A disturbing trend is destroying the dreams of thousands of Indian students in Germany, and it’s happening quietly while consultancies pocket hefty commissions and private universities chase easy revenue. At Shashwat German School in Bardoli, we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences when students are misled into enrolling in expensive private universities in Germany—particularly institutions like IU International University of Applied Sciences and similar for-profit institutions promoted by consultancies like UpGrad and others. This is the truth that consultancies won’t tell you.
The Growing Crisis: What’s Really Happening
Hundreds of Indian students arrive in Germany each semester with dreams of quality education, career opportunities, and a better future. Instead, they face:
- Blocked bank accounts and financial emergencies
- Visa rejections despite legitimate admissions
- Worthless degrees that employers don’t recognize
- Crushing debt from high tuition fees
- Limited job prospects and career dead-ends
- Depression, anxiety, and mental health crises
- Families back in India financially ruined
This isn’t accidental—it’s a systematic exploitation of students’ aspirations by consultancies prioritizing commissions over student welfare, partnered with private universities prioritizing profits over education quality.
The IU International University Reality Check
IU International University (formerly IUBH) has become one of the most controversial institutions in Germany’s education landscape, particularly for international students.
What Consultancies Tell You About IU
Consultancies marketing IU present an attractive picture:
- “Internationally recognized German university”
- “Easy admission process—no APS required”
- “Study in English—no German language needed”
- “Affordable tuition with payment plans”
- “Fast-track to German residence permit”
- “Online and on-campus flexibility”
- “Partnership with prestigious Indian institutions”
The Reality Indian Students Face at IU
Academic Quality Concerns:
- Primarily distance learning with minimal on-campus interaction
- Faculty often part-time or contractors, not tenured professors
- Limited research opportunities compared to public universities
- Teaching quality inconsistent across programs
- Academic rigor questions compared to traditional German universities
Employment and Recognition Issues:
- Many German employers don’t value IU degrees equally with public university credentials
- Limited campus recruiting by major German companies
- Degree recognition issues for certain professions (engineering, medicine, law)
- Networking opportunities far below public universities
- Alumni network weak compared to established institutions
Cost Reality:
- Tuition fees €10,000-15,000+ per year (public universities: €0-500/semester)
- Additional costs for materials, exams, and services
- Total degree cost: €30,000-50,000+ vs. €3,000-6,000 at public universities
- Returns questionable given employment prospects
Student Experience:
- Many students feel isolated with limited campus community
- Facilities inferior to public universities
- Student support services overwhelmed
- Cultural integration opportunities limited
- Mental health support inadequate for international students
Visa and Residence Permit Complications:
- Increasing visa rejections for private university admissions
- Residence permit renewals more scrutinized
- Questions about genuine educational intent
- Risk of deportation if financial proof insufficient
The UpGrad and Consultancy Ecosystem
Understanding how consultancies operate reveals why students receive misleading information:
The Commission Structure
How Consultancies Make Money:
- Private universities pay €1,000-3,000+ commission per enrolled student
- Public universities pay nothing—hence never recommended
- Higher commissions for “premium” programs
- Bonuses for meeting enrollment targets
- Ongoing revenue from value-added services
The Conflict of Interest: Consultancies have financial incentive to send you to expensive private universities regardless of whether it’s in your best interest. They’re essentially salespeople for private universities, not advisors for your future.
The UpGrad Model Specifically
UpGrad has partnerships with several German private universities, promoting them aggressively to Indian students:
What They Emphasize:
- Brand name marketing and glossy promotional materials
- Celebrity endorsements and success stories (often outliers)
- “Easy admission” and “guaranteed acceptance”
- Flexible payment plans and education loans
- Partnership with “prestigious German institutions”
What They Downplay or Hide:
- Massive cost difference vs. public universities
- Limited employment prospects post-graduation
- Visa rejection rates for private universities
- Quality concerns and employer perceptions
- Superior alternatives at public universities
The Sales Tactics:
- Creating urgency: “Limited seats available”
- Fear tactics: “Public universities too competitive”
- False comparisons: Comparing private unis to top public unis’ most competitive programs
- Glossing over alternatives: Not mentioning public universities with similar admission requirements
- Minimizing costs: Focusing on monthly payments rather than total debt
Why Private Universities Target Indian Students
Understanding the business model explains the aggressive marketing:
Financial Desperation
Many private universities in Germany struggle financially and rely heavily on international student tuition:
- German students avoid private universities due to free public options
- European students similarly prefer public universities
- International students, particularly from India and other developing countries, become primary revenue source
- Some institutions’ survival depends on international enrollment
Easier Admissions = More Revenue
Private universities maintain lower admission standards to maximize enrollment:
- Less rigorous academic requirements
- Minimal or no APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) scrutiny
- Faster admission decisions
- More lenient language requirements
This isn’t for student benefit—it’s to fill seats and generate tuition revenue.
