“Life Feels Like Hell”: Indian Students in Germany Face Deportation Amid University Fraud

Germany has emerged as a popular destination for higher education in recent years, attracting thousands of Indian students. However, caution is crucial when taking admissions, as several students have recently faced serious issues, including the threat of deportation, due to alleged university fraud.

Deported Instead of Graduating
Indian students enrolled at International University (IU) Berlin now find their academic futures in jeopardy. One student described his experience as “life feels like hell.” The problems stem from questions over the university’s accreditation, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient faculty, leaving students in legal and academic limbo.

According to Euro News, 25-year-old Deep Shambharkar from Maharashtra came to Berlin in July to pursue a Master’s in Business Management, spending €20,000 on tuition, partly financed through an education loan. Deep reported that some of his peers have already withdrawn from the university, while he is left struggling with German authorities instead of working on his thesis.

Accreditation Questions and Deportation Threats
Deep received a letter from the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA) instructing him to leave Germany by 3 November or face deportation. He explained, “The university’s courses may not have been properly accredited. The letter also mentioned inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of professors.” Despite appealing, the chances of a favorable outcome remain slim.

Another student, Tanishk, who had completed his first year of Business Administration in Delhi, was denied a visa to continue in Berlin. “I feel cheated. It’s better I stayed in India, where I have family support. In Germany, students are alone,” he said.

Campus or Office?
Deep expressed disappointment with the university’s setup. “It never felt like I was in a university. The Berlin campus is more like an office, spread across rented floors in a hotel and plaza,” he said. Classes were limited, and most learning was online, despite promises of hybrid study.

Students Face Legal and Emotional Strain
Students claim that the university is difficult to reach, and minimal assistance is provided. Deep said, “They are now hiring lawyers to file appeals for students, so we don’t have to spend more money. But the mental and physical stress is immense. We are treated like criminals.”

Another student, speaking anonymously, revealed, “I feel like a failure. My mental health has suffered, with nightmares and sleepless nights. Life feels like it is ending.”

The Fraud Behind the Admission
The controversy centers on the hybrid study model. Most Indian students enrolled through recruitment agencies such as Upgrade, with promises that the first semester would be online in India before moving to Germany. However, under German Residence Act Section 16b, a student visa requires full-time campus attendance. Many students were granted visas despite studying mostly online. Now, with the university failing to provide face-to-face courses, students are being asked to leave Germany or face deportation.

Since March, over 300 students have already left, while some with financial means transferred to other universities. IU Germany, with approximately 130,000 students, including around 4,500 Indian students, is one of Germany’s largest universities, but students report widespread issues affecting their academic and personal lives.

Conclusion
The situation serves as a stark warning for prospective international students. While Germany remains an attractive destination for higher education, thorough research into accreditation, infrastructure, and program legitimacy is essential to avoid legal complications and personal distress.