Do Canada and Germany provide free education?How much does it cost to move from India to Canada or Germany?

Countries that have free education are sure a thing to notice. Canada and Germany both are amazing countries that have world-class universities. Having done a degree from anywhere in these counties will open a ton of job and career possibilities. Regarding free education and whether it is available or not, the answer is; Yes and No!

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. A large number of international students every year go to Germany for their masters. One of the prime reasons for this is free education. Basically, Germany is filled with public universities which all do not charge any tuition fee for their programs. Besides, it's not like these free institutes are any less in caliber.

RWTH Aachen University is one of the examples here. Not just in Germany, this university is considered top-tier in the entire Europe. You get access to various free of cost master degrees in a developed country like Germany. It doesn’t get any better than this. Colleges in Canada aren’t free however. But compared to the top names like USA and UK, it is definitely affordable.

The flight tickets cost from India to Germany are basically around INR 60,000. Based on the booking and experience, it can reach up to 1 lakhs. On the other hand, flying from India to Canada can cost you around 1,25 lakhs on average. A good class ticket for the same costs somewhere around 1.5 lakhs.

But apart from these, the major concern here are  living expenses. Because even if you get free education, you don’t get to stay in the country for free and pursue a degree. On average, you will need a round 8-10 lakhs annual expense if you live in Germany or Canada. Does it help your dilemma or did I leave something important?

Hi Varshaa,

Canada does not provide free education; tuition fees are required and can vary widely by institution and province. Conversely, Germany offers free tuition at public universities to all students, which makes it an attractive option for international students. However, students are required to pay a semester fee which generally includes a public transport pass and can range from 150 to 300 euros.

The financial aspect of relocating from India to either Canada or Germany involves several costs. For Germany, you will need to demonstrate possession of a blocked account with around 10,000 euros, required for the visa to prove you can support yourself. Airfare from India to Germany typically costs between 30,000 to 60,000 INR.

Moving to Canada, expect to show proof of financial support of at least CAD 10,000 for living expenses outside of tuition for the student visa. The plane ticket costs more, generally between 50,000 to 100,000 INR depending on how early you book and the time of year. Initial setup costs in both countries can also include housing deposits and essential living supplies, which should be factored into your budgeting.
 
 
 
 

When considering the pursuit of higher education abroad, it's important to factor in both tuition fees and the cost of relocation. Both countries offer distinct opportunities, and understanding the financial requirements is crucial for making informed decisions.

Educational Costs in Canada and Germany

Canada does not generally provide free education to international students; universities charge tuition fees that vary significantly across different provinces and programs.

On average, an international student might expect to pay between CAD 20,000 and CAD 30,000 per year for an undergraduate program. 

In contrast, Germany offers a more cost-effective solution. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees to international students, excluding a nominal semester fee ranging from EUR 200 to EUR 500. This fee covers administrative costs and public transportation passes.

Moving Costs from India

Relocating to either country involves several expenses, including visa fees, flights, accommodation, and living expenses. 

The visa application fee for Canada is around CAD 150, while for Germany, it is approximately EUR 75. Flight prices vary, but one should budget around INR 40,000 to INR 60,000 for a one-way ticket.

Due to lower initial accommodation and living costs in Canada and slightly less in Germany, setting up might require an initial investment of around CAD 2,000 to CAD 4,000. 

Monthly living expenses in Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver can reach up to CAD 1,500, whereas in German cities like Berlin or Munich, they can be around EUR 850 to EUR 1,200.

Prospective students should also consider the exchange rate fluctuations and potential scholarships or financial aid available. To help manage financial burdens, it’s wise to explore options such as part-time work, which both countries permit.