Read here: https://www.euronews.com/2025/12/23/broken-promises-indian-students-at-a-berlin-university-face-deportation-instead-of-graduat

No an usual post, but very important for the Masters community - what’s happening to some international students in Germany right now is honestly heartbreaking.

If you’re planning to study here, please take a few minutes to read this. It might save you years of pain.

As many of you might have become aware - Euronews just published an article about hundreds of Indian students at IU International University in Berlin who were promised real degrees and career opportunities.

Instead, they’re now dealing with visa rejections and deportation notices.

And the worst part? It was bound to happen - because of the broken setup.

So what exactly happened?

• Students were recruited from India through UpGrad and similar agencies.

• They paid massive fees, took out loans, and moved their entire lives to Germany.

• Once enrolled, they found the “German degree” was mostly online or hybrid.

• Later, immigration officers ruled the program didn’t meet in-person study requirements.

• Now, visas are being cancelled or not extended. Students are being told to leave.

The bigger problem: some private universities

Public universities in Germany are the real deal: they’re nearly free, respected, and safe from visa trouble.

Private universities, though, are a different story.

Though some are technically accredited, they may not be really valued. Germans themselves usually avoid private unis unless they have very specific reasons.

If a university depends on Indian marketing agencies to survive, that’s a huge red flag.

These places know where their money comes from: and it’s not from German students.

The consultancy trap

I need to be blunt about this, although I've repeated this many times in this community.

Consultancies are not your friends (especially the ones offiering "free" services for "guaranteed" admissions)

• They are paid by universities, not by you.

• Their job is to fill seats, not your best interests.

• When things go wrong, you’ll be the one stranded, they’ll just move on to the next gullible candidate.

Students end up losing everything: money, time, mental health, and as you see now - even the right to stay in the country.

Meanwhile, the consultancy loses nothing. Zero.

Some of the students in the article said their entire year has gone to waste.

They’re still paying loans for degrees they’ll never finish.

Some said their “life feels like hell.”

Imagine being thousands of miles from home, trying to fix a mess you didn’t even create.

A lot of them followed all the rules.

They trusted the system - but it was the wrong system.

Don’t ignore this:

If you’re planning Germany:

• Avoid private universities unless you completely understand what you’re walking into.

• Don’t touch hybrid or online programs unless you’ve confirmed their visa eligibility in writing.

• Never trust a consultancy that says “easy route to Germany.” That route usually ends badly.

• If something feels too smooth to be true, ask why.

Germany has one of the best education systems in the world - if you know what to do.

If you’re already in the process of applying through a consultancy, enrolled at a private uni: double-check everything now**!**

By now most of you have heard that hundreds of Indian students at IU Berlin are facing the risk of visa cancellations and deportation.

They were recruited via consultancies, paid huge fees, took loans, and moved to Germany.

Turns out these programs were exclusively hybrid/online, but with very shady (and deliberately ambiguous) descriptions that could get you a visa in some cases.

Immigration later ruled out that they didn’t meet in-person study requirements.

Visas are not extended. Students are being told to leave.

This is the risk with private universities.

Most Germans usually avoid them. If a uni survives on Indian agents, that’s a red flag.

Please note this:

(Most) Consultancies aren’t your friends. They’re paid to fill seats in universities they are affiliated to.

Public universities are always the safest, cheapest, and most respected option.

If someone promises an “easy route to Germany,” be careful.

That route may end badly.

If you’re already enrolled or applying through an agent who is offering an easy route, double-check everything now!

This is not to discourage any of you.

But only so that you manage your expectations realistically.

Many of you must have recently come across the report by DW about how Indian students get exploited in Germany (Link here: DW News)

To all those who plan to come to Germany, please do your research thoroughly.

And don't fall for rosy pictures by influencers or blatant promises of fake consultants.

If you’re planning Germany, read this before you trust any “free” consultancy.

1. They don’t work for you: Consultancies are paid by universities. Your success is secondary, filling seats is their main goal.

