems
|
$36,069.3
|
MS in Computer Graphics Technology
|
$41,412.9
|
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
|
$74,810.4
|
MS in Information Systems Management
|
$80,154
|
Master of Science in Data Science
|
$73,474.5
|
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
|
$33,397.5
|
Costs of Living in USA vs Germany
USA COST
One bedroom apartment (city centre)
|
$3,273
|
One bedroom apartment (outside of city centre)
|
$2,542
|
Internet
|
$54
|
Utilities (gas, electric and water for an 85m2 apartment)
|
$117
|
GERMANY COST
Rent for Apartment (1 Bedroom)
|
530 EUR
|
Meal for a Single Person
|
10.00 EUR
|
Local Public Transport
|
2.70 EUR
|
Taxi Tariff/km
|
2.00 EUR
|
Utilities per Month
|
15 EUR
|
Scholarships for Indian Students in USA vs Germany
Scholarships in Germany
|
Scholarships in USA
|
DAAD Scholarship Programs
|
ACI Foundation Scholarship
|
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships in Germany
|
Fulbright Scholarships USA
|
DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Programme
|
AAUW International Fellowship Program
|
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships in Germany for International Students
|
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
|
Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany
|
Boston University Presidential Scholarship
|
Student Visa Process in USA vs Germany
USA
An F1 visa is for students who want to study full-time. The following rules apply to this visa:
- A personal interview is necessary, and you will be expected to present for a Biometrics appointment.
- Unless you have been permitted to stay and work in the US for some time under the OPT Degree, you can stay in the US for up to 90 days over the time it takes to complete your academic programme. (Optional Practical Training).
- The application fee for this visa is $160, plus a $350 SEVIS fee. For the dependent visa, you will have to pay an extra $160. (per dependant)
- Working more than 20 hours a week is prohibited. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can only work for a commercial company that provides services to the college, such as a bookshop or cafeteria, on campus.
Germany
- A residency permit is essential for students staying in Germany for more than 90 days.
- As proof of cash required for living expenses, you must provide funds totalling €10,332 every year.
- A student's residency permit is only suitable for two years. If the course lasts longer than the two years mentioned, it must be renewed.
- Students might work 20 hours per week during the holidays and 40 hours per week.
Post Study Work Permit - USA vs Germany
Germany
Following graduation, students who complete their studies in Germany are eligible to work in the country. This time is in addition to the period of study specified in your German Study Visa. Students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa, also known as a post-study work visa, to find work related to their education. This additional 18-month period is known as a post-study work permit in Germany.
USA
The F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa are three types of student visas that allow students to stay in the United States after they finish their studies for a set period. International students with an F1 student visa may work for up to a year in a job directly connected to their major field of study. F1 visa holders who have completed their studies can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Optional Practical Training (OPT), a one-year work and stay-back permit, is granted to international students who complete a degree programme in the United States. There are two types of OPT: one that can be used throughout one's studies, known as Pre Completion OPT, and one that begins after one's studies are over, known as post-completion OPT.
USA vs Germany immigration to Study Abroad
Students can apply for Permanent residency after their education.It is a process that requires the candidate to have worked in the US for at least five years before applying. You will then be issued a "Green Card," but the process might take time.
After five years of living in Germany on a German residence permit, you can apply for a German permanent visa. You can apply for German citizenship after living in Germany for eight years.
USA vs Germany Jobs & Salary Opportunities
In Germany, an excellent annual average pay is between €64,000 and €81,000. Your gross wage is determined by your career, industry, and educational background. Jobs in healthcare, information technology, management, finance, engineering, and law are among the highest-paying in the United States.
Germany
Job Title
|
Salary
|
Head of physicians
|
€196,251
|
Senior physician
|
€121,748
|
Sales control / Sales management
|
€94,796
|
Regional sales manager
|
€90,812
|
Commercial manager
|
€90,661
|
IT manager
|
€88,610
|
Fund manager
|
€83,641
|
(Key) account manager
|
€75,671
|
Regional sales manager
|
€74,528
|
USA
Job title
|
Gross median salary 2021
|
Physicians and Surgeons
|
Equal or more than $208
|
Obstetricians and gynaecologists
|
Equal or more than $208k
|
General internal medicine physicians
|
Equal or more than $208k
|
Anesthesiologists
|
Equal or more than $208k
|
Chief executives
|
Equal or more than $185k
|
Finance managers
|
Equal or more than $130k
|
Nurse anaesthetists
|
Equal or more than $183k
|
Dentists, general
|
Equal or more than $158k
|
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
|
Equal or more than $160k
|
Architectural and engineering managers
|
Equal or more than $149k
|
aecc is the right spot for you to pursue study abroad dreams. It is time to get started & start applying.
FAQs About USA vs Germany
Is Germany better than us for international students?
Although both Germany and the United States have institutions at the top of the list, it is evident from this list that the United States has the upper hand because ten of its universities are among the best in the world.
Is Germany worth it for Indian students?
In terms of providing quality education at an accessible price for international students, low living expenses, and the availability of scholarships, Germany stands out as a viable option for overseas education.
Which is better for Masters USA or Germany?
Germany is an excellent option if you're looking for affordable and high-quality education.