Germany vs France for Nigerian Masters students

Both are excellent low-tuition European routes with English-taught Master’s. They suit different candidates.

Tuition

Germany’s public universities are tuition-free. You pay only a semester fee of roughly €150–€350 (Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students about €1,500/semester). France’s official non-EU rates from 2026/27 are about €2,895 (Bachelor) and €3,941 (Master), but many universities exempt international students and charge the low national rate of a few hundred euros.

Proof of funds

Germany requires a blocked account of €11,904 for 2026 (€992/month), released to you monthly after arrival. France asks you to show about €615/month (roughly €7,380/year) plus tuition, a lower up-front hurdle.

After graduation

Germany offers an 18-month job-seeker residence permit; France offers the APS permit for 12 months after a Master’s to find work or start a business. Germany’s larger economy and longer window favour those targeting an EU career; France suits those drawn to its sectors and open to some French.

Language and admissions

Both have English-taught Master’s, but German admissions are document-heavy and competitive, and some German helps for work; French is valuable for daily life and the job market. We match you to programmes you can realistically enter and prepare the funds evidence correctly, the blocked account is the single most common German application error.

Frequently asked