France vs Germany: Which Is Better for International Students?

Deciding between Germany and France for studying abroad is more than just finding the right vibe or lower tuition fees. 

It’s about knowing the hidden challenges of studying abroad that no flashy vlog will tell you.

Take Germany, for example. The country has some of the highest-ranking public universities offering tuition-free education. That’s a huge financial burden off your shoulders. But your expenses can still go as high as ₹4.8 lakhs/ semester. 

How? Other educational charges like semester fee, books, etc. 

On top of that, some universities, like LMU Munich, have now started charging international students up to €6,000 (₹5.78 lakhs) per semester. 

France has its own set of surprises. If you plan to study there, you’ll need to pay the CVEC fee (basically a student life contribution). It’s not a huge amount, but you do need to show proof of funds for it during your application. 

These are the kinds of small details that often get overlooked.

And then there’s financial aid and visa rules packed with fine print. For instance, if you’re studying at Freie Universität Berlin and on a grant, you might not be allowed to work part-time. 

Over at Sorbonne University in France, some financial aid options are only open to students who’ve already worked in France. 

In short, both countries offer amazing opportunities, but it’s important to look beyond the surface. Let’s break it all down to help you figure out which country fits you better.

Why choose Germany or France for studying abroad?

World-class research or affordable education?

Culturally-immersive degrees or career-oriented programs?

The process of finding the right fit begins with weighing your options. Germany vs. France—which one has more to offer you? Let’s find out.

Why Study in Germany?

Germany’s popularity is on the rise, and rightly so. In the last decade, the country has witnessed an almost 56% increase in the number of international students.  

As of 2025, more than 4 lakh international students are in Germany, and most are from India, China, Austria, and Turkey. 

Why?

Qualified academia. Tuition-free education in public universities. English-language programs. A thriving job market. 

• German universities like TUM, RWTH Aachen University, and KIT rank among the top 100 global universities for their Engineering and Data Science programs. Apart from Engineering, if you’re focusing on law, renewable energy, medicine, and physiology, Germany is your next destination. 
• The majority of these courses are taught in English. In fact, the country offers more than 1,900 English-taught programs.
• According to the THE Global Employability University Ranking 2025, 20 German universities rank among the top 250 in the world. 

Why Study in France?

France is rapidly emerging as a hot study abroad destination for Indian students after signing a mutual recognition agreement with India. In just a year, the population of Indian students in France has increased by 14%.

But how does studying in France benefit you as an Indian student?

• Firstly, the country offers more than 1,700 English-taught programs.
• Secondly, more than 500 French scholarships are available for Indians. 
• Thirdly, if you wish to work in the country post-graduation, you can apply for a post-study work permit. It is usually only valid for 12 months. However, as per the Bilateral agreements on professional mobility between India and France, Indians can renew this visa for another 12 months.  

And there’s more. 

Some of the top universities in France are also ranked high in the QS World Rankings 2025. The country offers many programs from the arts to politics to mathematics and legal studies. Let’s find out more about these universities below. 

Top universities in Germany vs. top universities in France

Both Germany and France have some of the highest-ranking universities in the world. While Germany is better known for its Engineering programs, France is known for its Business and management and Arts programs. 

Let’s explore the top universities in both countries. 

Top Universities in France

Top Universities in Germany

Germany vs. France – Tuition fees and financial aid

Both, Germany and France have some public universities that charge no tuition fees. However, you still have to pay other educational expenses.

Let’s find out more about the cost. 

Tuition Fees and Financial Aid in Germany

Depending on the university, studying in Germany can cost anywhere from ₹4 – ₹40 lakhs per annum. For example:

• The Technical University of Munich charges a tuition fee of ₹3.8 – 5.7 lakhs/ semester for master’s programs. 
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, on the other hand, charges no tuition fees. 

Additionally, the universities also charge a semester fee. It can be up to ₹35,000 per semester. 

As for financial aid, there are many options you can explore. For example:

• TUM offers financial aid of up to ₹1.7 lakhs per semester.
• LMU, on the other hand, doesn’t charge any tuition fee. However, the university offers financial support for additional expenses like books, stationery, etc. The university also provides subsidized printing costs, along with grants and scholarships. 

Tuition Fees and Financial Aid in France

Germany has semester fees in addition to the tuition cost. France has CVEC fees. Here’s how much different universities in France charge in tuition –

• Université PSL, a public university, charges tuition of about ₹25,000 per year along with CVEC fees of about ₹10,000.
• Sorbonne University, another public institution, doesn’t charge any tuition fees. However, the cost of studying here can go up to ₹1 LPA.
• Some private universities, like HEC Paris, charge tuition of up to ₹1 crore per annum. 

