It's a nightmare scenario for any student studying abroad. Deep Shambarkar, a 25-year-old from Maharashtra, India, never imagined his pursuit of a master's degree in business management in Berlin would land him in a bureaucratic quagmire threatening deportation.

From Dream to Dilemma

Last July, Shambarkar took a significant leap, moving to Berlin and enrolling at the International University, known as IU. He sank close to €20,000 into his education, all financed through a student loan from an Indian bank. But now, instead of focusing on his master's thesis, he's entangled with immigration authorities.

Out of the blue, a yellow envelope from the Berlin Immigration Office landed in his mailbox. Inside was a notice demanding he leave Germany by November 3 or face deportation. This shocking twist stems from claims that IU lacks proper accreditation and adequate infrastructure for its courses. Shambarkar isn't the only one; around 300 students find themselves in a similar bind.

Promises Unraveled

IU, one of Germany's largest universities with over 130,000 students, attracted many Indian students through UpGrad, a placement agency. The setup promised a chance to study in Germany, starting with online courses from India before moving to Germany for the hands-on experience. Yet, the reality has been starkly different.

For many, like 20-year-old Tanishq from Delhi, the dream derailed before it even began. His visa application stalled, leaving him stranded in India. While some students from affluent backgrounds have managed to transfer to other universities, others have returned home, disillusioned and out of options.

A Web of Confusion

The university contends that the Berlin State Office for Immigration suddenly changed its approach to hybrid degree programs. The change, they claim, was not communicated to IU, resulting in a spate of deportation notices. A court ruling acknowledged IU's accreditation but imposed stricter requirements, including mandatory on-campus attendance.

But for students like Shambarkar, the damage is already done. He feels abandoned, describing the Berlin campus more as an office space than a university. The lack of support from IU adds to his frustration. "They are now paying lawyers so students don't have to use their own money to lodge an appeal," he shared, highlighting the immense pressure he's under.

The Human Toll

The mental and physical strain on students is palpable. One anonymous student described feeling like a failure, plagued by nightmares and insomnia. "My life feels like hell," he confessed, grappling with the looming threat of deportation despite being in Germany legally.

In response to the chaos, IU has stopped admitting international students to the Berlin campus, citing ongoing legal and administrative uncertainties. They plan to open a new campus in Cologne by October 2026, hoping to put these issues behind them.

Uncertain Futures

For Shambarkar and many others, the future remains uncertain. He's poured too much time and money into this dream to walk away easily. Yet, the path forward is fraught with hurdles. The Berlin State Office for Immigration continues to scrutinize residence permits, adding another layer of anxiety for those caught in its web.

As these students wrestle with bureaucratic challenges and personal turmoil, the promise of a German education remains just out of reach. For now, they're left navigating a labyrinth of legal procedures, hoping for a resolution that allows them to complete what they started.