Germany vs Ireland: Which is Better for International Students?

Germany and Ireland are both great options for international students, but which one is the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Germany is known for its world-class education system, with many universities ranking highly. It's also a great destination for those interested in science, engineering, and technology, as the country is home to reputed IT companies. German universities offer a wide range of programs in English, and the cost of living in Germany is generally affordable compared to other European countries.

Ireland, on the other hand, is a smaller country with natural beauty, a rich history, and a welcoming culture. Its universities are also highly regarded, with many programs in fields such as business, computer science, and medicine. Ireland has a growing technology industry and is home to many international companies, making it an excellent destination for those interested in business and entrepreneurship.

Best Universities in Germany for International Students

To begin with, the comparison between both countries, having a fair idea of the universities is a must. Below mentioned are some of the top-ranked universities in Germany:

Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

The below-mentioned universities are the top universities in Ireland based on their QS world university ranking 2024, which can be chosen by an international student.

Eligibility and Requirements to Study at German Universities

Some basic eligibility and requirements that an international student must be aware of while planning to study in a German university are:

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  Need to have at least 60% marks in high school diploma and college/university education transcripts.
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  GRE or GMAT scores (600 - 650) are required to be enrolled for MS and Ph.D.
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  A score of 6 - 6.5 in IELTS or a score of 90 - 100 in TOEFL as an English language proficiency test is required.
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  Letter of motivation (generally known as the statement of purpose)
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  Letter of recommendation
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  Updated resume 
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  Student visa for Germany and valid passport

Application Process for German Universities

Some important points that need to be taken into account while undergoing the admission process are:

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  Students need to apply for a German university during one of their intakes i.e. summer intake (ends 15th January) or winter intake (ends 15th July). 
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  Most universities accept direct applications from their respective websites or a student can apply through portals like uni-assist.
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  Applicants need to fill in all the required details (personal details and degree of choice), submit the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
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  Need to complete the application process before the deadline and also have to appear for the interview with the university officials.
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  If selected then an appointment letter will be received within two months of application submission.

 Eligibility and Requirements to Study at Irish Universities

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  The applicant must have a minimum of 50% marks in college/university education transcripts. 
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  To get enrolled in an MBA in Germany a GMAT score of 550 - 600 is required.
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  The minimum GRE score to get enrolled in an MS or a Ph.D. program is 300 or above.
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  The majority of the courses taught in Ireland are in English therefore a minimum score of 6 - 6.5 in IELTS or 61 and above in TOEFL is required. 
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  Statement of purpose
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  Letter of recommendation
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  Updated resume 
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  Student visa and valid passport

Admission Process for Universities in Ireland

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  International students can enroll themselves in Irish universities during fall intake (September) and during spring intake (January). 
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  In case a student wants to enroll in the undergraduate course then they can apply through the Central Application Office (CAO) website. If an international student wants to apply for doctoral programs or MS in Ireland, they must do so through the website of the relevant university.
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  Need to fill in all the required details (personal details and degree of choice), submit the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
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  Need to complete the application process before the deadline and have to appear for an interview with the university.
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  If selected then an appointment letter will be received within two to three months of application submission.

As you are aware of the eligibility requirements for both countries along with the best universities, predict your admission chances and evaluate your profile for free.

Cost of Studying in Germany vs Ireland

For an international student, the cost of studying is one of the major deciding factors in choosing an appropriate study-abroad destination. The cost to study in Germany is very different from the cost involved in Ireland universities. Tuition fees in a public university in Germany are almost negligible compared to the tuition fees in private universities.

A comparison of the cost of studying in Germany versus Ireland based on the study program is shown below:

Cost of Living in Germany vs Ireland

Cost of living is another crucial factor and thus to provide a better idea of the cost of living in Germany vs Ireland a summary has been provided:

Popular Courses for International Students: Germany vs. Ireland

Popular Courses Offered by Germany for International Students:

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  Computer Science
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  Mechanical Engineering
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  Civil Engineering
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  Chemical Engineering

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  Business Management is another highly sought-after course for international students.

Popular Courses Offered by Ireland for International Students:

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  Business Analytics
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  Data Analytics
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  Data Science
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  Cybersecurity
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  Computer Science

Best Scholarships in Germany for International Students

There are different scholarships that can be availed by international students to study at German Universities. The top scholarships which can be availed by international students are:

Top Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Ireland universities also provide several opportunities for international students to avail of scholarships if they are eligible. The top scholarships that are offered by Ireland universities are:

Student Visa for Germany

A German student visa is required in case an international student wants to stay longer than 90 days. This can be applied from any closest consulate or embassy of Germany.

