Enhancing international student mobility in Europe through harmonisation of visa policies

ENIS Policy Brief 062025
Different visa procedures, administrative obstacles, and complex requirements make it difficult especially for third-country students1 to access higher education in Europe. European countries’ visa policies are often restrictive and incoherent, hindering and limiting international student mobility (ISM). In this policy brief, the term “visa” is used broadly to include both entry visas and residence permits, recognising that requirements and procedures vary across countries within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This policy brief analyses how differences in visa policies across European countries that are part of the EHEA influence ISM.
While the policy brief focuses on degree mobility, it acknowledges that students may also undertake credit mobility during their studies, within or beyond Europe. Therefore, it also considers students’ rights related to credit mobility.
Harmonising visa procedures, expediting their processing, and allowing longer post-graduation stays are some crucial steps to strengthen the competitiveness of the EHEA and contribute to positioning Europe as a global knowledge hub. If well promoted and managed, ISM can hence become a key pillar for Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness. This policy brief provides recommendations for improving the visa system by establishing common criteria for issuing student visas, and coordination between countries.