German Student Visa (Dubai Resident): Can I book directly with the Consulate or is VFS mandatory? Conflicting info.

Hi everyone,

I am a Dubai resident currently applying for a German Student Visa for my Master's studies. I am ready to book my appointment, but I am getting conflicting information and wanted to clarify with anyone who applied recently.

The Confusion:

• Official Website: Says all student applications in Dubai are outsourced to VFS Global in Wafi Mall.
• My Friend's Experience: A friend told me they managed to apply directly through the German Consulate/Embassy system ("RK-Termin") without going through VFS.

My Questions:

1. Has anyone here recently managed to book a Master's student appointment directly with the Dubai Consulate?
2. Or is the direct "RK-Termin" system strictly reserved for special cases like Language Course students or Scholarship holders?
3. For a standard Master's applicant, is VFS my only option?

Any insights would be appreciated.