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The APS certificate is an official document issued by the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) that checks if your academic documents are real and correct for admission to German universities and for a German student visa

Who Needs an APS Certificate?

An APS certificate is important for checking that your academic documents are real and accepted in Germany. The following students need an APS certificate:

• Indian students applying for bachelor’s programs in Germany.
• Indian students applying for master’s programs in Germany.
• Students whose degrees are from Indian universities recognized by APS.
• Students applying to German universities that require APS for admission or a visa.
• Students who want to use the certificate for multiple university applications in Germany.

Who Doesn’t Need an APS Certificate?

Some students do not have to get an APS certificate:

• Students who already have a degree from Germany or another EU country.
• Students who receive DAAD or other official German scholarships.
• Students applying for short-term courses of under 90 days.
• Students whose previous studies were in international programs like IB or A-levels, if the university confirms the exemption.
• PhD or postdoctoral applicants, if the university or supervisor does not require APS verification.

The APS Certificate verifies the authenticity of your educational documents for studying in Germany. It ensures that your school or university records are genuine and meet German academic standards. This certificate is required for visa and admission processes.

An APS certificate is important for checking that your academic documents are real and accepted in Germany. The following students need an APS certificate:

• Indian students applying for bachelor’s programs in Germany.
• Indian students applying for master’s programs in Germany.
• Students whose degrees are from Indian universities recognized by APS.
• Students applying to German universities that require APS for admission or a visa.
• Students who want to use the certificate for multiple university applications in Germany.

Who Doesn’t Need an APS Certificate?

Some students do not have to get an APS certificate:

• Students who already have a degree from Germany or another EU country.
• Students who receive DAAD or other official German scholarships.
• Students applying for short-term courses of under 90 days.
• Students whose previous studies were in international programs like IB or A-levels, if the university confirms the exemption.
• PhD or postdoctoral applicants, if the university or supervisor does not require APS verification.

The APS certificate fee is ₹18,000, and it is non-refundable under any circumstances. You can pay online using a debit card, credit card, or UPI, or offline via bank transfer to APS India’s account.

The bank details for offline transfer are: 

• Kotak Mahindra Bank
• Account Number: 0946426766
• IFSC Code: KKBK0000182
• Account Holder: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany – Wiss.

The APS certificate process generally takes 3 to 6 weeks, but it can stretch to 8 weeks or more during busy seasons. Delays usually happen if documents are missing, payments take time to reflect, or extra checks or interviews are needed.

Eligibility criteria include having a recognized degree and being from a country that requires APS. Below is the detailed eligibility criteria for Indian students:

Recognized Academic Qualification

You must have completed your school or college degree from an institution recognized by APS.

Country Requirement

You must be a student from India, China, or Vietnam, as students from these countries require APS verification.

Program Level

APS applies to students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs in Germany.

Document Completeness

You must have all necessary transcripts, mark sheets, and degree certificates ready for verification.

Language of Instruction (if required)

Some programs may require proof of the medium of instruction in English or the local language.

Document requirements include identity proof and complete academic records. Below is the detailed list for Indian students:

• APS Application Form: You must fill out and sign the official APS India application form.
• Passport Copy: A clear copy of your valid passport is required for identification.
• Academic Certificates: High School Certificate / Class 10 mark sheet, Senior Secondary / Class 12 mark sheet, Bachelor’s degree certificate (for master’s applicants), and Master’s degree certificate (if applying for PhD or second master’s).
• Academic Transcripts: Mark sheets for each year or semester of your degree(s), and consolidated mark sheets, if issued.
• Migration/Transfer Certificates: Some universities require proof of completion of your previous studies
• Medium of Instruction Certificate: Proof that your degree was taught in English or your course language, if requested
• Identity & Address Proof: Aadhaar card or national ID, utility bill, or any other address proof, if required.
• Photographs: Recent passport-size photographs as per APS specifications
• Language Certificates (if applicable): German language certificate (TestDaF, DSH) if required by the program.
• Entrance Exam Proof (if applicable): JEE Main, JEE Advanced admit card + results for engineering applicants. TestAS scorecards (Core + Subject-specific) if taken.
• Language Tests: English proficiency certificate (, ) if the medium of instruction certificate is not sufficient.
• Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of APS application fee payment (₹18,000).
• Any Other Certificates: Provisional degree certificates (if final degree is not yet issued). Gap year explanation letter (if applicable). Scholarship or award certificates to support your application. Internship or project certificates, if requested for verification.
• Translations: All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator and notarized.

Getting your APS certificate from India is simple if you follow all the steps correctly.

