Chapter 4 : Comparison Time

Comparing something is the most enjoyable thing to do. This also applied for my case. Comparing the benefits and weaknesses of postgraduate program in Germany and UK is quite fun for me. This comparison step must be completed, so that I can decide which will be the best choice for me. In the end, I have to make a final decision of which I must take a full responsibility about it.

I start by explaining the benefits and weaknesses of postgraduate program in Germany. I have mentioned it before in chapter 2, but I’m going to describe it in more detail. The main benefit is the low cost that I’m going to spend. Most universities in Germany only charge around 300 Euro for their tuition fee and enrollment fee per semester. Even, there are some universities which have no tuition fee. However, the living cost in Germany is still quite high, approximately around 500 to 700 Euro per month. Another benefit is the world class reputation of Germany’s universities. The government of Germany provides strict rules to make sure that all universities in Germany have an equal high standard for their education. On the other hand, there are some weaknesses of postgraduate program in Germany. Although the applicant need not learn a fluent German language (in the past, to continue study in Germany, the applicant must have the ability to speak German language fluently), some requirements for postgraduate application are still not so important to be required. For example, the applicant must submit their High School certificate and that certificate must be translated into German or English by an authorized translator and then that certificate must be stamped by the Germany consulate. Another weaknesses is the applying period. The applying period only opened occasionally, so the applicant must be aware about it. There is another annoying requirement in one university which I was interested in. This university requires a short summary of several subjects to be written in 4 to 5 pages as a prove that the applicant has a good understanding about those subjects.

Meanwhile, I also have found out the benefits and weaknesses for postgraduate program in the UK. Some benefits from the postgraduate program in the UK are the shorter study period (for Taught Postgraduate program in the UK only took 1 year to complete), the well-organized application processing, the chance to get a part-time up to 20 hours job per week while studying there, and the SAP University Alliances in several postgraduate program. On the other hand, the weaknesses from the postgraduate program in the UK is the high tuition fee and living cost that we must pay. Most universities in the UK will charge around 8,000 up to 18,000 Pound per year for their tuition fee, and the living cost is approximately 1,000 Pound per month.

While I was still comparing those data, I went to my school several times asking for my original transcript. I also asked two recommendation letters from two lecturers who have become my final project and special project supervisor during my study. These are some general requirements which I must submit along with my application form. Thankfully, in the end, I have all the requirements needed. My lecturers really help me. When they asked me about where will I go for my next study destination, at that time I was still considering both Germany and UK, so I just answered them with these two possibilities.

~ by xhino on 17/03/2010.