Hello!

Mehdi Paknahad

I’m Mehdi, a mentor and consultant with nearly a decade of experience guiding graduate students toward international university admissions. My journey as a Master’s and PhD researcher in the UK, Switzerland, and the US fuels my passion for empowering others. As the founder of Apply Academy, I’ve advised hundreds of students, drawing on my own six successful applications to top global universities, including universities of Cambridge, Zurich, and Radboud. I’ve authored The Guide to Applying and Securing Scholarships Abroad and five other books on academic skills. Now based in the Netherlands, I help students navigate opportunities with clarity and confidence.

Hello!

Corné van Iersel

Corné van Iersel is a Dutch social entrepreneur and organiser with a background in cultural studies and a deep commitment to public purpose. He has initiated and led a wide range of projects in the Netherlands and across Europe — from creative networks and learning platforms to employment initiatives and exchange programmes.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Corné works at the intersection of migration, education, and opportunity. He brings people and organisations together around shared ambitions and develops practical solutions that help individuals move forward — whether into study, work, or civic life.

At Apply Academy, Corné focuses on mapping opportunities, interpreting relevant policies and frameworks, and supporting individuals through tailored consults. He also designs programmes that help people find concrete pathways to study, work as knowledge workers, or start a business within the European Union.

Hello!

Fariba katebifar

I’m Fariba — a law graduate, active in the fields of art, education, and intercultural communication.

For years, I’ve been building bridges between the worlds of law, creativity, and learning — from working as a legal advisor in a cultural institute to exploring graphic design, video editing, and supporting artists and students on their path to growth and expression. I believe working behind the scenes means creating space for others to be seen, to grow, and to turn ideas into reality.

Now based in the Netherlands, I coordinate projects with the Kouros team that focus on intercultural dialogue, education, and artistic production. In parallel, I support students and professionals at Apply Academy who dream of studying or working internationally — through the website, in workshops, and in the behind-the-scenes details that make their journey smoother.

I find joy in precision, follow-through, and bringing structure into creative processes. For me, coordination is more than management — it’s an active, caring presence in the process of making things real, with focus, empathy, and responsibility.