Like Germany, universities in France offer many financial aid options to Indian students. In fact, due to bilateral agreements between the countries, Indian students are often exempt from paying tuition fees. 

For instance, if you’re an exchange student at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, enrolled via bilateral agreements, you are exempted from paying a tuition fee.

Apart from this, French universities also offer many grants and part-time work opportunities to help you manage your finances. 

Germany vs. France – Cost of living for international students

Your cost of living is more than the rent you’re paying for your college dorm or rented apartment.

It includes your security deposit, the validation fee for your residence permit, food, shopping, transportation, health insurance, internet subscription, and more. 

Here’s how much it costs you to live in Germany vs. France – 

*The costs are an estimate and may vary for different regions within the countries. 

Germany vs. France – Scholarships for international students

Here’s the truth about scholarships for international students – there aren’t many options. Especially if the scholarship is offered by the university. 

You, as an international student, may not be eligible for many of the scholarships offered by your intended university. And even if the scholarship has “international” written before it, there still might be terms and conditions like –

• You must hold a bachelor’s degree from the same university, or
• You must have some work experience in this country, etc. 

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have any options. Here are some scholarships you can explore in the countries –

Scholarships for International Students in Germany

Scholarships for International Students in France

Germany vs. France – Post-study work visa options 

You’ve invested heavily in a degree because you want it to convert to a well-paying job. That’s where the rules around your post-study work visa or “job search visa” play a crucial role in finalising a country. 

Here’s how these visas work in both countries –

Post-study work Visa in France

After completing your program, if you do not have an employment contract or the promise of one, you can apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour). 

APS allows you to:

• Stay in the country even after completing your degree 
• Look for work.
• Establish a business.

APS is valid for 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months. This means you can stay in the country and look for work for 2 years after graduation. 

Post-study work Visa in Germany

Like France, you must extend your residence permit in Germany to continue seeking a job after graduating. 

You can extend your residence permit for up to 18 months. This duration begins as soon as you finish your final exams. 

Once you receive a full-time employment offer, even with a minimum one-year contract, you can apply for the main residence permit—an EU Blue Card.

Germany vs. France – Quality of life and student experience 

From weather to diversity to the cost of living to recreational options, your quality of life depends on many factors. 

While Germany is known for its student-friendly cities, low crime rate, and efficient public services, France is known for its culturally rich lifestyle. 

While Germany’s Central European location makes your weekend travel plans easy and affordable, France offers a mix of modern vibrancy and historic charm. 

Although both countries offer English-taught programs, life outside classes can make socialising difficult. You will have to be able to communicate in French or German to make things easier. 

The takeaway 

Sometimes, comparing two countries to study abroad is like comparing apples and oranges. But sometimes, it’s like comparing oranges and tangerines. Germany and France, in many aspects, are the latter. 

Both countries offer: 

• Globally-ranking universities 
• Affordable public universities
• Research-driven programs
• Quality of life
• Flexible post-study work visa options

The major difference comes down to your study area of interest. Are you more driven by engineering and technical sciences or arts and policy making? Make your decision. 

FAQs

1. Which Country Is Better For International Students: Germany vs. France?

Germany and France have much to offer – quality academia, work opportunities, high ROI, affordable education, and more. However, if you’re interested in STEM programs, you can go to the top universities in Germany. But if you are looking to explore rich culture or global business schools, France is your answer. 

2. What Are The Living Costs For Students In Germany And France?

The living costs in Germany and France for international students vary between cities. However, you can expect to spend around ₹9 – 14 LPA in Germany and around ₹12–15 LPA in France. 

3. Are Post-Study Work Visas Available For International Students In Germany And France?

Yes, both Germany and France offer post-study work visa options. In Germany, you can extend your residence visa for 18 months after graduation to seek a job. In France, you have to apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) with a validity of one year, which you can also extend by one year. 

4. Which Universities In Germany And France Are The Best For International Students?

Some of the top universities in Germany for International students are the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Universität Heidelberg. Some top universities in France you can explore are Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, and Sorbonne University.

5. What Scholarships Are Available For International Students In Germany And France?

In both countries, international students can apply for some university-specific scholarships. Regarding country-specific scholarships, you can explore DAAD and Erasmus+ to study in Germany. For France, you can explore Charpak, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, etc.