If you are planning to pursue your education in Germany, then an APS certificate is very important for your study visa and admission process.
Germany is one of the best and most demanding study-abroad destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and strong job prospects.
In this blog, you will learn about APS certificate fees, validity, requirements, full-form, processing time, documents required, and a complete checklist.
What is an APS certificate?
APS certificate full form is Akademische Prufstelle (Academic Evaluation Centre). This is a mandatory academic verification document required by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and German universities for students applying from India, Vietnam, and China.
It was first established in 2001 and then made its presence in China in the same year in Vietnam in 2007, and then in India in 2022.
Every year so many Indian students pursue their education in Germany, so as to provide proof of the authenticity of Indian academic documents and accelerate the admission process to German universities and to get your Germany study visa.
If you are an Indian student applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program in Germany, obtaining the APS Certificate is an important step.
The APS certificate processing time in India typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks after the application is submitted and the payment is completed. The APS certificate fee in India is INR 18,000.
Why is the APS Certificate Required to Study in Germany?
The German Embassy in India has made the APS Certificate compulsory for all student visa applications. Here’s why:
- Prevents Fake Documentation: Ensures all submitted academic records are genuine.
- Simplifies University Admissions: Helps German universities verify qualifications efficiently.
- Reduces Visa Processing Time: Avoids unnecessary delays in the German student visa process.
- Essential for Blocked Account Holders: Required if you plan to open a blocked account in Germany.
Who Needs an APS Certificate?
An APS certificate is mandatory for:
- Indian students applying to German universities for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs.
- Students from India, Vietnam, and China applying for German study visas to pursue their education.
- Applicants for Studienkolleg (preparatory courses).
- Students planning to pursue courses taught in English or German.
Who Does Not Need an APS Certificate?
- Students who have German or an EU passport
- Applicants with a DAAD or Erasmus+ scholarships
- Students applying for short-term exchange programs (less than 90 days)
How to apply for an APS certificate?
To get your APS certificate just follow these five steps below:
Step 1: Register on the APS India portal
- Visit the official APS India website (https://aps-india.de/)
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Here are the documents required for APS certificate germany:
- 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates
- Academic transcripts of your bachelor’s or master’s course (if applicable)
- Degree certificate (if applicable)
- Scores of your English language proficiency test-IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Admission letter from a German university if available
- Passport copy
- APS fee payment receipt.
Step 3: Pay the APS certificate fees
The APS Certificate feefees is INR 18,000 (as of 2024). Payments can be made via bank transfer as per the APS India guidelines.
Step 4: Submit your application
- Print the completed APS application form
- Send hard copies of all required documents via courier or in person to the APS India office.
Step 5: Track your application status
- You can check your APS Certificate processing status on the APS India portal.
- If additional documents are required, APS India will notify you.
APS certificate Germany checklist
General documents
- Duly filled APS application form
- Passport copy
- Mark sheets & degree certificates (10th, 12th, UG, PG)
- Language proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- University admission letter (if available)
- Proof of APS fee payment
Additional documents based on academic background
- For Bachelor’s Applicants – 12th mark sheet & JEE (if applicable)
- For Master’s Applicants – Bachelor’s degree & transcripts
- For PhD Applicants – Master’s degree & research proposal
APS Certificate fees
| Type of application | APS certificate fee (in INR) |
| Regular APS Application | 18,000 |
| Additional APS Copies | 500 |
APS Certificate processing time
The standard APS Certificate processing time is 3-4 weeks, but delays may occur due to high application volumes.
| Processing stage | Estimated time |
| Application submission | 1-2 days |
| Document verification | 2-3 weeks |
| APS certificate issue | 1 week |
Tips to complete the APS certificate process properly
- Submit all documents correctly to avoid rejection or additional requests
- Apply early, at least 3-4 months before your university deadline
- Ensure bank payments are accurate to prevent transaction issues
- Regularly check APS India’s website for updates
Conclusion
The APS Certificate is a mandatory requirement for Indian students planning to study in Germany. By following the correct application process, submitting the necessary documents, and ensuring timely payments, you can obtain your APS Certificate hassle-free.
Germany remains a top destination for higher education, offering tuition-free universities, world-class research opportunities, and strong job prospects. With your APS Certificate in hand, you are one step closer to achieving your dream of studying in Germany!
Planning to study in Germany? Get expert guidance on APS applications, university admissions, and student visas. Contact our team today!
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