Study in Germany vs the UK: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Germany and the UK— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Germany | the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 11,904 EUR | 10,539 GBP |
| Living cost (per month) | 992 EUR | 1,171 GBP |
| Visa fee | 75 EUR | 524 GBP |
| Typical processing time | ~8 weeks | ~3 weeks |
| Main intakes | Apr, Oct | Jan, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Germany vs the UK
- Germany needs less money up front — about €11,904/year versus €12,399 for the UK (≈ €495 less).
- the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~8 for Germany).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Germany
- University admission or conditional admission letter
- Proof of financial resources (blocked account)
- Health insurance valid in Germany
- Proof of language proficiency
- APS certificate (nationality-dependent)
- Tuition / proof-of-funds transfer
- Proof of accommodation (often requested)
Unique to the UK
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Maintenance funds (held 28 days)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approved English language proof (SELT)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- ATAS certificate
- Tuition / funds transfer
- Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Germany or the UK?
By proof of funds, Germany is cheaper — €11,904/year versus €12,399 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Germany or the UK?
the UK typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Germany or the UK?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Germany needs less money up front — about €11,904/year versus €12,399 for the UK (≈ €495 less). the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~8 for Germany). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.