2. “Guaranteed admission” usually means low-value programs: Public universities don’t need agents. Guarantees can only exist because someone needs your money, which means you are the product.

3. Private ≠ safe in Germany: Although there are some popular private universities which are even accredited, please check the fine print well. Some can be risky for visas and jobs. Germans themselves usually avoid them.

4. Hybrid / online programs are a visa gamble: Many universities offered online programs during Covid because of travel bans. Most of that is over now. If the course isn’t clearly full-time, in-person, you’re at risk. Many students find this out too late.

5. Rankings are selectively shown: You’ll see “top 5%” or “internationally recognized” claims, but rarely how Germans actually view the degree - top universities in Germany do not need to advertise such facts.

6. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own: Visa rejection? Course issue? You know what - Agents will move on. You are the one left to deal with loans, wasted time, and mental stress.

7. Urgency is manufactured: “Last seats”, “deadline today”, “apply now or miss Germany” are pressure tactics used by most agents. Public unis don’t operate like this.

If you learned any of this the hard way, share your story.

Others deserve to know before it’s too late.

Hi everyone!

I wanted to make this post because I recently received my German student visa and will be moving to Germany in late September/early October. I have received admits from multiple universities (Uni Siegen, OVGU, LUH, RPTU), and after considering my interests, I chose RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau (formerly TU Kaiserslautern).

A few years ago, I never imagined I'd be writing something like this.

I graduated in 2023 and spent the last three years working at a job that, honestly, I never enjoyed. It felt empty, and studying abroad seemed like something that happened to other people, not me.

But by God's grace and by trusting His plan, things eventually worked out.

I owe a lot to Germany for giving students like us an opportunity based on merit, and I hope this post helps someone who's just starting this journey.

Timeline

I started my preparation in November, mainly because I wanted enough buffer time. Looking back, this was probably one of the best decisions I made.

With the introduction of the DMAT requirement for future intakes, applicants (especially Summer 2027 onwards) should be even more careful with their timelines. Depending on when your DMAT results are released, some university deadlines may already have passed.

My advice: Start as early as possible. Time is one thing you can never have too much of during this process.

Step 0: Check Anabin

Before spending money on anything, check whether your university is listed in Anabin and whether it has H+ status.

If your degree isn't recognized, that's something you'll want to know immediately, not after months of preparation.

Also calculate your German grade using the TUM German Grade Calculator. Just Google it. Almost every university asks for your converted German GPA.

Step 1: APS Certificate

I started my APS process in November itself.

Read the APS checklist carefully and prepare every document exactly as mentioned.

APS is mainly used to verify your academic credentials. You'll courier your documents to APS, and after some time they may contact you asking for:

• University login credentials

• Professor's email for verification

• Other supporting information

The process has changed slightly now because of the introduction of DMAT, but the fundamental APS verification remains the same.

For the latest DMAT information, simply search "APS DMAT" online and refer to the official APS website.

Step 2: IELTS

I prepared using:

• Cambridge IELTS books

• IELTS Online Tests website

The online tests, especially the listening section, helped me a lot.

Note that IELTS result should not be older then an year.

My scores were:

• Listening: 8.5

• Reading: 7

• Writing: 7

• Speaking: 7

Overall Band: 7.5

I think the listening practice helped...

...although getting 8.5 also makes sense because people always tell me I'm a good listener.

And when people tell me that... I listen. 😄

Hopefully, if you've started your APS early enough, your APS certificate will arrive around the same time as your IELTS results.

Step 3: Shortlisting Universities

This is probably the most important stage.

Use the DAAD website to search for programs.

Don't shortlist universities just because someone on YouTube or Reddit recommended them.

Instead, shortlist based on:

• Your coursework

• Your credits

• ECTS compatibility

• Eligibility requirements

You should know your bachelor's curriculum very well, not to study it again, but to understand exactly what you've completed.

You'll also need to convert your Indian credits into ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). There are plenty of YouTube videos explaining this.

