APS Certificate to Study in Germany: How to Get It?
Every year, ambitious students from India and other non-EU nations cast their sights towards Germany, drawn by its globally renowned universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and vibrant student life. However, before this academic dream can become a reality, aspiring international students must navigate a crucial administrative step: obtaining the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate. This official document is an indispensable component of the German student visa process and university enrolment for specific countries, including India.
Embarking on this remarkable journey to become a student in Germany begins with a clear understanding of the APS certificate for Indian students.
APS Certificate and Its Importance for Students Pursuing Germany
The APS certificate acts as a crucial gatekeeper, ensuring that only students with genuinely verifiable and academically sound qualifications gain access to Germany's esteemed higher education system. It serves as a quality assurance measure, protecting both German universities and the students themselves from fraudulent credentials.
What is an APS Certificate?
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is an official document issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). For Indian applicants, the APS office is conveniently located at the German Embassy in New Delhi. It serves as a verification body, rigorously checking the authenticity of academic documents submitted by students from India, China, Vietnam, and other designated countries.
Why Do Students Need the Certificate?
The primary purpose of the APS certificate is to verify the authenticity of academic documents and to confirm that the applicant's qualifications are equivalent to German educational standards. This crucial validation ensures that your educational background is recognised and acceptable for progression into German higher education and for the German student visa application.
Without this mandatory document, students generally cannot proceed with their German university applications or apply for a student visa – this applies to both on-campus degree programmes and online study programmes where a long-term visa is required. Through the APS certificate, Germany aims to uphold its esteemed academic standards, mitigate document fraud, and ensure that only genuinely qualified candidates, whose credentials meet German benchmarks, are considered for university admissions and the subsequent student visa process.
Is APS Mandatory in Germany? Know Who Needs It and for Which Course
Yes, the APS certificate is generally a mandatory requirement for nearly all Indian nationals intending to enrol in Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate courses at German institutions. This typically includes:
- Students applying for long-term degree programmes (exceeding 90 days).
- Those pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
- Applicants for both online and on-campus courses if a long-term student visa is required.
However, there are a few notable exceptions to this requirement:
- DAAD Scholarships: Students who are recipients of DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships.
- German or EU-funded Scholarships: Applicants funded by other German or European Union scholarships.
- Ph.D. Applicants: Doctoral candidates whose specific supervisors do not explicitly require APS verification for their enrolment. It is crucial for Ph.D. candidates to confirm this with their respective supervisors.
- International Qualifications: Applicants holding international school qualifications (e.g., A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) or international university degrees, rather than Indian qualifications.
- Short-term Courses: Participants in short-term courses (less than 90 days) or non-university language courses that do not require a long-term student visa.
It is paramount for prospective students to meticulously verify their individual case with the official APS office if there is any uncertainty regarding the requirement.
Complete Guide to Applying for the APS Certificate
For students wondering how to apply for the APS Certificate, the process involves a clear set of well-defined steps:
- Register Online: Go to the official APS India application portal (www.aps-india.de) and begin the registration process.
- Fill the Form: Complete the application form with accurate information that matches your passport and academic documents.
- Pay the Processing Fee: APS certificate fee in India is ₹18,000. Payment can be done online or through bank transfer. Keep the transaction receipt handy for future purposes.
- Submit Hard Copies of Documents: Print and sign the completed application form.
- Send Printed Application & Documents: Dispatch it together with the necessary documents (see following section) by courier or hand-deliver in person to the APS India office at the German Embassy in New Delhi.
- Wait for Verification: APS will verify the documents submitted with Indian educational authorities. The procedure usually takes 4 – 6 weeks, although delays may occur during busy periods.
- Receive the APS Certificate: Once approved, students receive the APS certificate by email. This document is then used for university applications and the student visa process.
Essential Documents and Timeline for APS Verification
The specific documents required for an APS certificate application can vary slightly depending on your level of study (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.). However, there are several common prerequisites for all applicants:
- Printed APS application form, duly signed and accompanied by a current passport-size photograph.
- A clear copy of the receipt confirming payment of the APS fee.
- Copy of your Aadhaar card (if applicable, with an associated mobile number).
- Copies of the first and last pages of your valid passport.
- All academic certificates and transcripts from Class X, XII, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees, as applicable to your educational background.
- Provisional certificates, if your final degree certificates have not yet been issued by your university. Ensure these are recent and officially stamped.
