Germany vs New Zealand: Which is the Better Study Abroad Destination?

Studying in a foreign nation provides a plethora of opportunities and allows students to immerse themselves in a culture that is vastly different from their own. However, many students are stuck when it comes to deciding where to study. Many students wonder whether they should study in Germany or New Zealand. We will end the debate of Germany vs New Zealand for good in this blog.  As both of these countries attract a high number of international students, a comparison between Germany and New Zealand is unavoidable. You may be unable to choose between these two countries. But don’t worry, we will compare the two countries and determine which is a better study-abroad destination toward the end of this blog. 

Parameters	Germany	New Zealand
Area	357,592 KM²	268,021 KM²
Currency	Euro	New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
Capital	Berlin	Wellington
Total Higher Education Providers	Over 380	8
Total Indian Students Studying	42,997	2,664
Average Cost of Living	€1,698 – €3,561	NZ$3,000 – NZ$4,000 Per Month
Average Cost of Studying	€300 – €28,000	NZ$6,500 – NZ$50,000
Popular Job Sectors	Building & Construction Sector, Information Technology and Telecommunications, Electrical and Electronics Industry, Health Sector, and Mechanical and Automotive Sector.	Teaching, Healthcare, Public Administration, Architecture and Design, Psychologists, and Information Technology.
Permitted Part-Time Working Hours	20 Hours Per Week	20 Hours Per Week

Top Universities: Germany vs New Zealand

Choosing the correct university is critical to your career growth. The tables below rank the top universities in Germany and New Zealand. Finally, at the end of this part, we will determine which country has the best universities. 

Universities in Germany

Here are some of the best universities in Germany: 

Top Universities in Germany	QS World University Rankings 2024	Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Technical University of Munich	37	30
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich	54	33
University of Heidelberg	87	43
Free University of Berlin	98	91
RWTH Aachen University	106	99
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	119	189
Humboldt University of Berlin	120	86
Technical University of Berlin	154	156
University of Freiburg	192	113
UNIVERSITÄT HAMBURG	205	601–800
University of Tubingen	213	86
Friedrich Alexander Universitat Erlangen Nurnberg (FAU)	229	196
University of Gottingen	232	119
University of Bonn	239	89
Technisce Universitat Darmstadt	246	301–350
University of Cologne	268	146
Goethe University Frankfurt	302	251–300
University of Stuttgart	312	301–350
Ruhr-University of Bochum	375	251–300
University of Munster	384	185

Universities in New Zealand 

Here are some of the best universities in New Zeland:

Top Universities in New Zealand	QS World University Rankings 2024	Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
The University of Auckland	68	139
University of Otago	206	301–350
Victoria University of Wellington	241	401–500
University of Canterbury	256	601–800
Massey University	239	601–800
University of Waikato	250	401–500
Lincoln University	362	401–500
Auckland University of Technology	407	251–300

Which Country is Better?

According to the data above, universities in Germany rank higher than universities in New Zealand. In this aspect, Germany has won our Germany vs New Zealand contest. As a result, Germany receives +2 points in this section. 

Also Read: Student Life in Germany

Admission Requirements

You must carefully consider the requirements in each nation before determining whether to study in Germany or New Zealand. This section will go over the admission requirements for each country’s universities.

Admission Requirements For Germany

Admission prerequisites in Germany differ according to the specific academic program and institution. The general requirements are given below:

• In general, English-taught programs necessitate evidence of English language skills, typically demonstrated through tests such as IELTS (with a score range of 6.5-7.0) or TOEFL (with a range of 80-100). 
• For programs conducted in German, proficiency can be verified through exams like TestDaF (with a minimum of TDN 4) or DSH (at Level 2). 
• Most master’s programs expect applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree with a GPA falling within the range of 2.5-3.0. GRE/GMAT scores may be obligatory for specific fields. 
• Doctoral programs typically require a relevant master’s degree and a well-defined research proposal.
• Some important documents that the student needs to submit are:

1. Translation of the course modules and grades. Certified copy of a high-school diploma or a previously completed degree,
2. Passport photo(s),
3. Proof of language proficiency – German and/or English,
4. Copy of your passport,
5. Motivation letter, and
6. Application fee.

