Choosing between Canada and Germany for higher studies can be challenging. This blog compares key factors like tuition fees, living costs, immigration policies, and job prospects to help Indian students make an informed decision when considering Canada vs Germany for their educational pursuits.

Canada Vs Germany

Canada Vs. Germany is a dilemma for many Indian students aspiring to study abroad and propel their careers.    

Are you stuck in this problem as well?   

Both Canada and Germany are the epitome of world-class universities, high-paying job opportunities, and luxurious lifestyles. These countries are home to some top universities offering demanding tech, medicine, engineering, management, and humanities degrees. The best thing about studying abroad for Indian students is that their journey doesn’t just stop at getting the degree. It’s the beginning of a worthy career, full of potential for growth and development.

These countries offer ample job opportunities for Indian students, with high salaries and decent perks after they complete their courses. Ultimately, this attracts Indians to settle and obtain permanent residency in these countries. If you are one of them, looking for one chance at your dream career and lifestyle, this blog is for you.   

Compare the popular courses, career opportunities, living costs, and university fees in Canada Vs Germany, and pick the one that suits your life aspirations.   

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Canada Vs Germany: Comparison Highlights 2024 

Factor Canada Germany
Quality of Education Ranked 4th in the world (QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018) Ranked 5th in the world (QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018)
Popular Courses MBA, Hospitality Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Media & Journalism, Medicine, Business Management Law, Engineering, Medicine, Economics, Business Administration, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Computer Science
Course DDuration Undergraduate – 3 to 4 years
Post graduate – 1 to 2 years
Undergraduate – 3 to 4 years
Post graduate – 1 to 2 years
Top Universities McGill University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Montreal Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Freiburg
Admission Requirements IELTS: 6.5-7.5
TOEFL iBT: 80-100
PTE: 58-65
IELTS: 6.0-6.5
TestDaF: TDN 4
DSH: DSH-2
Tuition Fees CA$ 13,000 – $35,000 per year €20 – €3000 per semester
Cost of Living CA$10,000 to CA$15,000 per year €853 Euros monthly
Post Study Work Visa Up to 3 years 18 months
Language of Instruction English, French English, German

 

What are the pros and cons of studying in each country? 

Studying abroad gives you ample opportunities to advance your career and make a life for yourself. This is why millions of students move abroad to pursue higher studies.   

Regarding factors, Germany has a lower cost of living, but the language barrier is daunting. On the other hand, Canada’scost of living is high, but the multicultural society is welcoming to Indian students. Most importantly, post-study work opportunities are more flexible in Germany than Canada, considering the new Canadian immigration laws.  

So, when it comes to Canada Vs Germany, you shouldn’t just stick to universities. You should also compare and check admission fees, campus life, society, work opportunities, cost of living, and PR eligibility.   

To help you out, we have compiled a detailed comparison of Canada vs Germany for Indian students. This blog will help you make informed decisions about your career and life.  

  1. Canada Vs. Germany: Immigration Laws 

Immigration laws are the first thing you should go through before choosing a country.   

Canada: Studying with a study permit 

To study in a Canadian university, you must have a study permit. The eligibility criteria for getting a study permit in Canada are as follows:  

  • Securing admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is essential to pursue your studies in Canada. A DLI is an educational institution authorized by the Canadian government to host international students, such as a university, college, or other recognized institute. This designation ensures that the institution meets specific standards and can provide international students with the necessary support and resources. To find a comprehensive list of DLIs, you can visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  
  • You also need to prove to the government that you are financially stable. For this, you must produce proof of funds to the Canadian government.  
  • Additionally, you must have a transparent background and zero criminal record.  
  • Plus, you must clear mandatory medical checks and requirements.

 

Germany: Studying with a student visa 

You will need a valid student visa to enroll and complete your course in a German university or college.   

The eligibility criteria to apply for a student visa are as follows:  

  • You must be accepted into a recognized German university or institute.  
  • Also, you must have the required German language skills for your chosen program. It will include passing mandatory TestDaF or DSH tests.  
  • Additionally, you will need to prove your financial stability. It would help if you produced your bank statements to show that you can support your monthly college and living expenses (at least 853 Euros).  
  • You will also need health insurance for your stay in Germany.

 

  1. Canada Vs. Germany: Quality of Education 

Germany has a global reputation for fostering top-ranked universities. Some of the best German universities include the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and Heidelberg University.  

Giving intense competition to German universities, Canada also has universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, globally recognized for their academic excellence.  

In Germany, public universities have a low admission rate of under 30%. Meanwhile, private universities in the country have an admission rate above 60%.   

Canadian universities have higher admission rates than Germany (40 – 58.7%).

 

  1. Canada Vs. Germany: Course duration 

Choosing the right course will decide the future path of your career.  The course or degree you enroll in depends on your interests, educational background, and career aspirations.  

Canada 

Business administration, engineering, social sciences, and computer science are the most popular courses among Indian and other international students in Canada.   

A bachelor’s degree in Canada lasts 3 to 4 years, depending on the course. On the contrary, master’s degree courses last 1 to 2 years, and PhD programs last 3 to 6 years.  

Germany 

Germany is known for engineering, technology, and medical excellence. Thus, the country is a dream destination for Indian students aspiring to pursue degrees in engineering, computer science, medicine, and humanities, especially language degrees.  

The course duration for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Germany is the same as in Canada. However, the PhD program in Germany is more elaborate than in Canada. It will take you 5 to 6 years to complete your PhD in Germany.