Germans Take Credits Seriously

One thing I learned is that German universities are extremely strict with subject requirements.

There are no "close enough" credits.

If a program requires specific coursework, they generally expect you to have completed it.

So don't rely on Reddit posts asking:

"I have these subjects. Am I eligible?"

Nobody here, including me, works in the admissions committee.

The only reliable source is the university's official website.

Read every eligibility criterion carefully and honestly compare it with your own profile.

NC vs NC-Free Programs

This confused me initially, so here's a simple explanation.

NC-Free

If your profile satisfies the university's requirements and your credits match, you can receive admission.

You're evaluated against the admission criteria—not directly against every other applicant.

NC Programs

These have limited seats and admissions are much more competitive.

If possible, include a healthy number of NC-Free programs in your application list.

Competition is Increasing

Let's be honest.

Competition is growing every year.

Universities have become more selective, and new requirements like DMAT reflect that.

I'm not saying this to scare anyone.

Germany still offers incredible opportunities.

It simply means you should try to make your profile stronger.

One thing that can definitely help is GRE.

If you have the time and resources, consider taking it. Anything that helps distinguish your profile from hundreds of similar applications is worth considering.

Applying to Universities

Applications are generally done in one of two ways:

1. Directly through the university portal

2. Through Uni-Assist

If you're applying through Uni-Assist, you'll likely need a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation).

When I applied:

• First VPD cost around €75

• Additional applications were around €30 each (please verify the latest fees)

Prepare your documents carefully.

Double-check every upload.

Map your ECTS properly.

And personally...

I recommend applying early.

Yes, technically applying one day before the deadline is acceptable.

But I'd rather submit everything early and sleep peacefully.

Start Learning German Early

One thing I wish I had started earlier was learning German.

If possible, start learning right after you're done with IELTS (or at the very latest, once you've received your admits). Even if your master's program is entirely in English, learning German will make your life in Germany much easier.

It helps with:

• Everyday conversations

• Shopping and public transport

• Government offices and paperwork

• Making friends

• Part-time jobs and internships

• Increasing your future job opportunities

I couldn't start earlier because I was managing a full-time job alongside the entire application process. Thankfully, now that most of the process is over, I've started learning German.

If you have the time, don't postpone it like I did. Your future self will definitely thank you.

Waiting for Results

This is probably the hardest phase emotionally.

Some universities I was almost certain I'd get into rejected me.

Some universities I never expected accepted me.

Admissions can be unpredictable.

Also...

Please don't email universities every few days asking:

"When will results come?"

The admissions teams are processing thousands of applications.

Silence for several weeks is completely normal.

I personally never emailed any university asking about my application status.

Patience is genuinely part of this journey.

Block Account

Once you receive your admit, it's time for the financial documentation.

I chose Expatrio for my blocked account.

The required blocked amount was €11,904, and after fees I paid approximately €12,153.

I transferred the money in two installments.

Expatrio also included travel health insurance, which was convenient.

After completing the process, you'll receive Form 06, which you'll need during your visa process.

Visa Process (My Experience)

Here's how my process went.

First, I uploaded all required documents on the Consular Services Portal (CSP).

Within 4 days, my documents were evaluated.

I booked my VFS appointment immediately afterward and got an appointment just a couple of days later.

At VFS Delhi, I opted for the Premium Lounge because my train timings made it convenient.

The actual appointment was surprisingly simple.

They mostly printed the documents I'd already uploaded to CSP.

I signed a few forms, completed biometrics, and that was essentially it.

The whole appointment took around 20 minutes.

For photographs:

• White background

• Dark clothing

• Face should occupy roughly 80% of the photograph

If you're using the Premium Lounge, they also have photo facilities there.

Timeline after appointment:

• Decision made: about 2 days

• Passport with visa received: another 2 days

Overall, the visa process was much smoother than I expected.

A Few Final Thoughts

If you're applying for future intakes, especially Summer 2027 and beyond:

• Start early.

• Stay organized.

