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Studying in Australia vs Germany

How the two compare on the things that matter most to international students — cost, student visas, work rights and the path to staying on after you graduate.

Australia
Australia
Germany
Germany
Tuition (per year)
A$20,000–45,000 / year
Public: tuition-free (€150–350/semester fee); private higher
Living costs
A$22,000–29,000 / year
€11,000–21,000 / year
Student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
National student visa / residence permit
Work while studying
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term
120 full days or 240 half days per year
Post-study work
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — 18 months to several years by qualification
18-month residence permit to seek work; EU Blue Card pathway
Proof of funds
Tuition + A$29,710/yr living + airfare
Blocked account (Sperrkonto) of €11,904/yr
Path to residency
Points-based skilled migration (189/190/491); regional study earns extra points
EU Blue Card → settlement after 21–33 months of qualifying work
Health cover
OSHC private cover mandatory (~A$500–700/yr)
Public or private health insurance mandatory (~€120/mo)
Main intakes
February and July (main), some November
Winter (October, main) and Summer (April)

Australia — often chosen for

  • Post-study work + PR pathways
  • Large South Asian student community
  • Regional study incentives
Study in AustraliaMigration experts →

Germany — often chosen for

  • Tuition-free public universities
  • Strong engineering & research
  • 18-month job-seeker stay-back
Study in Germany

Figures are typical estimates; visa fees and minimum-funds thresholds change regularly. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before deciding. Use the study cost calculator to estimate your own budget.

Australia vs Germany — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in Australia or Germany?+

Tuition in Australia is typically A$20,000–45,000 / year and living costs A$22,000–29,000 / year, while Germany is around Public: tuition-free (€150–350/semester fee); private higher for tuition and €11,000–21,000 / year for living. The cheaper option depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the study cost calculator to compare your own situation, and remember each country sets a minimum you must prove for the visa.

Which is better for working after graduation, Australia or Germany?+

Australia offers Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — 18 months to several years by qualification. Germany offers 18-month residence permit to seek work; EU Blue Card pathway. If staying on to work is a priority, weigh the length of the post-study visa against how it leads into longer-term residency in each country.

Which has an easier path to permanent residency, Australia or Germany?+

Australia: Points-based skilled migration (189/190/491); regional study earns extra points. Germany: EU Blue Card → settlement after 21–33 months of qualifying work. Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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