You need to fill out the form, pay the fee, send your documents, and attend an interview if asked.

Step 1: Register Online

Go to the official APS India website: . Create your account, fill in all details carefully, and check that everything is correct before submitting.

Step 2: Print and Sign the Form

After filling out the form online, download it, print it, and sign it with a pen. Do not leave any blank spaces or make spelling mistakes. Incomplete forms are rejected.

Step 3: Pay the APS Fee

Transfer ₹18,000 to the APS India bank account. This fee is non-refundable, so make sure all your details are correct before paying.

Step 4: Prepare & Submit All Your Documents

Make A4-sized colour photocopies of every required document, including both sides of mark sheets and certificates. Do not send original documents. Send copies by courier or submit them in person at the APS India office in New Delhi. Always keep your courier tracking number to check the delivery.

Step 5: Document Verification

APS India checks all your academic and personal documents. They may ask for extra papers by email or phone if something is missing or unclear.

Step 6: Attend the Interview (If Required)

You may be called for an interview if you are still studying for your bachelor’s degree. The interview lasts around 20 minutes and happens in English or German. It checks your knowledge of your subjects and your academic background. You’ll get your interview date by email or phone 10 to 14 days before it happens. The date cannot be changed.

Step 7: Get the APS Result

APS will update your online profile within a few days after your documents or interview are reviewed. You will receive your APS certificate if your verification is successful.

Step 8: Receive Your APS Certificate

APS gives a digital certificate sent to your registered email from April 2023. This digital version is valid for three years, as per EU rules. It can be used for university applications and visa purposes in Germany.

Apply for your APS certificate at least 3 to 5 months before your university application deadline: 

• Bachelor’s students: Apply after you get your Class 12 results or first-year results, so you have enough marks to verify.
• Master’s students (4-year degree): Apply once you get your 7th-semester results.
• Master’s students (3-year degree): Apply once you get your 5th-semester results.
• If you are still studying, You can apply with your latest mark sheets, but APS might call you for an interview later.
• If you have already graduated: You can apply anytime with all your final transcripts and certificates ready.

The APS certificate is generally valid indefinitely if your academic records do not change. The validity is three years due to EU digital signature rules for digital certificates issued after April 2023.

You can get your APS certificate faster if you plan well and avoid small mistakes. Here are the best ways to speed up your APS process:

• Check all documents twice before sending: Make sure every mark sheet, certificate, and ID is clear and complete so APS doesn’t ask for missing papers.
• Pay the fee and send documents together: Don’t delay between payment and courier. Send both on the same day to start verification early.
• Use a reliable courier service: Send your file through a trusted courier and keep the tracking number to confirm delivery quickly.
• Keep checking your email and APS account: Reply fast if APS asks for extra information or calls you for an interview.

Yes, the APS certificate is compulsory for many students from certain countries before they can study in Germany:

• Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese students must get APS before applying to most German universities.
• Universities will not process your admission if APS is required and missing.
• Student visa offices require APS for students from these countries to approve your visa.

The APS certificate is required for university admission and a student visa, and without it your application or visa can be delayed or rejected: 

University Admission

German universities require APS to verify the authenticity of your academic records. Submitting APS ensures your application is accepted and processed faster.

German Student Visa

The German embassy or consulate checks your APS certificate before granting a German student visa. A valid APS certificate proves your academic credentials, making visa approval smoother.

Multiple Applications

One APS certificate can be used for applying to multiple universities in Germany. This saves time and avoids the need for repeated verification.

Some students face delays or issues while getting their APS certificate, but knowing the common problems can help you avoid them.

Missing or Incomplete Documents

APS rejects applications if any mark sheet, certificate, or ID is missing or unclear. Always check and photocopy every document carefully before submission.

Incorrect Application Form

Errors in the online form or an unsigned application can cancel your request. Double-check spelling, dates, and signatures before sending it.

Delay in Fee Payment

If the APS fee is not paid on time or incorrectly transferred, your application stalls. Use the exact account details and payment methods to avoid delays.

Interview Scheduling Issues

Some bachelor’s students may be called for an interview. If you miss the scheduled date or do not respond promptly, APS may delay verification.

Courier or Submission Problems

Lost or delayed courier packages can hold up your application. Always use a reliable courier and keep the tracking number for reference.

Applying for an APS certificate can feel confusing for many students when gathering all the required documents and figuring out timelines. Double-checking every mark sheet, fee receipt, and certificate before submission can save you a lot of stress. Planning and applying 3 to 5 months before your university deadline makes the process much smoother.

can make this process even easier by helping you track deadlines, organize documents, and get personalized reminders for every step.