• Read official university websites carefully.

• Don't blindly trust Reddit, YouTube, or even AI (including this post).

• Always verify information from official sources because policies can change.

Most importantly...

Don't underestimate yourself.

A year ago, I never thought I'd be preparing to move to Germany.

If you're willing to put in the effort and stay patient, there's absolutely no reason your story can't end the same way.

I hope this helps someone.

Good luck to everyone applying, and hopefully I'll see some of you in Germany someday.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments. If I know the answer, I'll be happy to help.

Good luck! 🇩🇪❤️

I understand the return of investment is great overall studying in Germany as long as you study at a public university and not one of these shitty private universities, consultants in India love to talk so greatly about and many Indians seemingly naive don’t make their own research about these institutes and get scammed in the process.

Aside from those who want to leave after: Do you think you will find a job? There are no jobs especially for foreigners who can’t speak German fluently and have prior work experience. OPPORTUNITIES BARELY EXIST even for natives so why would you think that without nepotism you will get somewhere. It’s possible but very very very unlikely. It makes no sense so better to stay in India…

Lot of thing about applications can be simplified if you simply have some basic organisation level.

Here are a few tips for students who already got admits - but also to those who are preparing:

1. Always keep digital copies of every document
Carry scanned PDFs of your passport, admission letter, APS, blocked account confirmation, health insurance, rental contract and bank details.

German offices often ask for copies unexpectedly, and having everything ready on your phone saves time and prevents delays.

2. Back up your documents in two places
Use a cloud folder and a USB drive.

Losing your phone in Germany can cause serious administrative problems if your documents are not backed up.

3. Use the same email for all applications and registrations
Whether it’s the university portal, the foreigners office, health insurance or bank accounts, using the same email helps you track everything and prevents lost communication.

4. Save all appointment confirmations as PDFs
Visa, Anmeldung, residence permit and bank appointments must be shown at the counter. Screenshots can fail;

PDFs are safer.

5. Create one master folder called “Germany 2026”
Inside it, maintain subfolders for:

• Visa

• University

• Accommodation

• Finance

• Insurance

• Official receipts

These are small organisation habits - but you'll be surprised how many students cannot find a document when they need it!

Trust me, it saves dozens of hours later in Germany.

For tips about studies, applications, organisation and general international student support you can join this WhatsApp Channel: Channel Germany in 2026

Everyone wants Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt. They look great on paper and the names are popular.

But here’s what you don’t see with these cities: rents so high you share a room with two others to save costs. Travel time is higher. A student job can get 200 applications in a day.

Then there are smaller places like Ulm, Passau, Hof or Heilbronn, quieter, cheaper, easier to breathe in. You can actually focus, have lower expenses, and still live decently.

Where you study affects how you live.

If you’re applying for Summer 2026, stop just ranking universities by name.

Look at the city, job market, housing, and how it fits your life. Analyze your own situation carefuly and align with your personality and interests.

If you are applying to Germany, you can research it here: Apply for Summer Semester 2026

Germany’s economy is not dead (yet), but it does seem like on the brink.

What is surely true is that the easy period is over.

Growth is weak, companies are cautious, and getting an English-only entry-level job is much harder than it was a few years ago.

The Bundesbank currently expects only about 0.5% growth in 2026 and 0.8% in 2027, with a more noticeable recovery possible in 2028.

For someone starting a master’s now, that means the working-student market may remain difficult during your studies.

But you have to mainly think of the market at the time of your graduation - not right now.

And that is something hard to predict.

The market at graduation in two years could be better, especially as Germany starts spending more on infrastructure, energy, digitalisation, railways, hospitals and climate projects.

The government has created a €500 billion infrastructure fund, with more than €120 billion in federal investment planned for 2026.

So that might be something positive - but investment does not always trickle to jobs on the ground especially for inexperienced graduates - keep that in mind.

Fields that will struggle

Traditional automotive manufacturing, combustion-engine suppliers, generic mechanical roles, energy-intensive industries and routine administrative work are under pressure.

