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USA vs Germany

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 

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

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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

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