Europe

On January 1, 2025, Germany launched the Consular Services Portal, a fully digital visa application system rolled out across all 167 visa sections of German missions worldwide. This marks a major shift from paper-heavy, in-person first steps toward a more streamlined, online-first approach. Below is a detailed look at what this portal is, what it changes, and what you need to know. What Is the Consular Services Portal Key Features & How It Works Here’s how the new process generally works, and what’s different from the old one: Step What You Do Now via Portal What Was Different / Old Process Register / Initial Setup Create an account on the portal; can do this from computer, phone, tablet.  Previously, many applications started with in-person visits or filling out physical forms at embassy/VFS, etc. Document Upload / Forms Upload required documents digitally; fill out forms online.  Physical drop-off or mailing of supporting documents, more back-and-forth. Preliminary Review German mission reviews application documents first; if something is missing, they inform you online so you can correct or complete.  In many cases, applicants found out missing documents only at appointment or later, causing delays. Appointment / Biometrics Once your online submission is deemed “complete enough,” you schedule an in-person appointment for biometrics, verification of originals, fee payment etc. Appointment usually scheduled earlier, sometimes long waits, with less certainty whether documents were in order. Status Tracking You can track application status online via the portal. Before, tracking was through embassy/VFS contact, may not have been centralized or transparent. Benefits & What’s Improved Things to Be Careful About / Possible Challenges What This Means for Indian Applicants Since you are in India, here are the specifics from the Indian mission side (as of early 2025): Opportunity CardBlue Card (EU)Employment as academicSkilled worker (with professional training)Work with experienceQualification assessmentStudent visaVocational training etc. Tips for Applicants In Summary Germany’s Consular Services Portal represents a significant modernization of its visa system. For many applicants, this means: But it doesn’t eliminate the need for detailed preparation, meeting mission-specific requirements, and completing in-person steps for biometrics. If you’re planning to study, work, or stay long-term in Germany, this portal makes the process more transparent and manageable — provided you use it properly. Sources

At the recent European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Gothenburg, education leaders issued a timely warning: Europe should tread carefully when it comes to international student recruitment. With policy restrictions in traditional study hubs like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, Europe is increasingly seen as an attractive alternative – but not without potential challenges. The Changing Landscape of International Student Mobility Nick Golding, co-founder and CEO-designate of the Global Education Recruitment Standards Authority (GERSA), highlighted how anti-immigration sentiment and policy restrictions in major destinations are redirecting students to new territories. However, he cautioned that countries must be prepared for the social and political consequences of sudden increases in student numbers. “If there’s any lesson to be learned from Canada, the UK, and Australia, it is that the social license of international students, and indeed the institutions recruiting them, can quickly become forfeited or impaired,” Golding told delegates. His advice was clear: Europe should learn from the mistakes of others to avoid backlash at both local and policy levels. Policy Pressure in Key Destinations Golding’s comments come in the wake of major policy shake-ups: These push factors make Europe appear more welcoming and cost-effective to international students. Yet, without a considered approach, the benefits may be overshadowed by social tensions and political reaction. The Role of Education Agents A significant part of the discussion focused on education agents, who play a critical role in shaping the international student pipeline. Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), noted that the majority of international students in Australia are recruited through agents. During the pandemic, this process became even more competitive, creating what he described as a “wild frontier.” However, he stressed that accountability lies with both parties. “You can’t have a bad agent without a badly behaved education provider,” Honeywood explained. Naresh Gulati, CEO of Ascent One and a former international student, echoed this sentiment. He argued that agents are often blamed unfairly when in reality, poor recruitment practices are a shared responsibility. “If a shonky provider appoints a shonky agent, the student is going to suffer,” he said. The Promise of Technology and AI Looking ahead, panellists also discussed how technology could reshape international student recruitment. Gulati pointed out that artificial intelligence could be used to identify genuine students and filter out fraudulent applications. This, he suggested, could enhance integrity in the recruitment process while also strengthening trust between institutions, agents, and students. What Europe Should Do Next As Europe positions itself as a leading education destination, the lessons from North America and Australia are clear. Unchecked recruitment growth may win short-term gains, but long-term sustainability depends on responsible strategies. Transparency in agent partnerships, careful policy planning, and the use of innovative technologies like AI can help Europe build an ethical and balanced international student ecosystem. The takeaway is simple: growth should never come at the cost of credibility. Europe now has a chance to learn from the mistakes of others—and set new global standards in international education recruitment. Sources:• The PIE News – “Lessons from Canada, UK and Australia for Europe to learn” (EAIE 2025 panel coverage)• EAIE (European Association for International Education) Conference Proceedings, Gothenburg 2025