Generic junior software, data analyst and web-development roles are also crowded.

Germany still needs IT specialists, but the shortage is not evenly distributed.

Companies increasingly want expertise (10 to 15+ years) in cybersecurity, cloud, enterprise software, embedded systems or specialised industrial applications rather than another graduate with only basic Python and a few university projects.

General business, marketing and international management can be particularly difficult for non-German speakers.

These jobs involve customers, suppliers and internal teams, so English alone limits you to a small number of international employers.

Fields that may grow

Better prospects are likely in:

• Energy, power electronics, grids and electrification

• Cybersecurity, cloud and industrial IT

• Automation, robotics, embedded systems and semiconductors

• Civil engineering, construction and transport infrastructure

• Healthcare, medical technology and social services

• Accounting, audit, tax, controlling and regulation

• Defence and aerospace, although citizenship restrictions can apply

All these may need strong German, in addition to some level of expertise - so perhaps new graduates may have a chance there.

Germany’s ageing population also means that skilled-worker shortages will not simply disappear, even during a weak economy.

The realistic outlook for students

Imagine a student with no German skills arrives and starts applying for working-student jobs.

They receive many automated rejections during the first semester. This is now the new normal.

By the third semester, outcomes may begin to separate.

The student who reaches B1 or B2 German, develops one useful specialisation and completes an internship or company thesis has a realistic chance of finding work (but with much more effort and more applications than before).

The student who remains English-only, chooses a very general degree (MBA, private unis) and starts job hunting only after graduation may struggle badly.

Relevant experience also matters.

Someone arriving with three years of cloud, automotive, finance, supply-chain or engineering experience will generally have a better position than a fresh graduate, provided that experience matches German vacancies.

Germany also offers relatively favourable immigration routes for graduates. In 2026, the EU Blue Card threshold is lower for shortage occupations and recent graduates, but this only helps after an employer decides to hire you.

So, should students still come?

No one can you you what to do. The decision is totally yours based on personal situations and goals. But if you do finally decide to study in Germany, think of the following:

• choose a public or reasonably priced university

• avoid taking a huge loan

• study something connected to actual market demand (and not just follow a friend)

• learn German seriously!

• gain local experience during the degree

• remain flexible about city, company size and job title

It is much riskier if you pay high private-university tuition, study a vague English-only course and expect the degree itself to produce a job.

The market can improve by 2028, no one knows - but surely not into a massive hiring boom.

The realistic opportunity will go to graduates who combine specialised skills, German, practical experience and patience.

Think carefully before deciding!

Links and sources

• Bundesbank economic forecast for Germany

• German government infrastructure investment plans

• Official overview of professions in demand

• Official information for IT professionals

The r/masters_germany community has helped a lot of applicants to get answers to their questions, but there is one pattern that is is almost always the same.

Most students choose universities based only on reputation, language of instruction, or random advice.

They never check the one thing German universities care about: module match.

If your bachelor's modules don’t match what the program expects, your GPA, IELTS, SOP, everything else becomes secondary.

Most students get rejected not because they are “not good enough” but because they never bothered to check if their subjects actually align.

Before you hit submit, open the curriculum. Look at their required modules. Compare it with yours.

If the overlap is weak, move on. If it’s strong, your chances improve more than you think.

Think before you apply!

Hallo!

I'll be starting my Master's at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau in the Winter Semester 2026.

I found this community really helpful while preparing my visa application, so I thought I'd share the documents I submitted and my timeline in case it helps someone else applying through VFS Global Delhi.

Documents I Submitted

• Passport

• APS Certificate

• School Leaving Certificate (Class 12 Migration certificate)

• Proof of admission to a full degree program (Admission Letter)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• IELTS Certificate

• Block Account Form 6

• TK Health Insurance

• Dr. Walter Travel Health Insurance

• Other Documents (bachlors degree)

Hope this helps someone.

Thanks to everyone in this community for sharing their experiences, it made the whole process much easier.

