Don't take huge loans for 'scammy' German universities: NRI warns Indian students
As more Indian students look abroad for higher education, an Indian-origin entrepreneur has warned against choosing certain private universities in Germany, citing student debt, poor education standards and limited job prospects. His comments have sparked debate over the true cost of studying overseas.
An Indian-origin entrepreneur has sparked a conversation about the hidden risks of studying abroad, warning students against taking on massive debt to attend what he called “scammy” private universities in Germany.
His message, shared on social media, struck a chord with many who have witnessed the financial and professional struggles faced by international students chasing the promise of a better future in Europe.
'DON'T TAKE HUGE LOANS FOR THIRD-RATE UNIVERSITIES'
Mayukh Panja, founder of AI firm Populations, cautioned aspiring students in a post on X against enrolling in private institutions that advertise themselves as straightforward routes to Europe.
“I want to do a public service announcement for people who are desperate to come to Europe,” Panja wrote. “Please don’t take out huge loans and go into debt to get admitted to third-rate private universities here.”
WHAT ARE THESE UNIVERSITIES PROMISING?
According to Panja, some private universities attract international students by selling the dream of a successful career and a better life in Europe. However, he claimed that the reality is often far different.
Describing some institutions as “visa mills,” he alleged that they have low admission standards, poor teaching quality and degrees that offer little value in the job market.
“These universities are very scammy, have a low barrier to entry and extremely low teaching standards,” he wrote.
THE HARSH REALITY FOR MANY STUDENTS
Drawing from his experiences in Berlin, Panja said he has seen numerous Indian students struggling to survive while juggling long hours of low-paid work.
“I have seen many, many desperate Indian students doing 12 hours of delivery, restaurant and gig work, extremely underpaid and abused in Berlin,” he wrote.
He argued that financial pressures often push students into exploitative work environments, only for them to later discover that their degrees do not significantly improve their employment prospects.
“And then they realise that their university degree is pretty much worthless. Both in Germany and in India,” he added.
SO, WHAT'S THE BETTER OPTION?
Rather than enroling in expensive private institutions, Panja advised students to target Germany’s state-run universities.
“If you do want to come to Germany, apply to the state-run universities here,” he wrote, noting that public universities are generally far more affordable, academically rigorous and competitive.
'DON'T SELL FAMILY LAND TO FALL FOR A SCAM'
Panja also urged families to avoid making drastic financial sacrifices based on unrealistic promises.
“Please don’t take out a Rs 30 lakh loan, or sell family land to fall for a scam. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true,” he cautioned.
IS GERMANY STILL A GOOD DESTINATION?
Despite his criticism of certain private institutions, Panja stressed that Germany remains an excellent destination for students pursuing research and engineering careers.
He highlighted the country's globally respected research ecosystem and strong engineering sector, saying Germany can be a rewarding place for those who secure opportunities in these fields.
“Germany has top-tier research institutes in the fundamental sciences though. Among the best in the world. It still has kickass engineering (not software) companies,” he wrote.
WHAT DID SOCIAL MEDIA SAY?
The post resonated with many users, several of whom echoed Panja’s concerns and shared their own experiences.
One user pointed out that finding a high-paying job in Germany is not as easy as many students assume. They noted that strong German language skills, often at the B2 level, are essential for many roles, while salary growth tends to be modest compared to expectations.
Others agreed that young professionals should carefully weigh the costs and benefits of studying abroad rather than viewing it as a guaranteed path to success.
Panja’s warning has reignited a broader debate about the growing business of overseas education and the promises used to attract students. While Germany continues to offer world-class opportunities through its public universities, research institutions and engineering sector, his message serves as a reminder that not every foreign degree is a ticket to success.
For students and families investing their savings, or taking on significant debt, the lesson is simple: look beyond the marketing, research institutions carefully, and ensure the opportunity is worth the sacrifice.
An Indian-origin entrepreneur has sparked a conversation about the hidden risks of studying abroad, warning students against taking on massive debt to attend what he called “scammy” private universities in Germany.
His message, shared on social media, struck a chord with many who have witnessed the financial and professional struggles faced by international students chasing the promise of a better future in Europe.
'DON'T TAKE HUGE LOANS FOR THIRD-RATE UNIVERSITIES'
Mayukh Panja, founder of AI firm Populations, cautioned aspiring students in a post on X against enrolling in private institutions that advertise themselves as straightforward routes to Europe.
“I want to do a public service announcement for people who are desperate to come to Europe,” Panja wrote. “Please don’t take out huge loans and go into debt to get admitted to third-rate private universities here.”
WHAT ARE THESE UNIVERSITIES PROMISING?
According to Panja, some private universities attract international students by selling the dream of a successful career and a better life in Europe. However, he claimed that the reality is often far different.
Describing some institutions as “visa mills,” he alleged that they have low admission standards, poor teaching quality and degrees that offer little value in the job market.
“These universities are very scammy, have a low barrier to entry and extremely low teaching standards,” he wrote.
THE HARSH REALITY FOR MANY STUDENTS
Drawing from his experiences in Berlin, Panja said he has seen numerous Indian students struggling to survive while juggling long hours of low-paid work.
“I have seen many, many desperate Indian students doing 12 hours of delivery, restaurant and gig work, extremely underpaid and abused in Berlin,” he wrote.
He argued that financial pressures often push students into exploitative work environments, only for them to later discover that their degrees do not significantly improve their employment prospects.
“And then they realise that their university degree is pretty much worthless. Both in Germany and in India,” he added.
SO, WHAT'S THE BETTER OPTION?
Rather than enroling in expensive private institutions, Panja advised students to target Germany’s state-run universities.
“If you do want to come to Germany, apply to the state-run universities here,” he wrote, noting that public universities are generally far more affordable, academically rigorous and competitive.
'DON'T SELL FAMILY LAND TO FALL FOR A SCAM'
Panja also urged families to avoid making drastic financial sacrifices based on unrealistic promises.
“Please don’t take out a Rs 30 lakh loan, or sell family land to fall for a scam. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true,” he cautioned.
IS GERMANY STILL A GOOD DESTINATION?
Despite his criticism of certain private institutions, Panja stressed that Germany remains an excellent destination for students pursuing research and engineering careers.
He highlighted the country's globally respected research ecosystem and strong engineering sector, saying Germany can be a rewarding place for those who secure opportunities in these fields.
“Germany has top-tier research institutes in the fundamental sciences though. Among the best in the world. It still has kickass engineering (not software) companies,” he wrote.
WHAT DID SOCIAL MEDIA SAY?
The post resonated with many users, several of whom echoed Panja’s concerns and shared their own experiences.
One user pointed out that finding a high-paying job in Germany is not as easy as many students assume. They noted that strong German language skills, often at the B2 level, are essential for many roles, while salary growth tends to be modest compared to expectations.
Others agreed that young professionals should carefully weigh the costs and benefits of studying abroad rather than viewing it as a guaranteed path to success.
Panja’s warning has reignited a broader debate about the growing business of overseas education and the promises used to attract students. While Germany continues to offer world-class opportunities through its public universities, research institutions and engineering sector, his message serves as a reminder that not every foreign degree is a ticket to success.
For students and families investing their savings, or taking on significant debt, the lesson is simple: look beyond the marketing, research institutions carefully, and ensure the opportunity is worth the sacrifice.