 

  1. Canada Vs. Germany: Tuition Fees and Living Costs 

In the Canada vs Germany tug-war, the former has higher college fees and living expenses than the latter.  

You will find surprising differences when you compare Canada’s sky-high fees to Germany’s. Tuition fees for undergraduate and doctoral students are nonexistent in most German states.  

If required, students generally pay a minimum semester fee between €100 and €350 (US $108 to US $380).  

The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU citizens €1,500 (US $1637) per semester. However, this charge does not apply to doctoral students.  

A detailed breakdown of college and living expenses in both countries is explained in the table below.

 

Costs for Undergraduate Courses

Expenses Undergraduate course in Canada Undergraduate course in Germany
Tuition $10,000 – $30,000 per year €150 (public uni) – €20,000 (private uni) per year
Room and Living expenses $10,000-$12,000 per year €8,640 per year
Duration of course 4 years 3-4 years
Total $20,000-$42,000 per year €8,790 – €28,640 per year

 

Costs for Postgraduate Courses

Expenses Postgraduate course in Canada Postgraduate course in Germany
Tuition $15,000 – $35,000 per year €2,000 (public uni) – €30,000 (private uni) per year
Room and Living expenses $10,000-$12,000 per year €8,640 per year
Duration of course 1-2 years 1-2 years
Total $25,000-$47,000 per year €10,640 – €38,640 per year

 

  1. Canada Vs. Germany: Job opportunities 

In Canada and Germany, job opportunities for Indian students vary depending on their field of study and career choice.  

Canada 

Indian students with a Canadian work visa can opt to work on-campus or off-campus along with their course.   

  • For on-campus work, you won’t need a work permit.  
  • On-campus work includes jobs offered by colleges and universities, such as librarian, research assistant, etc.  
  • Your education institute will have limited work hours for these jobs.  
  • You will need a valid study permit or Social Insurance Number (SIN) for off-campus or part-time work.  
  • You can apply for SIN after receiving your study permit.  
  • Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week.  
  • You can hold multiple part-time jobs if you follow the working hours restriction.  
  • After graduation or post-graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This allows you to apply for and work in permanent full-time roles and gain experience.  
  • The PGWP is valid for only three years.  

Germany 

40% of the international students get decent jobs and settle permanently in Germany. Job opportunities for Indian students in Germany are quite rewarding.  

  • During your degree, you can work on or off campus.  
  • The institution applies a limitation on on-campus working hours.   
  • You can access the on-campus opportunities with a valid student visa.   
  • However, for off-campus work, you will need a valid residence permit.   
  • Also, you can work 20 hours/week during the semesters.   
  • However, you can work full-time or more than 20 hours per week during the semester breaks without restrictions.  

Similar Article: APS Certificate Germany: Mandatory in Germany for Indian Students

 

Canada Vs Germany Salary

Job Field Average Annual Salary (Canada) (CAD) Average Annual Salary (Germany) (EUR)
Business Administration $85,000 €64,372
Computer Science $97,248 €62,658
Engineering $91,536 €74,888
Healthcare (Physicians) $230,000 €102,036
Social Sciences $78,312 €58,241

 

  1. Canada Vs. Germany: PR Eligibility 

In the debate of Canada vs. Germany, the permanent residency criteria are one of the main factors Indian students consider when considering their future.   

Here is a simple breakdown of Canada and Germany’s PR for Indian students.  

Canada PR for Indian Students 

To apply for permanent residency in Canada, you must:  

  • Score at least 67 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This score is calculated based on age, work experience, educational qualifications, financial status, and language skills.  
  • Have relevant work experience.  
  • Meet minimum English or French language proficiency and pass the IELTS test.  
  • Possess the required educational qualification requirements, as mandatory as per Canadian laws.  
  • Clear medical and background checks.  

Read more: What Level of French is Required for Canada PR?

Germany PR for Indian Students 

To apply for permanent citizenship in Germany, you must have:  

  • Lived in Germany for at least five years.  
  • Possess B1 level German language proficiency test.  
  • Valid residency permit for the mandatory period (5 years).  
  • Relevant financial documents to prove your financial stability.  
  • Required employment letter or business documents  
  • Tax return copies, marriage certificates, and bank statements.

 

Is Germany Good for Indian Students? 

You will find that Germany is the winner when you explore the above comparison factors for Canada vs Germany.  

Germany excels on all fronts, from the quality of education to top-ranking universities, expenses, work opportunities, and relaxed immigration rules.  

With over 400,000 international students in 2021-2022, Germany has become a significant hub for global education. A survey by BintHo even found that Germany is the preferred destination for 76% of international students!   

This popularity can be attributed to several factors, including Germany’s well-regarded universities, focus on specific course content, affordability, and the abundance of English-language programs.

Read this blog: Germany Scholarship for Indian Students

 

How can Kochiva help you pursue higher education in Canada or Germany? 

When considering higher education in Canada or Germany, Indian students must meet specific admission requirements, including demonstrating proficiency in the relevant foreign language. “Kochiva” provides essential language training to help you meet these requirements and advance your academic and professional goals.  

Our structured curriculum takes you from the basics to advanced levels, ensuring a solid language understanding. Experienced instructors provide personalized guidance and practical insights, making learning engaging and effective. We offer flexible learning options, including self-paced modules and live interactive sessions, to accommodate your schedule.  

One key benefit of studying at Kochiva is earning the required language certification within 2 to 6 months, depending on the course level. By enrolling in Kochiva, you’ll not only fulfill the language proficiency requirements but also enhance your career prospects, opening global opportunities.

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