The idea of pursuing an MS abroad is probably one of the most desirable goals among young Indians and is based on their expectations and requirements. Studying abroad provides exposure to a new environment, foreign people, and culture, apart from top-notch research and study facilities, labs, and infrastructure. Though there are many universities for students to choose from, each country/city serves well for one or the other fields. For e.g., Paris is good for the Arts, while Germany is good for Automobiles and Mechanical. The US is ranked No.1 for STEM programs, and the UK holds good Business degrees. When it comes to choosing the best place to study, there are various sources and methods of research. Here, we gather some best reasons to choose Germany or the UK for an MS study.
Germany is an extremely popular destination among international students around the world. A German degree is well respected by employers around the world. While other countries or institutions can be identified among the best in certain areas of Engineering, the greatest concentration of reputable study programs can be found in the US and Germany. Especially, people everywhere recognize ‘Made in Germany’ as a seal of top-notch quality.
During an Engineering course, you get the chance to engage in intriguing research with the famous institutes of the Max Planck Society, given the university has a tie-up. Specializing in Automotive Engineering means learning, and getting to experience real-time from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Siemens, as many German universities have partnerships with them.
One not only achieves world-class education but also gets to know more about the unique British culture and perfects one’sEnglish language and skills. Apart from experiencing top-notch teaching, UK campuses are mesmerizing and the student facilities are outstanding. Next to the US in popularity as a study-abroad destination, the country has a strong presence in the QS World University Rankings 2019, with 76 UK universities featured.
The UK also consists of four nations with their own distinct university systems: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Wherever one chooses to study in the UK, one will likely be within the reach of outstanding museums, galleries, and libraries. From the V&A in London to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow and the National Railway Museum in York, there’s no shortage of cultural attractions in the UK.
| Criteria | UK | GERMANY |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | One can get admission after finishing a three-year UG degree. To get admission into management courses one will have to appear for GMAT. For science courses, one may not need to give the GRE exam (varies from university to university). Management courses in the UK require a few years of work experience. TOEFL or IELTS is important for the purpose of getting a visa. | For a postgraduate program in Germany, one would need a German equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subjects. Apart from this basic requirement, the universities might also require a good score on GMAT or GRE. For international students, IELTS or TOEFL, along with a working knowledge of the German language, is required. |
| Fees and costs | For international students outside of the EU, fees are higher. For postgraduate qualifications, most courses cost around UK£11,000 (~US$14,560), with some specialized courses costing more. One will also need to consider living expenses, including the costs of accommodation, food, travel, and entertainment. Average living costs in the UK come to about £12,000 (~US$15,900) per year. | Most courses have no Tuition fee. But, one has to pay a semester contribution of up to 250 Euros, depending upon the university and the services or benefits included. Fees may still be charged at private universities. However, most of the German higher education system is public-funded. |
| Visa requirements | A full-time student visa is called the Tier 4 (General) student visa, which, due to the tightening of visa rules over the last few years, is more difficult to get than before. It costs £310 to apply for this visa and an additional £310 for the dependent visa (per dependent). One may or may not be called to the consulate to appear for a personal interview, and may or may not be allowed to work part-time during their studies; both vary based on individual cases. | To stay in Germany for more than 90 days as a student, one needs to get a residence permit, which is valid for a maximum of two years. It needs renewal if the duration of the course is longer than the stated two years. Students need to show funds worth €8,640 per year as proof of funds required for the cost of living. Students can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full-time in an academic year. Presently, Germany is the only country where a student can pursue a part-time technical job in a related industry. Some universities offer part-time jobs on campus which are called Hi/wi. |
| Working post-study | If one wishes to work in the UK post-study, they need to apply for a Tier 2 visa which is meant for Highly Skilled Workers, whose annual lowest wage for the new job is £20,500 or above. One can stay and work in the UK with a Tier 2 visa for a maximum of 5 years. | Students who have completed their degree can apply for a Residence Permit of 18 months’ duration to look for a job related to their qualifications. |
| Employability in the country | Many companies have long recruitment processes, so one needs to apply for jobs early on in their final year of study. This is because, unlike their British and EU-national peers, non-EU students have only four months after the end of their course to find a job, or they face deportation. One also needs to know the salary requirements and conditions of Tier 2 to get a job accordingly. | Germany is a good place to find a job even while studying, as there is a high demand for engineers in Europe. Statistics say that Germany has one of the largest numbers of Engineering workers in the EU. In Germany, Engineering experts earn around 48,000 EUR/year. |
| Working post-study | If one wishes to work in the UK post-study, they need to apply for a Tier 2 visa which is meant for Highly Skilled Workers, whose annual lowest wage for the new job is £20,500 or above. One can stay and work in the UK with a Tier 2 visa for a maximum of 5 years. | Students who have completed their degree can apply for a Residence Permit of 18 months’ duration to look for a job related to their qualifications. |
| Employability in the country | Many companies have long recruitment processes, so one needs to apply for jobs early on in their final year of study. This is because, unlike their British and EU-national peers, non-EU students have only four months after the end of their course to find a job, or they face deportation. One also needs to know the salary requirements and conditions of Tier 2 to get a job accordingly. | Germany is a good place to find a job even while studying, as there is a high demand for engineers in Europe. Statistics say that Germany has one of the largest numbers of Engineering workers in the EU. In Germany, Engineering experts earn around 48,000 EUR/year. |
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