Regulatory Arbitrage
Private universities exploit gaps in oversight:
- Less stringent quality control than public universities
- Accreditation doesn’t guarantee quality or employer recognition
- Marketing claims difficult to verify or enforce
- International students less aware of German education system nuances
Real Stories: The Human Cost
These aren’t abstract concerns—they’re destroying real lives. Here are composite stories based on actual students we’ve encountered:
Rahul’s Story: Debt and Disappointment
Rahul enrolled in IU’s MBA program through a consultancy promising excellent career prospects. He paid €12,000/year tuition plus living expenses, taking a ₹25 lakh education loan.
Reality:
- Degree completed after two years and €50,000+ total cost
- Job applications repeatedly rejected—employers preferred public university graduates
- Ended up in low-paying jobs Germans wouldn’t take
- Cannot repay loan with current salary
- Regrets not applying to public universities where he could have studied nearly free
Priya’s Story: Visa Nightmare
Priya received IU admission through UpGrad partnership. She quit her job, paid consultancy fees, and prepared for Germany.
Reality:
- Visa rejected at Delhi VFS despite having admission
- Embassy questioned genuine educational intent at private university
- Lost job, consultancy fees, and one year of career progression
- Reapplied to public universities but missed deadlines
- Currently struggling with depression and family pressure
Amit’s Story: The Degree That Opened No Doors
Amit completed his engineering degree at a private university, believing it would lead to opportunities in Germany’s famous automotive sector.
Reality:
- Major German companies don’t recruit from his university
- Degree not recognized for regulated engineering roles
- Forced to work in unrelated fields below his qualification
- Watching public university graduates get positions he wanted
- Cannot afford to pursue additional qualifications to fix the situation
Why Public Universities Are Superior (Despite What Consultancies Say)
Consultancies claim public universities are “too competitive” or “impossible for Indian students.” This is a lie designed to justify pushing expensive private alternatives.
Academic Quality and Recognition
Public Universities:
- World-class research institutions with centuries of history
- Faculty are leading researchers in their fields
- Rigorous academic standards maintaining reputation
- Degrees recognized globally without question
- Strong industry connections and campus recruiting
Private Universities:
- Recently established with limited track record
- Faculty often part-time or less distinguished
- Academic standards variable
- Degrees questioned by some employers
- Limited campus recruiting by major companies
Cost Comparison
Public Universities:
- Tuition: €0-500 per semester (€300 average)
- Total degree cost: €3,000-6,000 for three years
- Student jobs and part-time work easily cover costs
- Graduate debt-free or with minimal loans
Private Universities:
- Tuition: €10,000-15,000+ per year
- Total degree cost: €30,000-50,000+ for three years
- Student jobs cannot cover high tuition
- Graduate with crushing debt burden
Employment Prospects
Public Universities:
- Recruited by major German and international companies
- Strong alumni networks in industry
- Higher starting salaries
- Better career progression opportunities
- Easier to obtain permanent residence through skilled work
Private Universities:
- Limited campus recruiting
- Weaker alumni networks
- Lower starting salaries on average
- Career progression challenges
- More difficulty finding qualifying employment for residence permits
Student Life and Integration
Public Universities:
- Vibrant campus life with diverse activities
- Strong international student communities
- Better facilities (libraries, labs, sports)
- Integration into German society through university culture
- Lifelong friendships and professional networks
Private Universities:
- Often limited campus presence (especially for online programs)
- Smaller, less diverse student communities
- Basic facilities
- Less integration opportunities
- Weaker sense of community
The Myth of “Public Universities Are Too Hard to Get Into”
Consultancies perpetuate this myth because they don’t earn commissions from public university admissions. The truth is more nuanced:
Many Public Universities Welcome Indian Students
Numerous excellent public universities have:
- Reasonable admission requirements
- Programs taught in English
- Acceptance rates of 50%+ for qualified applicants
- Standard requirements: good grades, motivation letter, relevant bachelor’s degree
- No impossible barriers for well-prepared students
Requirements Are Achievable
What public universities actually require:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree with decent grades (usually 60%+ aggregate)
- German language proficiency (B2-C1 for German-taught programs) or English proficiency for English-taught programs
- Statement of purpose and recommendation letters
- Sometimes GRE/GMAT for competitive programs
- Proper documentation and timely application
None of these are impossible—they just require proper preparation and guidance.
