Study in Germany vs Study in the UK

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Updated on: Feb 2025

TL;DR: Germany offers tuition-free education at public universities (except in one state) and affordable living costs. It’s ideal for engineering and IT students, with strong job opportunities and a simple post-graduation work permit. The UK, though expensive, has world-renowned universities. Choose Germany for cost-effectiveness and tech focus, or the UK for academic prestige.

Studying abroad is a dream for many, and it’s easy to see why. Picture this: experiencing all four seasons, sipping hot chocolate while snowflakes fall softly in winter, cycling along a serene stream on your way to campus, or curling up with a book surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. For most of us, the idea of university life comes from those charming scenes in Hollywood movies or Netflix shows.

When it comes to studying overseas, the UK has long been a top choice for Malaysian students. It’s no surprise, really – the UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Plus, many of us have friends or family there, so we often hear about life and studying in the UK firsthand.

On the other hand, countries like France, Japan, and Germany are a bit under the radar for most Malaysian students. Because of this, not many people realize that Germany is a leading hub for engineering, offering excellent opportunities for students interested in engineering or Industry 4.0 courses. What’s even more surprising? You can study tuition-free at most public universities in Germany!

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Should I study in the UK?” or “Should I study in Germany?”, we’ve put together a breakdown of the key differences between the two. Hopefully, this will help you make a well-informed decision about which study destination is the best fit for you. Let’s dive in!

Tuition Fees: A Huge Difference

Germany offers a fantastic benefit: tuition-free education at public universities. Only one state, Baden-Württemberg, charges a low fee of €1,500 (RM7,000) per semester.

In contrast, the UK can be expensive. International students pay anywhere from £10,000 to £20,000 (RM56,000-RM112,000) per year for undergraduate studies. Medical programs can cost up to £38,000 (RM215,000) annually. Plus, you’ll need to budget for multiple years of fees, depending on your course.

Cost of Living: Germany Offers Better Value

Germany’s monthly living costs average around €992 (RM4,610). In larger cities like Munich or Hamburg, cost of living can be as high as €1,400 (RM6,500).

In the UK, living expenses can be higher, especially in London. The average monthly cost there is £1,260 (RM7,300). Outside of London, living costs drop to £920 (RM5,160).

Intakes and Duration of Studies

Germany offers two intakes each year: winter (September/October) and summer (March/April). A bachelor’s degree typically takes 3 to 3.5 years to complete. Master’s programs take about 1.5 to 2 years.

The UK also has two main intakes: fall (September/October) and winter (January/February). Some universities offer an April/May intake, but it’s less common. A bachelor’s degree in the UK usually takes 3 to 4 years, while a master’s lasts 1 to 2 years.

Popular Universities: Germany’s Engineering Excellence vs. UK’s Academic Legacy

Germany is known for its engineering programs, especially through the TU9 universities, which include the prestigious RWTH Aachen and Technical University of Munich. They have excellent academic reputations with strong industry ties.

List of TU9 universities:

RWTH Aachen
Technical University of Berlin
Technical University of Braunschweig
Technical University of Darmstadt
Technical University of Dresden
Leibniz University Hannover
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Technical University of Munich
University of Stuttgart

The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, like the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. These institutions are known for their academic rigor and prestige.

According to the QS World Universities Ranking 2025, the top 10 universities in the UK are:

Imperial College London
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
UCL
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
King’s College London
The London School of Economics and Political Sciences
University of Bristol
The University of Warwick

Popular Courses

Germany is a leader in fields like engineering, and computer science, especially as the pioneer of Industry 4.0. If you’re interested in IT, cybersecurity, or AI, Germany is a great choice.

The UK is famous for courses in law, medicine, accounting and economics. Students who graduate in fields like law or accounting from the UK can easily practice in Malaysia.

Working Part-time

In Germany, international students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. Jobs can range from tutoring to retail or even on-campus roles like research assistants. The minimum wage for part-time work is €12.82 per hour.

In the UK, students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. The minimum wage ranges from £10 per hour (for 18 to 20) to £12.21 per hour (for 21 and over).

In Germany, there’s this term called “working student,” and it’s pretty much what it sounds like. A working student is someone who has a part-time job that’s connected to their field of study. It’s a great way for students to put what they’re learning in class into practice, while also gaining real-world experience, building important professional skills, and growing their network. These opportunities can really set them up for success when it comes to their future career.

Job Opportunities After Graduation: The Path to Stay

Germany offers a post-graduation residency option. Graduates can stay for up to 18 months to search for work. Once employed in a field related to their studies, they can apply for an EU Blue Card to live and work in Germany.

In the UK, graduates can now stay for up to two years under the new Graduate Route. This is great news, as opportunities for international students to stay after graduation were once limited.

Permanent Residency: A Longer Road in the UK

If you want to live permanently in Germany, you can apply for a settlement permit after working for 21 months under the EU Blue Card, provided you meet all other requirements, including German language skills.

In the UK, it takes at least five years to apply for permanent residency. You’ll need stable employment and proof of good conduct.

Conclusion: Make Your Decision Based on Your Goals

Germany and the UK offer distinct benefits. If you’re looking for affordable education, high-quality engineering programs, and easy access to job opportunities, Germany is a top choice. On the other hand, the UK offers prestigious universities and a wide range of courses.

What matters most is your long-term goal. Are you ready to embrace the affordability and innovation in Germany, or does the UK’s academic prestige appeal more to you? Your decision will shape your future.

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