The German government itself warns students to avoid agents selling "complete packages." Here's the uncomfortable maths.
What consultants actually do
- Shortlist universities, you can do this with the DAAD course finder in an evening.
- Fill the uni-assist form, a guided online form anyone can complete.
- "Arrange" your blocked account & insurance, they earn commission, then charge you on top.
- "Edit" your SOP, often into the same generic template everyone else gets.
What you're really paying for
Mostly: relief from uncertainty. That's real, but ₹50,000–₹2,00,000 of real? You can buy the same certainty with a few ₹499 calls with people who did it last year, and keep the rest for your first months' rent.
When a consultant IS worth it
Rarely: very complex cases, or if your time is genuinely worth more than the fee. Even then, demand transparency on every commission.
Run the numbers in our cost calculator, then decide with clear eyes.