That's a good point, but the German approach still seems more attractive to me: - To learn German and pass the preparatory program for foreign students (Studie

That's a good point, but the German approach still seems more attractive to me: - To learn German and pass the preparatory program for foreign students (Studienkolleg) would take 18 months. With skilled immigration you generally need 3 or 4 years work experience in addition to a degree. - When applying for a job in a rich country, a degree from a local university counts much more than a degree from a third-world country so graduate salaries would likely be more. - A foreign student at a German university can work and earn enough to pay living costs. Therefore the initial EUR 9000 is more like a loan than an expense.