With Proper Preparation, Public Universities Are Accessible
At Shashwat German School, we’ve helped numerous students gain admission to public universities by:
- Building German language proficiency to required levels
- Providing guidance on university selection and applications
- Helping prepare strong application materials
- Ensuring students understand realistic timelines
- Teaching exam preparation strategies
The difference is we don’t earn commissions, so we provide honest guidance rather than steering students toward expensive private alternatives.
Red Flags: How to Identify Exploitative Consultancies
Protect yourself by recognizing warning signs:
Immediate Red Flags
They Never Mention Public Universities: If a consultancy only discusses private universities, they’re prioritizing commissions over your interests.
They Claim Public Universities Are “Impossible”: This is false. Many public universities actively recruit international students.
High Pressure Sales Tactics: Creating urgency, limited-time offers, or pressure to decide immediately indicates sales-focused rather than advice-focused approach.
Guaranteeing Admission: No legitimate consultancy can guarantee university admission—this suggests low-quality institutions.
Downplaying Costs: Focusing on monthly payments rather than total debt, or comparing only to US/UK universities while ignoring German public options.
No Discussion of Alternatives: Legitimate advisors present multiple options with pros and cons, not single solutions.
Vague About Employment Outcomes: Using phrases like “great job prospects” without data or specific examples from the institution.
More Subtle Warning Signs
Partnership Emphasis: Constantly mentioning “exclusive partnerships” suggests commission-based relationships.
Minimal Discussion of Language Requirements: Downplaying the importance of German language skills for integration and employment.
Quick Timeline Promises: Suggesting you can be in Germany next semester without proper preparation.
No Discussion of Visa Challenges: Not mentioning increasing scrutiny of private university admissions by German embassies.
Unrealistic Post-Graduation Claims: Promising easy permanent residence or high salaries without discussing required qualifications and competition.
What German Authorities Are Doing (And Not Doing)
The German government is aware of these issues but response has been slow:
Increasing Visa Scrutiny
German embassies have begun:
- More thoroughly reviewing private university admissions
- Questioning genuine educational intent for private university applicants
- Requesting additional documentation about finances and motivation
- Rejecting more applications where private university choice seems questionable
Limited Regulatory Action
Unfortunately:
- Private universities remain legally permitted to operate
- Minimal oversight of recruitment practices abroad
- Consultancies face little regulation or accountability
- Financial interests of institutions and consultancies remain protected
Student Protection Gaps
Current system fails to protect students through:
- Insufficient information about quality differences
- No mandatory disclosure of employment outcomes
- Limited recourse for students who’ve been misled
- Difficulty recovering funds from unethical consultancies
The Right Way to Study in Germany
Here’s how to pursue German education properly without falling victim to exploitative practices:
Start with Proper Research
Understand the German University System:
- Public universities vs. private universities
- Accreditation and recognition
- Which programs match your career goals
- Realistic employment outcomes in your field
Research Specific Universities:
- Read student reviews on multiple platforms
- Check employer perspectives and recruiting patterns
- Investigate alumni outcomes in your field
- Verify accreditation and recognition claims
Understand Visa Requirements:
- Current documentation requirements
- Financial proof expectations
- Common rejection reasons
- Timeline and processing realities
Build Proper Qualifications
Develop German Language Skills: Even for English-taught programs, German proficiency dramatically improves:
- Employment prospects post-graduation
- Social integration and quality of life
- Ability to work part-time during studies
- Access to wider range of programs
At Shashwat German School, we prepare students properly through:
- Comprehensive A1-C1 German courses
- Exam preparation for TestDaF and other certifications
- Cultural preparation for life in Germany
- Realistic timeline planning (12-18 months typically needed)
Strengthen Academic Profile:
- Maintain strong grades in current studies
- Gain relevant experience through internships or projects
- Develop strong statement of purpose
- Secure meaningful recommendation letters
Apply Strategically to Public Universities
Target Appropriate Programs:
- Match your qualifications to program requirements
- Apply to multiple universities (8-12 applications recommended)
- Include range of competitiveness levels
- Focus on programs with good employment outcomes
Prepare Strong Applications:
- Invest time in compelling motivational letters
- Tailor each application to specific program
- Meet all requirements precisely
- Submit well before deadlines
Plan Realistic Timeline:
- Most programs: Apply 1-1.5 years before intended start
- Time for German language learning (usually 12-18 months to B2/C1)
- Allow for visa processing time
- Have backup plans for different scenarios
If You Consider Private Universities
Sometimes private universities make sense, but only if:
You Have Specific Reasons:
- Need for complete online flexibility due to work
- Very specialized program unavailable at public universities
- Timeline constraints make public universities impossible
- Fully aware of cost-benefit tradeoff
You Verify Everything:
- Research employment outcomes thoroughly
- Speak with current students and alumni independently
- Understand exactly what employers in your field think of the degree
- Have realistic expectations about career prospects
- Can genuinely afford costs without crushing debt
You Don’t Rely on Consultancies:
- Make your own informed decision
- Don’t trust consultancy recommendations about private universities
- Remember they have financial incentive to mislead you
- Seek independent verification of all claims
What to Do If You’re Already Enrolled
If you’re currently at IU or similar private university feeling misled:
Assess Your Situation Honestly
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Am I gaining the education and skills I expected?