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  Some basic documents are required in the process like a passport, application letter, language proficiency test scores, and more. 
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  A German blocked account needs to be opened with 11,172 EUR which will be proof of funds that are necessary for an international student to survive in Germany. 
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  A fee of 110 EUR needs to be paid for visa application and residence permit. 
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  The applicant has to appear for the interview on a given date.
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  Applicants will be given a permit for residency that will be applicable for 2 years from the date of issuance.

Part-time Work Permit in Germany:

With a valid German student visa, an international student can work part-time in Germany, off-campus up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during holidays. 

Stay Back Period in Germany:

An international student can stay back for 18 months with a valid German student visa after they have completed their bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree.

Student Visa for Ireland

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  An international student has to apply for a Type D Ireland student visa in case the course duration exceeds 90 days. 
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  The process can be started by visiting the official website of Irish immigrants and applying on the same with submission of some basic documents like passport, language proficiency test scores, and more.
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  The applicant has to ensure that they can showcase proof of sufficient funds by keeping 7,282 EUR in their personal bank account. The student also has to pay 105 Eur as a visa application fee. 

Part-time Work Permit in Ireland:

An international student can work part-time in Ireland, off campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during semester breaks. 

Stay Back Period:

As per the third-level graduate scheme, non-EEA students who have completed their bachelor's or master’s from a recognized Irish university will be allowed a stay back in the country after studies for a period of 24 months.

Employment Opportunities: Germany vs. Ireland

Once a student has completed their studies then they can look for job opportunities in their respective countries. This section will help you understand employment trends and details in Germany and Ireland. 

Employment Trends:

Germany: In Germany, over 90% of graduates secure employment within twelve months (once they complete their education) in sectors like:

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  Business & Management
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  Health
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  Mechanical & Automotive
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  Building Construction
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  Electrical & Electronics
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  IT & Telecommunications
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  Aviation

Ireland: In Ireland, more than 70% of graduates find jobs within a year since there is a shortage of skilled labor in Ireland which creates a favorable environment for those seeking employment. Key sectors that absorb these skilled graduates are: 

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  Pharmaceuticals & Medical
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  Agriculture
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  Mining
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  Finance
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  Software & ICT
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  Marketing
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  Trade & Export

Germany vs. Ireland: Permanent Residence Opportunities

Germany:

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  You can apply for permanent residency after living in Germany for 5 years with a valid residence permit.
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  You can also apply for citizenship after 8 years of residence or sooner if you are married to a German citizen.

Ireland:

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  Permanent residency is available once you have completed five years of holding a work permit.
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  Successful applicants receive a Stamp 4 on their passport which is valid for 5 years and renewable.
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  After 8 years of legal residence, you can apply for a "Without condition as to time" endorsement that will offer you long-term stability.

Germany vs Ireland: Climate Change

While considering a study-abroad destination, it is good to know about the weather that prevails over there. Germany experiences a wide range of climates across its 16 states. Winters can be quite cold with snowfall, while summers can become quite warm. Rain can occur at any time, so it's wise to be prepared for all seasons. Temperatures can vary significantly, ranging from -10°C in winter to 35°C in summer, making it generally colder than Ireland.

Ireland, on the other hand, enjoys a milder climate due to warm Atlantic Ocean currents. Winters are cold but not too harsh and even snow is not common. In spring and summer, temperatures hover around 17–20°C, while autumn cools down to 13–17°C, and winter averages around 8°C. Ireland’s weather is more stable and suitable for Indian students and less extreme as compared to Germany’s weather.

Investing in education abroad is a life-changing decision, and one has to 2be sure if it is worth the investment or not. Estimate your future earnings for a more informed decision.

In conclusion, both Germany and Ireland offer excellent opportunities for international students. If you're looking for a larger country with a world-class education system and a strong focus on science and technology, Germany may be the better choice. If you're interested in a smaller country with a growing tech industry and a focus on business and entrepreneurship, Ireland may be the better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal interests and goals, so be sure to research both countries carefully before making a final decision.

Read more about:

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  Germany student visa process
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  Cost of Living in Ireland
• 
  Cost of Living in Germany
• 
  Public Universities in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions