What is the difference between a public and a private university?

The core difference is ownership and funding. A public university is established by the state and run on public allocation; a private one is founded by a private initiative and runs mainly on tuition. Most of the other differences follow from that one.

Admission works differently. Public universities generally admit through competitive entrance tests into a limited number of seats, so competition is intense. Private admission varies by institution and the number of places can be larger.

On the degree the answer is clear: a recognised private university’s degree is valid and accepted for further study and employment. The condition is “recognised” — check both that the institution has government approval and that the specific programme you are joining does.

The cost difference is large, and it should be looked at across four years rather than one semester. Each institution publishes its own fee structure and revises it periodically — so take the figures from the institution’s own published schedule rather than from hearsay.