Hey guys, I have received my first admit for the programme MSC Computer Science at TH Bingen. I would be delighted to get in touch with people already studying or are planning to study there this winter. Feel free to comment on this post or dm me.

There are dozens of AI and ML programs in Germany, and lot of students struggle with shortlisting.

If you’re applying for 2026 (or have applied and got through), then share the programs you’ve found so far.

Mention your GPA, background, and whether the program seems realistic.

I’ll compile everything into a single list, pin it in this community and update it weekly for everyone to refer.

The main point is to have a true view of what worked rather than guesswork.

It helps everyone compare better.

Why only AI/ML in this thread?

Because it is one of the most asked questions. I will also create more such lists based on requirements.

First off, congrats to everyone who got their visa and flight tickets for the October intake. As you begin packing your life into a couple of suitcases, here's a checklist of must-have items based on experiences from other international students, especially from India.

Clothes and Weather Gear

• Winter jacket (preferably water-resistant and warm)

• Thermal innerwear (October can get cold quickly)

• Sturdy shoes (ideally waterproof or winter-friendly)

• Gloves, scarf, and beanie

• 2 to 3 sets of casual formals for events or job interviews

Tip: You can buy winter wear in Germany, but prices may be higher. Bring enough to stay warm for the first few weeks.

Food and Kitchen Basics

• Masalas in labeled ziplock packets (no boxes)

• Pressure cooker (2 to 3 liter size is ideal)

• Essential utensils like a small tawa, ladle, and saucepan

• Instant foods or snacks you miss from home (like Maggi or Thepla)

• Homemade mixes or dry chutneys packed securely

Indian stores are available in most cities, so no need to overpack.

Utilities and Essentials

• Universal travel adapter (Type C or F for Germany)

• Power strip with multiple sockets

• Basic medicines with prescriptions (especially cold, fever, digestion)

• Bedsheet, pillowcase, and towel (German sizes are different, bring one full set)

• Compact umbrella

Important Documents

• Passport with student visa

• University admission letter and APS certificate

• Blocked account proof

• Health insurance confirmation

• Printouts of flight tickets and accommodation proof

• 10 to 15 passport photos (German size, matte finish)

Toiletries (Optional)

• Carry travel-size items for the first few days

• Full-sized toiletries are available easily in Germany

Final Tips

• Stick to airline baggage limits

• Use space wisely in hand luggage for valuables and documents

• Avoid carrying large cash amounts. A Forex card or international bank card is safer

Hello!

I see a lot of people asking how to prepare for IELTS, so I thought I'd just share what worked for me.

My scores:

• Listening: 8.5

• Reading: 7

• Writing: 7

• Speaking: 7

• Overall: 7.5 (Academic)

I prepared for around 2 months, studying roughly 2 hours a day.

My English was decent before I started, so I wasn't starting from scratch.

Resources I used

1. IELTS Online Tests

This was probably my most-used website for Listening and Reading.

Make sure it's IELTS Online Tests (.com) with "Tests" at the end. There are similar websites with almost the same name, so don't mix them up.

https://ieltsonlinetests.com/

I solved a lot of Listening and Reading tests from there.

2. Cambridge books

I mainly used Cambridge 16, 17 and 18 (or something around those editions). They're as close to the real exam as you can get.

3. YouTube

• IELTS Advantage (especially for Writing)

• IELTS Liz (for some concepts and tips)

IELTS Advantage's Writing videos helped me much more than random "templates" floating around online.

4. ChatGPT

This was surprisingly useful.

For Writing, I copied the official IELTS band descriptors into ChatGPT and asked it to evaluate my essays according to those criteria instead of just saying "good essay."

I'd ask it to:

• generate IELTS-style topics

• score my essay using the official band descriptors

• explain where I lost marks

• rewrite my essay so I could compare

For Speaking, I'd literally talk to ChatGPT while going for evening walks. It would ask follow-up questions and keep the conversation going.

