Student visa for Berlin: How do I know if a university is accredited?

Many international students or prospective students wonder whether their chosen degree programs are even recognized . The legal basis for international students is Section 16b of the German Residence Act . This section regulates the granting of a residence permit for the purpose of studying. However, the law is very precise: A residence permit may only be granted if the studies are at a state university, a state-recognized university, or a comparable educational institution. For immigration authorities, this is a binary decision. If there is no state recognition by the responsible ministry of the respective federal state, the institution is simply not recognized as a university under the law . Legally speaking, the studies there are then not considered studies, and the entitlement to a visa usually expires.

Example "Berlin College of Business and Technology"

A striking example from our current consulting practice illustrates the problem. A client was completing a master's degree at the so-called " Berlin College of Business and Technology ." The structure sounded modern: one day of in-person classes in Berlin, the rest online – ideal for today's world. However, the immigration office refused to extend his residence permit . Our legal review revealed that this institution is neither a state university as defined in Section 1 of the Berlin Higher Education Act , nor is it listed on the official register of state-recognized private universities in Berlin. Even classifying it as "another non-state educational institution in the higher education sector" failed. Anyone enrolled at such an institution not only risks losing their invested time and tuition fees, but also unknowingly violates their right of residence, as the legal basis for Section 16b of the German Residence Act is lacking.

This is how we check the credibility of a Berlin university

To avoid such potentially disastrous mistakes, consulting the official registers of the state of Berlin is essential. The Senate Department for Science, Health and Care maintains a comprehensive list of all state-recognized private universities. Names like Akkon University, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, the Hertie School, and the Medical School Berlin (MSB) are clearly listed there . These institutions are authorized to administer examinations and award academic degrees equivalent to those of state universities. Only those studying at one of these listed institutions or at major state universities like the Free University (FU), Humboldt University (HU), or Technical University (TU) Berlin are on the safe side. We strongly advise all prospective students to consult the Senate Department's databases and the "Anabin" portal before signing a study contract or paying any fees .

The pitfalls of "branch offices" and distance learning models

Berlin is also a magnet for branches of universities whose main campuses are located in other German states or even abroad. This often complicates the process for laypersons. A private university may teach in Berlin but be subject to the legal oversight of another state . In such cases, recognition in the home state must be proven beyond doubt. The situation becomes even more critical with programs that are almost entirely online or where in-person attendance is merely a formality. Immigration authorities now scrutinize very carefully whether a genuine in-person course of study exists that justifies the student's presence in Germany. If an institution is already flagged as "problematic" in internal government communications, all students enrolled there are placed under general suspicion. The so-called IU scandal recently attracted particular attention in this regard.

Conclusion: Create legal certainty before the start of studies

In summary, choosing a university is far more than an academic decision for international students – it is a fundamental decision regarding their residency status. A prestigious English name or modern marketing can never replace state accreditation under the Berlin Higher Education Act. Once the immigration authorities have denied accreditation, legal recourse is often difficult, and the chances of success are slim without a clear accreditation status for the university. We therefore recommend: Do not rely solely on the statements of educational institutions, but check the official lists of the state government or have the institution's status legally verified by us. Only a state-accredited university guarantees you the protection of Section 16b of the German Residence Act and thus your future in Germany .

The list of recognized universities in Berlin can be found here: https://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft/einrichtungen/hochschulen/private-hochschulen/