The seven criteria
Work through the list in order. The more points a university clearly meets, the safer the choice.
- State recognition: the university may award bachelor's and master's degrees and appears in the official registers.
- Accreditation: the specific programme carries a valid seal from a recognised agency.
- Transparent pricing: total costs, duration and additional fees are clearly stated, and not only after an advisory interview.
- Fair contract terms: the trial period, notice periods and extension rules are easy to understand.
- Reachable support: there are named contact people, not just a contact form.
- Verifiable qualifications: protected academic degrees, not mere in-house certificates sold as a degree.
- Honest advertising: no guarantees of admission, recognition abroad or career success.
The most important warning sign
Be wary of blanket promises. Claims such as guaranteed recognition everywhere, a certain career step up or a title without real study effort are not reputable. Reputable providers word things carefully, point to the responsible authorities and make no commitments they cannot keep.
A second sign is a lack of transparency about price. Anyone who reveals the total price only after a sales conversation has something to hide.
How to check in ten minutes
Open the university's profile page in the comparison and read the key-facts block: operator, recognition, accreditation and the linked primary sources. Click through to the accreditation register and search for the programme you want. Take a look at the study and examination regulations, which reputable universities make openly available. After that you will have a solid picture.