Regulatory facts
Use the responsible government or regulator and record the date checked.
Compare
Same applicant. Different consequences.
This comparison separates source-linked national rules from programme-level facts and student-specific judgement. It is a decision frame, not a winner-and-loser table.
| Decision field | United Kingdom | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Best starting question | Can a concentrated taught master’s move me into a credible next role? | Does my prior degree fit the programme closely enough, and can I use the qualification in the market I intend to enter? |
| Study structure | One-year taught master’s programmes are common, but duration, placement and dissertation structure vary. | Programme duration, credit load, research emphasis and language vary. Verify the exact curriculum rather than assuming one national model. |
| Entry evidence | Prior subject, grades, English, experience and tests are set by the programme. | Subject continuity, credits in named modules, grades and language evidence can be decisive. Some applications use uni-assist; others go directly. |
| Tuition | Use the current programme fee and compulsory charges. No generic national benchmark is used here. | State institutions generally charge no tuition for most master’s programmes, with important state, programme and provider exceptions. Semester contributions still apply. |
| Financial proof | From 30 Nov 2026: £1,570/month in London or £1,203 outside, up to nine months. Until 29 Nov: £1,529 / £1,171. | The official own-funds benchmark for studying in 2026 is €992/month, or €11,904/year. Other accepted proof routes may apply. |
| Work during study | Eligible full-time degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours/week in term time. | Official guidance provides annual-day and weekly-hour routes with exceptions. Ask the counsellor which route applies to the work pattern you are planning. |
| After graduation | Plan new non-doctoral applications around an 18-month Graduate visa from 1 Jan 2027. The two-year transition is relevant only to people eligible to apply by 31 Dec 2026; doctoral graduates remain eligible for three years. | After successful graduation, a residence permit for up to 18 months can support a search for skilled employment. |
| Debt question | Can a one-year course plus the real job-search period be financed without depending on term-time work? | Does the lower-tuition possibility still work after blocked funds, housing, language preparation and a potentially longer programme? |
| Main interpretation risk | Choosing for speed or the Graduate visa while ignoring role fit and repayment. | Choosing for low tuition while underestimating admission fit, language and labour-market integration. |
Source: GOV.UK Graduate visaChecked: 14 Sep 2026
Source: GOV.UK HC 584Checked: 14 Sep 2026
Source: Germany funding tableChecked: 14 Sep 2026
Source: Germany work guidanceChecked: 14 Sep 2026
Source: Germany post-study guidanceChecked: 14 Sep 2026
Source: DAAD finance guidanceChecked: 14 Sep 2026
Methodology
Facts first. Interpretation second. Recommendation last.
A comparison becomes trustworthy when each layer is visible and the recommendation cannot hide behind the facts.Programme facts
Check current entry, modules, accreditation, duration, fees and compulsory charges on the exact programme page.
Interpretation
Explain what a fact changes for timing, debt, role fit and application risk.
Student judgement
Resolve the fields that cannot be answered from a country page: profile fit, trade-offs and tolerance for uncertainty.
Interpret your comparison
The table cannot know your degree, debt or intended role.
Bring those three things to the conversation. A sound review can lead to four legitimate outcomes: proceed, apply elsewhere, wait for a later intake or strengthen the profile.
Discuss my situation