- Are employment prospects matching what I was promised?
- Can I realistically afford this long-term?
- Am I satisfied with the overall experience?
- Would I make the same choice knowing what I know now?
Consider Your Options
If Early in Your Program:
- Research transferring to public university (sometimes possible)
- Evaluate whether cutting losses now saves money long-term
- Consider whether continuing makes financial sense
- Assess whether your goals can still be achieved
If Later in Your Program:
- Focus on maximizing value from remaining time
- Build skills and experience outside university
- Network actively despite institutional limitations
- Plan career strategy accounting for degree perception
- Consider additional credentials or qualifications to supplement
Protect Future Students
Share Your Experience:
- Write honest reviews on multiple platforms
- Warn prospective students in forums and groups
- Report unethical consultancy practices
- Document false promises and misleading information
Seek Accountability:
- Complain to consumer protection agencies
- Report to educational oversight bodies
- Consider legal action if promises were demonstrably false
- Join with other affected students for collective action
The Path Forward: How to Fix This Systemic Problem
Addressing this crisis requires action from multiple stakeholders:
What Students Can Do
- Research independently before trusting consultancies
- Share experiences publicly to warn others
- Choose public universities when qualified
- Learn German properly for better opportunities
- Demand transparency from consultancies
What Parents Can Do
- Question consultancies pushing expensive options
- Research German education system independently
- Support children’s German language learning
- Verify employment outcome claims
- Calculate realistic return on investment
What Educational Institutions Should Do
- Transparent reporting of employment outcomes
- Clear disclosure of employer perception
- Honest marketing without false promises
- Fair recruiting practices
- Student protection over profit
What German Authorities Should Do
- Stronger oversight of private universities
- Regulation of international recruiting practices
- Mandatory employment outcome disclosure
- Better information for prospective students
- Swift action against misleading institutions
What Honest Consultancies and Schools Should Do
At Shashwat German School, we commit to:
- Honest guidance prioritizing student welfare over commissions
- Comprehensive information about public vs. private universities
- Proper preparation through quality German language training
- Realistic expectations and honest conversations
- No partnerships with institutions that compromise student interests
- Complete transparency about visa processes and requirements
The Bottom Line: Your Future Deserves Better
The exploitation of Indian students by private universities and commission-driven consultancies is a scandal that destroys dreams while enriching intermediaries. Don’t become another victim.
Remember:
- Private universities in Germany serve institutional interests first, student interests second
- Consultancies promoting private universities earn commissions—they’re salespeople, not advisors
- Public universities offer vastly superior education at fraction of the cost
- Proper German language skills and preparation open doors to quality public universities
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Studying in Germany can be an incredible opportunity—world-class education at minimal cost, leading to rewarding careers in Europe’s strongest economy. But this opportunity requires honest guidance, proper preparation, and smart decisions.
Don’t let consultancies prioritizing commissions over your future ruin your German dream. Do your research, learn German properly, target quality public universities, and make informed decisions based on facts rather than sales pitches.
Get Honest Guidance at Shashwat German School
At Shashwat German School in Bardoli, we provide what students actually need:
- Honest Consulting: We don’t earn commissions from universities, so we provide unbiased guidance
- Proper German Language Training: Comprehensive A1-C1 courses preparing you for public university success
- Realistic Planning: Honest timelines, requirements, and expectations for studying in Germany
- Application Support: Guidance on targeting appropriate public universities
- No Hidden Agendas: Your success is our only interest
Contact us for honest guidance about studying in Germany—guidance that prioritizes your future over someone else’s commission.
Your dream of studying in Germany doesn’t have to become a nightmare of debt and disappointment. With proper preparation, honest guidance, and smart decisions, you can access Germany’s excellent public universities and build the future you deserve.
Don’t let IU, UpGrad, or any commission-driven consultancy ruin your life. Choose the honest path to German education success.
About Shashwat German School: Based in Bardoli with comprehensive online programs, we provide German language training and honest consulting for students planning to study in Germany. Unlike commission-based consultancies, we earn nothing from university admissions—our only goal is preparing students properly for success at quality German universities. We offer German courses from A1-C1, exam preparation, and transparent guidance about the German education system.