Deepak Adhikari · June 19, 2026
The challenge
Germany's low-tuition universities were the goal. Niigata International handled the blocked account, language prep, and embassy interview.
The journey
Deepak was a computer science graduate looking for affordable master's programs abroad. Germany's public universities — with near-zero tuition — were the perfect fit. But the process seemed intimidating: blocked account, APS certificate, language requirements, embassy interview.
Niigata International broke it down into a 4-month plan. Month 1: shortlist universities and prepare application documents. Month 2: open a blocked account with EUR 11,904 and begin German A1 classes. Month 3: submit applications, prepare for the embassy interview. Month 4: attend the interview and await visa.
For the blocked account, Niigata International guided Deepak through opening an Expatrio account online — the funds were deposited and confirmed within a week. For German language, he completed the A1 level at Niigata International's center, just enough to show commitment to the visa officer.
The embassy interview was the biggest hurdle. Niigata International conducted three mock interviews, each with different question sets. By the real interview, Deepak answered every question calmly and confidently.
The outcome
Deepak received his Schengen Student Visa (Type D) with a 2-year validity. He is now pursuing his MSc in Computer Science at TU Berlin. The near-zero tuition and affordable student housing make it financially sustainable. He works as a research assistant at the university lab.
“I was scared of the blocked account and the embassy. Niigata International made both feel like routine paperwork. The mock interviews were a game-changer — I walked into the embassy feeling prepared, not nervous.”