• Also, make sure that you apply for a student visa. 

Admission Requirements For New Zealand 

Admission to New Zealand institutions varies according to academic program and level. However, the fundamental conditions are as follows:

• For each topic, students must meet a minimum English language requirement. A minimum academic record of 75% or above in Class 12 will also be required.
• Students with a 75% average or higher are eligible to enrol for Foundations and Diploma programs.
• Students must be at least 18 years old to enrol.
• The following documents must also be submitted:

1. Resume
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities (in case you have work experience)
4. Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
5. Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programmes)
6. Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
7. Valid Passport 

• Applicants must have a minimum IELTS score of 6, a TOEFL score of 80, and a PTE score of 50. 

Which Country is Better?

As demonstrated above, admission to New Zealand universities is easier than in Germany. As a result, in this round of our Germany vs New Zealand contest, we will award New Zealand +2 points. 

Also Read: Masters in Data Science in Germany

Tuition Fees

In this section, we will figure out which country has the lowest school costs. The country with the lowest education costs will receive +2 points. So, let’s compare tuition fees in Germany and New Zealand. 

Tuition Fees in Germany

As per the websites of the universities in Germany, the average yearly tuition fees in the country are as follows:  

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate	€300
Postgraduate	€300 – €28,000
Doctoral	€300 – €3000

Tuition Fees in New Zealand

As per the websites of the universities in New Zealand, the average yearly tuition fees in the country are as follows:  

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate	NZ$20,500 – NZ$25,000
Postgraduate	NZ$19,000 – NZ$50, 000
Doctoral	NZ$6,500 – NZ$9,000

Which Country is Better?

The tables above show that studying in Germany is less expensive than in New Zealand. As a result, Germany will receive a +2 in this round of the Germany vs New Zealand contest. 

Also Read: Intakes in Germany

Living Expenses

One of the primary concerns that international students have when deciding on a study-abroad destination is the expense of living. So, let’s look at the cost of living in Germany against New Zealand. 

Cost of Living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany according to Numbeo is given in the table below:

Monthly Rent	€837.16 – €1,542.61
Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre)	€4,673.91 – €6,446.89
Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	€12
Average Transportation Cost (Monthly)	63
Average Cost of Utility (Monthly)	353.68

Cost of Living in New Zealand

The cost of living in New Zealand according to Numbeo is given in the table below:

Monthly Rent	NZ$1,538.83 – NZ$3,061.61
Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre)	NZ$8,995.46 – NZ$10,827.41
Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	NZ$25
Average Transportation Cost (Monthly)	NZ$176.01
Average Cost of Utility (Monthly)	NZ$376.17

Which Country is Better?

As we can see, the overall cost of living in Germany is lower than in New Zealand. As a result, Germany will receive +2 points in our Germany vs New Zealand contest. 

Also Read: Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

Work Permit and PR

Students often study overseas with the intention of finding work and obtaining permanent residency. Let us compare the ease of obtaining a work visa and permanent residency in Germany to that of New Zealand. 

Work Permit in Germany

Here is how a work permit is granted in Germany:

Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit in Germany 

The prerequisites for qualifying for a work permit in Germany encompass:

• You must hold a valid employment offer from a German employer.
• You need to possess the essential qualifications and capabilities mandated for the position.
• It is imperative to confirm that you have acquired health insurance coverage for your period in Germany.
• Apply for a residence permit specifically for work purposes through the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Furnish a duly signed employment contract from your prospective employer
• Ensure that you have secured suitable accommodation arrangements in Germany.

Apply for a Work Permit in Germany

Non-EU residents must apply for a work visa and a residence permit to work in Germany. They must contact the German embassy or consulate in their respective country.  Their application must include the following:

• Valid passport
• Job offer letter from the firm in Germany
• Certificates of academic qualification
• Annexure for an employment permit
• Certificates of work experience
• Approval letter from the Federal Employment Agency

Work permit applications are processed in roughly 1-3 months.