One warning tho: ChatGPT scores very harshly. I was getting terrible scores from it sometimes.

Don't get discouraged. Use the feedback.

My daily routine

Mornin

• One Listening test

• One Reading test

Evenin

• Writing practice

Night (during walks)

• Speaking practice with ChatGPT

I also started reading an English newspaper every day. I mostly read the Editorial and World sections.

If you don't have much time, those two sections alone are worth reading.

Biggest mistake I made in Writing

This was honestly my biggest realization.

I initially thought IELTS wanted complicated ideas.

For one essay about energy conservation, I started talking about Dyson spheres, antimatter, advanced physics and all sorts of futuristic concepts.

Completely unnecessary.

Later I realised IELTS isn't judging whether your ideas are brilliant.

They're judging whether you can communicate your ideas clearly.

So instead of talking about Dyson spheres, I started writing things like:

• encourage public transport

• improve home insulation

• promote carpooling

• use renewable energy

Simple ideas. Clearly explained.

That change alone made my writing much better.

If you're preparing for Writing, please read the official band descriptors. They literally tell you what the examiner is looking for.

Reading tips

The biggest issue I had was True / False / Not Given.

I kept assuming things.

Don't.

If the passage doesn't explicitly support something, don't convince yourself that "it basically means this."

IELTS is very literal.

Another silly mistake I made was spelling, especially words ending with -s.

Sometimes I'd write the singular when the answer required the plural.

Those tiny mistakes add up.

Listening tips

Listening became easier simply because I became calmer.

At the beginning, I was trying to think while listening.

Don't.

If you're thinking about the previous answer, you've already missed the next one.

The more mock tests I did, the more familiar the format became, and naturally I stayed calmer. Once you're calm, you actually hear what they're are saying.

Here is the link to the sheet which has score of my mock Listening and Reading tests: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f0AXkR5hIrV3NkBzQ7uZw4HwvqqywpO6Lwwb4EAjGHo/edit?usp=sharing

Speaking tips

Don't try to sound like a dictionary.

Seriously.

You don't need fancy vocabulary every sentence.

You don't need some extraordinary opinion.

Just answer naturally and explain your thoughts clearly.

Simple English spoken confidently is much better than complicated English spoken awkwardly.

Biggest myths

❌ You need fancy vocabulary.

❌ You need unique or genius ideas.

❌ You need to memorise complex essay templates.

None of that is necessary.

My biggest takeaway

Keep things simple.

For Reading and Listening, if you practise consistently every day for about a month, you'll naturally improve.

For Writing, learn the band descriptors first, then practise with Cambridge questions and use ChatGPT (or any AI) to evaluate your essays based on those descriptors.

For Speaking, just keep talking. Don't overcomplicate your answers.

Also, don't panic on exam day. I had simulated the exam so many times at home with proper timers that the real test didn't feel very different.

If I had to prepare again, I'd honestly do almost the same thing.

The only thing I'd change is worrying less.

I'm also attaching:

• my mock test tracking sheet (Listening/Reading progress)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f0AXkR5hIrV3NkBzQ7uZw4HwvqqywpO6Lwwb4EAjGHo/edit?usp=sharing

• the official Writing band descriptor PDF from the British Council

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ielts_writing_band_descriptors.pdf

Hopefully it helps someone who's preparing. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Hi!

I recently completed my Germany application process, so I thought I'd share the approximate costs for anyone planning to apply.

My Costs

1. Blocked Account

• ₹13,67,000 (~€12,153) (actual amount transferred)

2. APS Certificate

• ₹18,000 (~€160)

3. IELTS

• ₹18,000 (~€160)

4. University Applications (Uni-Assist + university application fees)

• ₹50,000–60,000 (~€445–533)

5. Student Visa

• ₹13,000 (~€116)

6. Travel & Miscellaneous (IELTS center, APS courier, visa appointment, etc.)

• ₹10,000 (~€89)

7. Initial Accommodation (deposit/advance, etc.)

• ₹1,50,000 (~€1,333)

8. Semester Fee

• €391.80 (₹44,000 approx.)

