Choosing a university safely

Public versus private universities, and why the choice can decide your residence permit.

• Public universities in Berlin (FU, HU, TU, and the Hochschulen for applied sciences) charge no tuition for international students, only a semester fee (for example FU €376.80, BHT €376.30). See Costs of studying.
• Private universities charge tuition and often recruit through agents in India. Check that the university is state-recognised and that your degree programme is accredited.
• Court ruling to know about: the Administrative Court of Berlin (VG Berlin, 5 November 2025) dealt with the private university IU and its distance-learning offer "myStudium". The residence authority (LEA) may refuse or shorten a study permit if the studies are not actually carried out as full-time in-person study. We summarise the ruling as reported; read the decision before relying on it.
• Ask the university in writing: is the programme on campus in Berlin, what is the language of teaching, and which degree is awarded?
• Check the anabin database for institution status.

Language requirements and admission rules: Admission with Indian certificates.