Comparing Masters Study in Australia and Germany

If you're considering pursuing a Masters degree abroad, Australia and Germany are both excellent options. Each country offers unique benefits and experiences that cater to different needs and preferences. This article will compare the key aspects of Masters study in Australia and Germany, focusing on degree types, accommodation, living costs, and work opportunities.

Australia offers a diverse range of Masters degree formats tailored to different career paths:

• Traditional Masters: These academic courses, similar to MA or MSc degrees in the UK, allow students to delve deeply into their chosen subjects through a combination of teaching and research, usually culminating in a dissertation.
• Change of direction Masters: Ideal for students looking to switch fields or gain expertise in a new area. These programmes start with core principles before advancing into specialised training.
• Graduate entry professional qualifications: For those wishing to enter regulated professions such as teaching. These courses add professional training to your existing undergraduate knowledge.
• Professional development Masters: Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their careers through additional training, requiring existing qualifications and experience.

In Germany, Masters degrees generally fall into two categories: consecutive and non-consecutive:

• Consecutive Masters: These follow directly from a related undergraduate degree, such as an MSc in Biochemistry after a BSc in Chemistry. They usually cover related, yet advanced, subject matter.
• Non-consecutive Masters: Focusing on different or highly specialised subjects like Business or Law, these programmes often require professional experience.

Most German Masters programmes are designed to last two years and are structured to earn 120 ECTS credits, with 90 earned through modules, coursework, and exams, and the remaining 30 awarded for your dissertation.

On average, students will pay between €246-595 per month in rent. Accommodation options in Germany include:

• Halls of residence (or dormitory): A room in a dormitory costs an average of €246 per month. Depending on the university, this can include health insurance and a Semesterticket for using local public transport. The Studentenwerk of your university can help you find a room in a dormitory.
• Wohngemeinschaften: Referred simply as WG (private shared flats) which are the most popular form of accommodation. The average monthly cost is €363, though this will vary according to location.
• Living in a flat of your own: This is the most expensive option– a small flat in a cheaper area of Germany such as Leipzig may cost as little as €379, but you could pay €595 or more in large cities such as Frankfurt or Munich.

Germany is considered moderately priced compared to other European countries, with an average monthly living costs of around €867. This amount covers food, accommodation, and other expenses, though it can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Taking advantage of student discounts can reduce expenses. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers a wide range of useful discounts.

International students can work while studying, provided they hold a study permit. Work regulations include:

• On-campus work: No additional work permit needed.
• Off-campus work: Requires a work permit, with limits of 20 hours per week during term time but unrestricted during holiday periods. Common job opportunities are in sectors like hospitality and tourism.

In Germany, international students are also allowed to work under certain conditions:

• Work restrictions: Students can work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year. However, working more than this requires a special permit.
• Job opportunities: Many students find part-time jobs in sectors like hospitality, research assistant roles at their universities, or internships relevant to their fields of study.

Choosing between Australia and Germany for your Masters degree involves weighing different benefits and costs. Australia offers diverse programme formats and a welcoming student environment but can come with higher living costs.

On the other hand, Germany provides a wide range of academic opportunities with generally lower tuition fees and living costs, making it an attractive option for many international students.

Take a look at the latest Masters courses in Australia and Germany at FindAMasters.com. You can also check out our in-depth Masters study guides for Australia and Germany.