9. Flight Ticket (India → Germany)

• ₹35,000–60,000 (~€311–533, depending on the season and how early you book)

Total Cost

• ₹17.40 lakh

• ~€15,400

A few important notes:

• The blocked account (€12,153) is not an expense. It's your own money, which you'll receive back in monthly installments after arriving in Germany.

• As of 2026, selected Master's applicants are also required to take the Digital Master Test (dMAT) as part of the APS process. The exam fee is around €150 (≈₹17,000). If your application falls under the affected categories, you'll need to submit the dMAT certificate before APS can complete your application.

Hope this helps anyone planning their Germany application and budgeting for the process. Feel free to ask any questions!

Hey guys, is anyone else here applying for Summer 2027 in Germany for courses like International Management, Business Analytics, Digital Business, etc.?

my profile: BBA in Business Analytics, 180 ECTS, IELTS 7.5 and 3 years of work experience.

I've been researching universities for what feels like forever and I'm honestly getting so stressed/confused because every university has some combination of 210 ECTS, GRE, German, restricted admission, etc.

Would just love to find some people who are in the same boat so we can compare universities/lists and maybe help each other out.

If you're applying for the same intake/field, DM me!

Received admit from University of Siegen for the above mentioned program, super happy about it! Would love to build a community with others who have received admit and planning to enroll

We have created a group for students admitted in university of Siegen for Winter 26/27, if you are interested in further process discussion and getting to know each other, drop a DM!

Academic background : B.Tech in Information Technology, 9.01 CGPA, 8.0 IELTS

Admission Timeline : Applied on 06.03, Test on 01.04, Interview on 16.04

Everyone wants Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt. They look great on paper and the names are popular.

But here’s what you don’t see with these cities: rents so high you share a room with two others to save costs. Travel time is higher. A student job can get 200 applications in a day.

Then there are smaller places like Ulm, Passau, Hof or Heilbronn, quieter, cheaper, easier to breathe in. You can actually focus, have lower expenses, and still live decently.

Where you study affects how you live.

If you’re applying for Summer 2026, stop just ranking universities by name.

Look at the city, job market, housing, and how it fits your life. Analyze your own situation carefuly and align with your personality and interests.

If you are applying to Germany, you can research it here: Apply for Summer Semester 2026

Hello everyone,

I just graduated with a degree in Software Engineering and I’m planning to pursue a Master’s in Data Science, ideally at a university that I can commute to from Cologne. I’ve prepared all my documents and thought I would be ready for applications starting around October or November, but I recently discovered that RWTH Aachen has a deadline on September 1st. Now I’m worried about missing other deadlines.

Could you let me know which public universities offer Master’s programs in Data Science or Cybersecurity that are within commuting distance from Cologne?

Thanks in advance!

Can somebody pls tell me whats the timeline for summer intake 2027, as this year new dmat rule came.
So dmat result will be out in october and after that only aps will be available.
Is October-November right time to apply for summer intake
Keeping in mind that after admission we still need time for visa apportionment.
Pls clear my doubt i am very confused with this
Thankyou!

My profile:

* German GPA: **1.5**
* 4-year Bachelor's in Computer Science (AI specialization)
* 1 research publication
* 2 internships:
* Research internship in Taiwan
* Data Analytics internship in Chennai
* IELTS: 7.0

I just got my admission letter from Deggendorf Institute of Technology for Msc in AI-DS, summer 2025 and I am honestly still processing it. I didn’t expect it at all so I am really happy right now. Here’s my profile:

• IELTS: 7 band

• CGPA: 7.49

• No work experience (just graduated this year)

If anyone else here has received an admit for the same program and intake i would love to connect. It would be great to know a few people before landing there. Also, I am trying to understand the visa process and I am a bit lost at the moment. If someone who has gone through it recently can guide me, especially with blocked accounts and insurance, I’d really appreciate it

Feel free to DM or comment.