🚨 UpGrad & Golden Gate University (GGU) Hybrid MS in Business Analytics Program – A Student Scam 🚨

[Byju's critic Pradeep Poonia's comments on upgrad](https://preview.redd.it/j2beyofsnpje1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=b3925a430caa96342f3b9d8d13a8ba80ad73caf0) I’m sharing my experience with **UpGrad** and its partnership with **Golden Gate University (GGU)** to warn students about their misleading practices, **false marketing**, and **loan scams**. This is not just my case—many students have suffered similar issues, and we need to hold them accountable. # 🔴 How This Started: The Promises UpGrad Made Like many students, I was drawn to UpGrad’s **Hybrid MSBA program with Golden Gate University (GGU)** because of: ✅ Claims of **AACSB Accreditation** (which turned out to be false). ✅ Assurances that I was **eligible for an education loan**. ✅ Promises that my **previous visa refusal wouldn’t affect my chances**. ✅ A **seamless transition to the U.S.** after completing part of the course in India. However, **everything turned out to be misleading.** After investing my money, time, and energy into this program, I found myself in an **education trap** with no way out. # 🚨 The Shocking Reality: How UpGrad Scams Students 🔹 **False Admission Promises:** * UpGrad **admits students without evaluating their academic history**. * My **educational gap** was overlooked, leading to **loan rejection** later. * I had **already been refused a U.S. visa (214b)** before enrolling. Despite informing the admission counsellor, I was assured it wouldn’t be a problem—this was **a blatant lie**. 🔹 **Accreditation Lies & Credit Transfer Issues:** * GGU is **not AACSB-accredited**, making credit transfers to top U.S. universities impossible. * Other **AACSB-accredited universities offer similar programs at lower costs**, but UpGrad conceals this fact. 🔹 **Overpriced & Inferior Education:** * The **₹4,00,000 fee** (approximately $5,000) is **inflated**, with ₹1,00,000 allocated to **visa assistance and English tests**—much higher than actual market costs. * The study material is **not even as good as free courses** on platforms like **Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube**. 🔹 **Unethical Visa Assistance & Risk to Students’ Data:** * UpGrad collects students’ **login credentials for DS-160 visa forms**—a **major violation** of visa application ethics. * Unqualified staff handle visa applications, **risking students’ U.S. visa approvals**. 🔹 **Referral Scheme Proves Profit-Driven Motive:** * Students are offered **₹80,000 per referral** to get others to join, showing **how cheap the actual program cost is for UpGrad** while charging us a fortune. 🔹 **Previous Scams by UpGrad:** * UpGrad has been **linked to other student scams** involving AI/ML programs and ACCA MBAs. * In the past, **over 700 students** were left stranded after similar false promises of jobs and career growth. # 💬 What Pradeep Poonia Had to Say About This Scam EdTech critic **Pradeep Poonia** has come across **many students suffering from UpGrad's scam**. Here’s what he said in support of my [**Change.org**](http://Change.org) **petition**: [https://chng.it/CYDcKxrm7t](https://chng.it/CYDcKxrm7t) 🗣️ *"EdTech courses should only be sold via monthly subscriptions, not loans! None of these are worth taking on debt."* 🗣️ *"I’ve seen many students suffer due to UpGrad. EdTech companies are putting students in loan traps!"* # 🔥 The Emotional & Financial Toll 1️⃣ **I lost ₹4,00,000 ($5,000) in fees.** 2️⃣ **I resigned from my job, losing more than a year’s salary.** 3️⃣ **I lost my SEVIS fee ($350) and academic opportunities.** 4️⃣ **My father had a cardiac arrest due to family stress over this.** 5️⃣ **I am facing legal threats (Cease & Desist notices) for exposing the truth.** UpGrad has **offered full refunds** to some students who threatened **legal action** or **suicide**, proving they are aware of their unethical practices. # 📢 Call to Action: Let’s Fight Back! We need to hold UpGrad and similar EdTech companies accountable for misleading students into massive financial and academic losses. 🔴 **If you or someone you know has suffered from UpGrad, SIGN & SHARE this petition:** 🔗 [https://chng.it/CYDcKxrm7t](https://chng.it/CYDcKxrm7t) 📢 **Have you faced similar issues?** Share your story in the comments. Let’s fight for fair education and expose EdTech scams together. # 🚨 Let’s Stop EdTech Exploitation! 🚨 \#stopedtechscams #upgradscam #edtechfraud #pradeeppoonia #highereducation #consumerrights #loanscam #upgrad #upgrad\_scam #byjus