Failure to get a university spot can leave the dreams of many in tatters
Hussein Berjavi has always had a soft spot for classy German cars. His deep appreciation of Mercedes, BMWs and Porsches even convinced the Lebanese 22-year-old to study engineering at a German university.
Currently enrolled in preparatory classes in Berlin, he has less than a year to gain entry to the city's Technical University, or he will be deported with nothing to show for his efforts.
'Unfortunately, I know quite a few people that didn't make it,' Mr Berjavi said during a break between classes.
Germany's tuition-free universities have long been attractive to students from the developing world. But dismal graduation rates for foreigners are prompting criticism that the country is failing to properly select and prepare prospective students from abroad.
According to a study by a non-profit education organisation, only a quarter of all foreign students manage to graduate from German universities. Those lucky enough to get a degree normally take an average of eight years to do so. Countless more hopefuls are unable to pass entrance exams.
