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