You are here because you are either thinking about or have already decided to pursue your higher education in a study abroad destination like Germany, right? Great choice! Now, you want to know more about how to get an APS Certificate for Germany. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what it is, who needs it, the requirements for it, how to apply, the processing time required, and the fees.
Let’s get started on making Germany the perfect place for your academic journey, shall we?
Table Of Content
1What is APS Certificate2Who Needs APS Certificate3APS Certificate Germany Requirements4How to Get APS Certificate for Germany5APS Certificate Processing Time6APS Certificate for Germany Fees7Conclusion8Frequently Asked Questions
What is APS Certificate
- Academic Evaluation Center or Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) is a document that is to be submitted by students who wish to pursue university-level studies in Germany. This applies to international students from specific countries including India, China, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Iran, among others.
- It is a validation of the authenticity of a student’s academic documents such as school-leaving certificates, degree certificates and other necessary documents; and ensures the applicant’s academic background meets the standards required for admission to pursue programs in Germany.
- This document helps students streamline their university admission process, speeden up their visa application process, and reduce fraudulent applications enhancing the credibility of international applications making way for a smooth and quick process.
- The APS process is managed by a joint initiative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Embassy in select countries.
- Without this certificate you may not be able to get a Germany Student Visa. Applying for this certificate before you apply to German Universities can minimize overall application time making it more efficient.
- APS Certificate Germany Validity – Once the certificate is issued, it remains valid indefinitely, making it useful for future academic or immigration purposes.
Is APS Certificate Mandatory in Germany?
Yes, the APS certificate is mandatory in Germany if you want to pursue your higher education at a German University.
Who Needs APS Certificate
The APS Certificate is required by students from select countries who wish to pursue academic studies in Germany. Citizens of the following countries are required to obtain the APS Certificate before applying to a German university or for a German student Visa.
- India
- China
- Vietnam
- Mongolia
Students planning to pursue the following programs in Germany typically require the APS certificate:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s in Germany
- Preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
- Language courses (that lead to university studies)
- PhD programs (not always mandatory)
Students who have completed an International Baccalaureate, or are beneficiaries of German or EU-funded scholarships are exempt from the need for an APS Certificate for Germany.
APS Certificate Germany Requirements
To obtain APS Certificate for Germany, applicants must fulfill certain academic and documentation requirements. The APS Certificate requirements are as follows:
Eligibility for APS Certificate for Germany
- You have to be a citizen of India and must have completed your schooling or degree.
- You are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s program, PhD program, or Studienkolleg.
- You have not yet enrolled in a German university and are applying from your home country.
Documents Required for APS Certificate Germany
- Printed, completed and duly signed APS application form
- Copy of APS fee transfer receipt
- Passport-size photos
- Copy of Valid passport
- A Copy of Aadhar Card
- Academic transcripts and certificates – Legible and clear A4-sized coloured photocopies of both sides of mark sheets from Class 10 onwards, Degree certificate or provisional degree certificate, Master’s certificate( if applicable), and marksheets of all semesters.
- A copy of proof of medium of instruction (for English Taught programs)
- Copy of Proof of German Language Proficiency
- University Admission Letter or Enrollment (if available)
The documents you submit have to be verified as authentic by the relevant educational institutions and school boards. Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth verification process and enhances your chances of successful admission and visa processing.
Pro Tip: Always consult the official APS website for your country to confirm the latest updates.
How to Get APS Certificate for Germany
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting an APS Certificate for Germany:
1. Visit the Official APS Website
- Go to the APS website (for e.g., aps-india.de for India).
- Read all instructions carefully.
2. Create an Account
- Register on the APS online portal.
- Fill in your personal, educational, and contact details.
3. Fill Out Application Form
- Complete the APS application form online or you can download and fill it out manually.
- Double-check all details.
4. Pay the Application Fees
- Make the payment through the approved method.
- For Indians, the fee is ₹18,000.
- Keep the proof of payment or receipt for future records.
5. Collect all Required Documents
- Gather and prepare two sets of self-attested photocopies of academic certificates, transcripts, passport copies, language certificates, and photographs.
- Although the APS verification process doesn’t require language proficiency, submitting your language certificates early can speed up the visa process later. It’s better to verify its authenticity before visa application since German missions may request them based on university requirements
6. Print and Sign the Application Form
- Print your completed application.
- Sign where required and attach the fee receipt.
7. Submit Documents
Send your complete application package via courier or in person to APS India Office.
8. Attend the APS Interview
If this applies, you may be invited for an interview. Upon successful completion of your interview, you can expect your APS Certificate in just 2 weeks.
9. Track Your Application
You can use the online student portal by logging into your account on the APS Website or email updates to track the status of your APS Verification process.
10. Receive Your APS Certificate
- Once approved, you will be issued your APS Certificate in a digital PDF format via email.
- Attach this certificate to your German university application and German student Visa Application.
APS Certificate Processing Time
The processing time for an APS certificate is usually between 4 – 6 weeks from the date your application is received and is considered complete. This time can vary depending on the number of applications, the responsiveness of local authorities and institutions to APS authorities’ inquiries, and whether all the documents are in order.
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation, high application volume during peak seasons (April–August, November–January), interview requirements, and courier delays can affect the processing time. So, make sure that you submit all your documents accurately to ensure faster processing.
APS Certificate for Germany Fees
The fee that is required for citizens of India is ₹18,000. This fee covers the document verification and processing by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS). You will have to pay the fees before you can submit your application and the payment receipt has to be attached to the documents send to the APS India Office.
You can pay via NEFT, UPI, or IMPS using the official bank details provided on the official website. Make sure to mention your name and passport number in the payment remarks to avoid any delays. The fee you pay is non-refundable even if your application is rejected, withdrawn or incomplete.
Review the application guidelines carefully and double-check all required documents before you make payment. Inaccurate or missing information will result in delays or denial of the certificate without a refund. Always verify the latest payment instructions and bank details from the official APS India portal before proceeding.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to study in Germany, obtaining the APS certificate is one of the first steps you need to cross in your journey toward a higher education in Germany.
At CanApprove, we take care of everything related to your study in Germany goals—from the very beginning to the moment you land in Germany. Our expert team assists you with the APS Certificate for Germany application process, helps gather and verify your documents, ensures timely submission, and tracks your application status. But we don’t stop there. Our team does more than just paperwork—we help you choose the right course, guide you through the maze of applications, and make sure you’re ready before takeoff. Join our list of CanApprove successful clients. Need help? Contact us now.
