APS Certificate: Germany
Application Process, Fees, and Reqd docs : Complete Info
For Indian students aspiring higher education in Germany, obtaining an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate is a mandatory step. This certification verifies the authenticity of your academic credentials and benchmarks it against the German grading system. APS certificate is mandatory requirement for the German student visa application. Thus, understanding the importance of the APS process and preparing your documents accordingly will greatly smoothen your application process to German universities. In this blog we will discuss the Application process, Processing charges, timeline and required documents is detail. So, if you want complete info on APS certification dig right in !!
What is APS ?
The APS Certificate, short for Akademische Prüfstelle, is an official document verifying the authenticity of your Indian academic qualifications. Jointly managed by the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the APS Certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for Indian students applying for a German student visa and admission to German universities. Established in India in 2022, the APS has branches in China and Vietnam as well.
The APS Certificate serves as a validation tool ensuring that your academic credentials meet German standards. It simplifies and accelerates the admission process to German institutions and is essential for obtaining a long-term German student visa. Without this certification, your visa application or university admission might face delays or rejections.
Who needs APS Certificate ?
Indian students who plan to undertake long-term studies in Germany, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs, must obtain an APS Certificate. This certification is essential for validating academic credentials and is a mandatory requirement for applying for a German student visa. Ensuring you meet this requirement is crucial for a smooth admission and visa approval process.
APS Mandatory:
- Indian Students from Recognized Educational Boards: Applicants from Indian school boards or universities recognized by the German authorities.
- Students Seeking a German Student Visa: Those applying for long-term visas (over 90 days) to study in Germany.
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Aspirants: Students enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs in Germany.
APS Not Required:
- Sponsored Students: Those receiving German or EU-funded scholarships.
- Language Course Attendees: Students going to Germany solely to learn the German language without enrolling in a university.
- Short-Term Course Participants: Programs lasting less than 90 days.
How to Apply for APS Certificate ?
Securing your APS Certificate involves several steps –
Step 1: Document Verification
Begin by gathering all necessary academic documents. These must be verified by APS India to confirm their authenticity.
Step 2: Online Registration and Document Submission
- Visit the Official APS India Website: Navigate to aps-india.de/ to create an account.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out all required details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Submit both original and English-translated photocopies of your academic documents. Ensure translations are notarized if translated from an Indian regional language.
Step 3: Payment of Fees
- Fee Amount: INR 18,000. ( As on June 2025)
- Payment Method: Transfer the fee directly to the APS India bank account as mentioned in the below steps. Check Fee payment section.
- Keep the Receipt: Ensure you retain the transaction receipt as proof of payment.
Step 4: Submission of Documents
- Courier Submission: Send all required documents via a reliable courier service to the APS India office.
- In-Person Submission: Alternatively, you can personally submit your documents at:
APS India Office Address: Academic Evaluation Centre
Gate No. 3, DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium
1 Africa Avenue, New Delhi – 110029, India
Step 5: Personal Interview (If Requested)
- Undergraduate Candidates: Those enrolled in a bachelor’s program may be required to attend a personal interview.
- Notification: You will receive a notification via phone or email 10-14 days before the scheduled interview.
- Interview Details: The interview, conducted in English or German, will last approximately 20 minutes and will focus on your academic history and achievements.
Required Documents
The documentation required varies based on your current educational level. Below is a detailed checklist:
For Class 12 and JEE Candidates
- Application Form: Printed and duly signed with a recent passport-size photo.
- Fee Receipt: Copy of APS fee transfer receipt.
- Identification: Copy of Aadhaar Card with a linked mobile number.
- Passport: Copies of the first and last pages.
- Academic Certificates:
- Class X Marksheet and Certificate.
- Class XII Marksheet and Certificate (or provisional certificate if pending).
- Language Proficiency: Copy of German and/or English language certificates.
- Entrance Exam Proof:
- Proof of participation in a Pre-University Entrance Exam (if applicable).
- Proof of passing JEE Main and Advanced along with the admit card.
- TestAS Results: Core and subject-specific scores (if applicable).
- Student Authorization Letter: Signed in German and/or English.
For Continuing Undergraduates
- All documents listed for Class 12 and JEE candidates.
- Bachelor’s Mark Sheets: Copies of all bachelor mark sheets for the first year.
- TestAS Results: Core and subject-specific scores.
For Graduates and Postgraduates
- All documents listed for Class 12 and JEE candidates.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Copy of the bachelor’s degree or a provisional certificate.
- Master’s Degree: Copy of the master’s degree and transcripts (if applicable).
- Semester Mark Sheets: Copies of all semester mark sheets.
- Additional Documentation: Class XII admit card, if available.
APS Certificate Fees and Payment Details
- Total Fee: INR 18,000 (non-refundable).
- Payment Method: Direct bank transfer to APS India’s account.
- Bank Details:
- Account Holder: Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany – Wiss
- Account Number: 0946426766
- Bank Name: Kotak Mahindra Bank
- IFSC Code: KKBK0000182
- Important Notes:
- Ensure accurate entry of bank details to avoid payment issues.
- Retain the transaction receipt for reference.
- No Refunds: Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Processing Time and Validity
- Processing Time: Approximately 3-4 weeks from the date of application submission and fee payment.
- Validity:
- Digital Certificates (Post-April 2023): Valid for three years from the date of issuance.
- Reissue Requirement: After three years, a new APS Certificate must be obtained.
- Tracking Application Status: Monitor your application status by logging into your account on the APS India website.
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