PR in Germany

You must have resided in Germany for at least five years (or three years if married to a German citizen) to be eligible for a German Permanent Residence Permit. You must also show confirmation of job, financial resources, and German language abilities.

Work Permit in New Zealand

Here is how a work permit is given in New Zealand:

Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit in New Zealand

If you match the following criteria, you are eligible to apply for a temporary work visa in New Zealand:

• You have a job offer from an employer based in New Zealand, 
• You have a spouse in New Zealand and want to join them and work,
• You belong to a country with a special work programme,
• You are coming for a specified work-related purpose to the country, or 
• You have been studying in New Zealand and now want to work here.

Apply for a Work Permit in New Zealand

After fulfilling the requirements and organising your papers, you are ready to apply for the New Zealand Work Visa for Indians. It is a straightforward application with only five steps to complete:

Step 1: Find work in New Zealand,

2nd Step: Gather all of your documents,

Step 3: Submit your application for a work visa,

4th Step: Relax while your visa is being processed, and

Step 5: Apply for a work visa. 

A New Zealand work permit might take anything from 3 to 7 months to process. 

PR in New Zealand

In each of the two years preceding your application for permanent residence, you must have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand on a resident visa. This two-year period begins when you apply for permanent residence and does not include the two years since you acquired your resident visa.  

Which Country is Better?

As apparent from the above, getting a work permit and permanent residency is easier in New Zealand is easier than getting it in Germany. Additionally, international students in Germany can stay in the country for up to 18 months after graduation to look for work. International students in New Zealand can apply for a post-study work visa to stay and work in the country for up to three years after graduation.

Hence New Zealand recieves +2 in this round of comparsion.

Also Read: Medical Colleges in New Zealand

Average Salaries: Germany vs New Zealand

The average graduate’s starting salary in Germany stands at €44,000 per year according to Expatrio. On the other hand, a master’s degree holder can expect to earn an annual gross salary of €61,906 in Germany. According to Indeed, the average pay after graduation in New Zealand is NZ$43,103 per year, whereas it is NZ$73,953 per year after completing postgraduation. 

Which Country is Better?

It is apparent that the average annual salary in New Zealand is higher than Germany. Additionally, in Germany, the unemployment rate is now about 5%, which is considered low. In New Zealand, the unemployment rate is considerably lower, at 3%. Hence, we will grant New Zealand +2 points in this round of our Germany vs New Zealand contest. 

Also Read: 100 Interesting Facts About New Zealand

Other Major Elements

Let’s take a look at some of the other crucial variables to consider while deciding where to study abroad. These critical elements are as follows: 

Climate

Germany’s climate is mild, with no extended periods of cold or hot weather. Northwestern and coastal Germany experience a maritime climate with warm summers and mild overcast winters. On the other hand, the climate of New Zealand is varied, ranging from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate in the extreme south, with harsh alpine conditions in the mountainous parts.

Safety

Both Germany and New Zealand are safe places to live. New Zealand is ranked second safest in the Global Peace Index, whereas Germany is ranked 17th. Both countries have low crime rates, so you should have no trouble while studying.

Culture for International Students

Germany is well-known for its efficient work culture, which values precision, punctuality, and order. You will be able to comprehend and experience the culture directly by studying in Germany, preparing you for a global career. Students, on the other hand, are welcomed and supported in New Zealand. Students studying in New Zealand learn about themselves and their personalities, make new acquaintances, and become acquainted with Maori culture.

Also Read: Universities Accepting Backlogs in New Zealand

Conclusion

When we compare Germany’s and New Zealand’s total scores, we discover that both of them has recieved a total of +6, making this competition a tie.

It is vital, however, to recognise that both Germany and New Zealand have advantages and disadvantages. Before applying to any country’s institutions, it is recommended that you choose a degree or topic of study. To make a more educated decision, evaluate the educational facilities and financial aid available for your desired degree. Nonetheless, Germany and New Zealand are both outstanding study-abroad locations. 

Also Read: Diploma Courses in Germany

FAQs

So, this was all about Germany vs New Zealand. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.