For many Indian students, studying in Germany was supposed to be a defining step toward global careers and long-term opportunities in Europe. However, for those enrolled at Berlin’s International University (IU), this dream is now collapsing into visa uncertainties, legal appeals, and the fear of being deported. According to an Euronews report, students who paid lakhs of rupees and took loans to pursue their degrees are being asked to leave—not due to any violation, but because immigration authorities are reinterpreting their programme structures. Instead of completing dissertations and final modules, these students are now struggling to understand how their legal status changed so suddenly.
The Hidden Conflict Between Universities and Immigration Authorities
The core of this crisis lies in the disconnect between how hybrid or online courses were marketed to students and how they are currently judged by immigration officials. Many enrolled believing they were part of recognised in-person programmes, only to be told later that their courses may not meet face-to-face study requirements for visas. Mayank Maheshwari, Co-Founder and COO of University Living, explains that international education operates across multiple systems—academic delivery, regulatory rules, and visa compliance. When these systems fall out of alignment or interpretations shift without clear communication, students who made decisions in good faith become unintended victims.
The consequences for Indian students are severe. Many invested more than €20,000 and often relied on education loans from home. Some are now being informed that they may have to complete their courses remotely from India, despite being promised an on-campus German education. Maheshwari emphasises that it is not productive to blame a single university or authority. Instead, these issues highlight how institutions, intermediaries, and immigration systems must work in sync to prevent students from falling into bureaucratic gaps they cannot navigate alone.
Why Indian Families Must Re-evaluate Overseas Education Choices
Beyond Berlin, the incident has become a wake-up call for Indian families considering overseas education. Germany, once viewed as an affordable and reliable study destination, risks losing trust due to such cases. Experts stress that students must verify programme recognition, attendance rules, and visa eligibility from official sources before committing. As hybrid learning models evolve faster than immigration regulations, this episode underscores the need for clearer communication and better-aligned systems to preserve trust in global student mobility.
Summary:
Indian students at Berlin’s International University face visa crises after immigration authorities reinterpreted hybrid programmes, questioning their eligibility for in-person study visas. Many risk deportations despite heavy financial investment. The episode highlights systemic gaps between universities and visa rules, urging Indian families to verify programme compliance before pursuing overseas education.