- TestAS results, unless you are exempt (e.g., Bachelor's applicants with JEE Main/Advanced scores, or Master's applicants with a completed Bachelor's degree from India).
- Certificates of language proficiency in German and/or English (e.g., Goethe-Institut, IELTS, TOEFL), as required by your chosen study programme.
- Proof of participation in any pre-university entrance exams (if applicable).
Important Note: All documents originally issued in regional Indian languages must be accompanied by certified translations into English or German and must be notarized. Documents already in English generally do not require notarization for APS submission, but it's always best to check the latest guidelines.
It is highly recommended to apply for the APS certificate at least 4–5 months before your university application deadlines or visa appointment dates. This ample timeframe accounts for standard processing times, potential delays, and allows for any necessary resubmissions if issues arise.
APS Certificate Fee and Processing Time
Understanding the financial and time commitments involved in obtaining your APS certificate is crucial for effective planning. This section outlines the current fees and expected processing durations.
APS Certificate Fee in India
As of 2025, the non-refundable cost for an APS certificate in India is INR 18,000. This fee must be paid in full prior to submitting your application.
| Year - 2025 | Cost of APS certificate in India | ₹18,000 |
APS Certificate Processing Time
The typical APS certificate processing time ranges from 3 to 6 weeks after the complete application and payment have been successfully received and verified by the APS office. However, during periods of high application volume (e.g., pre-admission seasons), processing could extend up to 8 weeks or even more. Therefore, early application is strongly advised to avoid missing crucial university or visa deadlines.
| Year - 2025 | APS Certificate Processing Time | 3 to 6 Weeks |
Upon successful verification, the results, including your digital APS certificate, will be dispatched to you via email.
Impact of APS Certificate on Germany Student Visa Process
For Indian students seeking a German student visa, the APS certificate has become an indispensable and mandatory requirement. The German Embassy and Consulates in India cannot process a student visa application without this critical document.
The certificate serves as a vital verification tool, it assures the German authorities that the academic credentials of the applicant have been thoroughly vetted and accepted as equivalent to German standards. By providing this pre-verified proof, the APS certificate streamlines the visa application process, making it more efficient. It must be presented along with all other requisite visa documents.
Furthermore, the APS Certificate for Master's in Germany is equally important for individuals pursuing postgraduate studies. It certifies undergraduate credentials, confirming their validity and ensuring eligibility for advanced study programmes in Germany.
APS Certificate Validity and Next Steps
Once issued, the APS certificate generally holds indefinite validity. However, students are strongly encouraged to regularly visit the official APS India website (www.aps-india.de) to check for any official updates or changes in requirements, as policies can occasionally be adjusted.
It is vital to reiterate that all documents in regional languages must be submitted with certified translations into English or German. Additionally, ensure all submitted documents are properly notarized if required, and meticulously meet the institution's and APS's format requirements. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to significant delays in the application process or even outright rejection.
Takeaway: Your Path to German Higher Education
The APS certificate acts as a vital gateway for Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Germany. It safeguards the integrity of academic admissions and significantly facilitates the student visa acquisition process. By thoroughly understanding the application steps, diligently gathering the necessary documents, being aware of the associated fees and timelines, students can approach their journey to German higher education with confidence and preparedness.
Early planning, meticulous document preparation, and careful consideration of all requirements will undoubtedly pave the way for a seamless transition from prospective applicant to an enrolled student at a leading German university.
Let AECC help you with personalised guidance on the application processes, visa requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Our expert counsellors are here to assist you every step of the way.
APS Certificate to Study in Germany FAQs
Kanchan Arora, an award-winning overseas education professional, has been a transformative force in the international education sector for over 15 years. Her journey from a consultant to a leading role in operations demonstrates her deep commitment to creating successful student narratives in overseas education and international admissions.
Kanchan's dynamic leadership and mentoring skills have been pivotal in guiding teams and students alike, helping them achieve their goals within set timelines. Her expertise lies in student recruitment and fostering international educational opportunities, where she has consistently demonstrated an ability to create impactful student experiences.
Her approach to student counselling and overseas education is characterised by a deep understanding of the nuances of international academic systems, ensuring students are well-informed and prepared for their global academic journeys. Kanchan's dedication to the field is not just about guiding students academically; it's about shaping their future careers and helping them realise their international education aspirations.