STUDY IN EUROPE

France Makes Online Visa Appointments Mandatory Worldwide
France has announced a major update to its visa application procedures that will affect all travellers seeking entry to the country, including students and families planning to study abroad. As of 20 February 2026, all visa applicants worldwide must book their appointment exclusively through the official France-Visas online portal before visiting a consulate or visa centre—walk-in submissions and informal appointment requests are no longer accepted. This change applies to short-stay visas (such as those for study visits or language courses)…
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Mobility programs like Turing will shape the UK’s global future
The UK’s flagship international mobility programme, known as the Turing Scheme, is increasingly being highlighted as a key part of the country’s evolving global education strategy, with government leaders meeting participating students to underline its role in shaping future overseas opportunities. The programme funds study, work and training placements for students from schools, colleges and universities across the UK in destinations around the world, offering life-changing international experiences beyond traditional student exchange models. It builds on the UK’s post-Brexit commitment…
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Germany’s Faster Work Access for Asylum Seekers Plan Explained
Germany is proposing a significant change to how asylum seekers access the labour market, aiming to allow work permits much earlier in the asylum process. Under current practice, asylum seekers often have to wait six months or more—particularly if they are housed in initial reception centres—before they can legally take up employment. The new plan would standardise access so that most asylum seekers could begin work after just three months of residence, even while their asylum claim is still being…
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What will the EU’s strategic research shift mean for Japan?
As the European Union prepares its next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), policymakers are signalling a stronger emphasis on competitiveness, strategic technologies and research security. This evolving direction reflects broader global trends, where research is increasingly linked to economic resilience, technological leadership and national priorities. While Europe has long been recognised for its openness and collaborative research culture, the proposed adjustments suggest a more structured approach to funding, partnerships and knowledge protection. For students and families considering study…
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European higher education sector jointly proposes amendments to secure the future of Erasmus+
A broad coalition of European higher education stakeholders has put forward a coordinated set of joint amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for the next Erasmus+ programme, highlighting the need to secure and enhance the future of this flagship mobility and cooperation initiative. The proposals call for a minimum budget of €60 billion for Erasmus+ in the 2028-2034 period and clearer allocations across education and training sectors to ensure that learning mobility, institutional cooperation and inclusiveness remain core priorities. They…
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