Germany Cautions Indian Students: Avoid Study Abroad ‘Package Deals’ from Unreliable Agents
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Germany has issued a strong advisory to Indian students, urging them to avoid relying on agents offering “complete packages” for studying abroad. The warning comes amid a growing number of cases involving fraud, fake documentation, and legal troubles linked to such third-party services.
Speaking at a public event in India, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann encouraged students to research universities independently, stressing that agents offering all-inclusive packages often fail to deliver.
“These so-called packages, which cover admission, visa, accommodation and job placements, may look convenient but frequently lack transparency and reliability,” said Ackermann. “We want Indian students to choose Germany for education, but through trusted and official channels.”
The warning follows multiple incidents where Indian students, misled by unauthorised agents, were deported from Germany upon arrival due to unrecognised institutions or forged documents. In one such 2023 case, students from Punjab were detained at Frankfurt Airport, having paid up to ₹8 lakh for fake admission letters. They were later blacklisted from the Schengen zone.
Legal experts support the advisory, citing issues such as visa rejections, document forgery and lack of legal recourse. “These intermediaries are usually unregulated and provide no contracts or guarantees. Students often face financial loss with little legal remedy,” said advocate Divya Singh.
Ajay Khatalawala, managing partner at Little & Co, noted, “Such services can lead to severe immigration consequences, including deportation and blacklisting. It’s crucial that students verify everything via official platforms.”
In 2022, Germany flagged that 15% of Indian student visa applications contained fake documents. Delays in visa processing for thousands of Indian applicants continue to be a concern, with Ackermann calling the situation “heartbreaking.”
Students are advised to apply directly through official university websites or DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), verify accreditation, and consult certified counsellors or embassies before making any decisions.
Source: BUSINESS STANDARD
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