APS Germany: 2024 Checklist for Indian students

Article • reading time: 7 min. | 05. Jan 2024, written by Margherita Seppi

Tags StudyAbroad IndianStudents InternationalEducation StudentVisa StudyAbroadTips IndianStudentsInGermany Germany2024

What is the APS Certificate, and Why is it Important?

The APS Certificate Germany is an official document released by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), also known as "Akademische Prüfstelle," an institution specific to studying in Germany. It plays a vital role in the application process for Indian students, as well as students from Vietnam, mainland China, and Mongolia, as it proves the authenticity of the academic documents and is a prerequisite to obtaining the Student Visa. As of 1st November 2022, the APS India office, at the German Embassy in New Delhi issues the APS certificate. This certificate confirms that your documents are genuine and valid, making you eligible to pursue higher education in Germany.

APS Application Process

The APS Application Process:

As an Indian student seeking the APS for Germany, you can follow these six simple steps:

Indian girl in headphones sitting on her couch reviewing the requirements for the APS Certificate

Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with the Requirements

Before beginning the application process, it is crucial to understand thoroughly the specific requirements relevant to your case. The APS India office has outlined detailed information on its official website. By reviewing this information, you can ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria.

A focused man collecting all the required documents for the APS certificate

Step 2: Collect Required Documents

Next you have to go through the document verification process. Gather all the required documents as specified by the APS India office. Here is a document checklist to help you get to grips with the process and ensure you have all of the documents required:

A completed application form with a passport-size photo
A copy of the verification fee receipt
A copy of the Aadhaar Card with the linked mobile number
A photocopy of the first and last page of your passport
Your school leaving certificate (including an overview of subjects and grades)
The grading system used by your higher secondary school
An overview of subjects and grades issued by your university (if you have completed your studies)
Your university diploma (if applicable)
A grading system specifying the minimum and maximum grades required for graduation from your university
A copy of a language certificate
An APS certificate (to be obtained through the APS application process)

As the steps can be done online, you don’t need to submit original documents, copies are fine for the application process as long as the documents are authentic. Keep in mind that you will only need to notarise documents translated into English by a certified translator from one of the regional languages.

A young Indian woman preparing her APS application on her laptop

Step 3: Prepare APS Application

Once you have gathered all the documents, it is time to prepare your APS application. Follow the guidelines provided by the APS India Office and their website, and pay close attention to the details. It is essential to fill out the application form accurately, ensuring all the information provided is correct and up-to-date.

A young Indian woman reviewing her APS application on paper before submitting it

Step 4: Submit the Application to APS India

After completing your APS application, you can submit it to the APS India office once you have signed it. As of the latest information available, the APS office in India only accepts documents by letter, post or courier. Be sure to adhere to any instructions provided by the office regarding the submission process to avoid any potential delays.

An Indian family sitting on the couch and gathered around a laptop

Step 5: Transfer the Verification Fee

Transfer the APS verification fee of 18,000 INR or 225€ to the APS bank account. (This is non-refundable). You will then receive the APS fee transfer receipt.

A young man lounging in a chair and smiling at his laptop

Step 6: Await APS Certificate and Visa Application

Once your application has been submitted, the APS India office will begin the verification process. The timeframe for processing applications may vary, so it is advisable to plan ahead and submit your application well in advance. Processing times can be between 3 to 4 weeks, but this can be more if they receive a lot of applicants. Upon successful verification, you will receive the APS Germany, which is valid for an unlimited period of time. The digital APS certificates will be issued in a secure PDF file format and are validated by a digital signature. As of 2023, the printed paper certificate no longer exists. With the rise in the number of Indian students wishing to go to Germany for their studies, Germany has decided to go digital.

With the APS certificate in hand, you can proceed to the German student visa application through the Visa Application Centre (VFS) and begin the process of applying to German universities. Ensure that you follow all the necessary steps and meet the additional requirements set by the respective institutions.

Is it mandatory?

Is the APS Certificate for Germany Mandatory for Indian Students?

For almost every Indian student aspiring to study in Germany, obtaining the APS certificate is mandatory. Without it, Indian students generally cannot apply for a student visa, making the APS a critical component of the application process. However, there are exceptions to this requirement:

Scholarship Recipients:

If you are funded by scholarships based in Germany or the European Union, you may be exempt from the APS certificate requirement.

Ph.D. Applicants:

If your dissertation supervisor does not demand the APS certificate for registration, you may not need to submit it.

International Certificates:

Indian students who possess international certificates from schools (e.g., A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) or universities may be exempt from the APS certificate requirement.

Short Courses:

If your intention is to attend a short course in Germany, which lasts less than 90 days, you will not need an APS certificate.

It is important to note that these exceptions are subject to specific circumstances, and it is recommended to verify your individual case with the APS office in India.

IU's Role

How IU can play a role in your Study Journey in Germany

At the IU or the International University of Applied Sciences, 94% of our University's graduates are offered jobs in Germany within 3 months of graduating. Graduates also start earning 50% higher salary within 5 years of starting their careers. According to an alumni survey, 90% of our graduates would like to stay in Germany, and you are eligible for an 18-month post-study visa. This will allow you to have time to look for a job and potentially secure a long-term work visa or EU blue card. We are here to help you with your visa process!

A group of three students on campus laughing together

Here at the International University of Applied Sciences, we welcome students from all over the world, online or on-site. We believe in giving flexibility to your learning, which is why we offer on-campus options for students wishing to study in Germany. After completing your studies with us, you will be eligible for an 18-month post-study visa to help you kick-start your career in the country. We're here to prep you and guide you along the way!

Remember, while this guide offers valuable information, it is essential to consult with the APS office in India for precise and up-to-date details pertaining to your individual case.

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FAQs

What is the APS certificate in Germany?: The APS certificate verifies the equivalence of your educational qualifications and is issued by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in collaboration with the German embassy.
How much is APS for Germany?: The APS certification costs 225€, or 18,000 INR.
How can I get an APS certificate in India for Germany?: To get the APS certificate, firstly you need to collect all of your documents; check out our document checklist above. You then need to start the signing up process on the APS India website and go through the steps before transferring the processing fee. You will then be asked to submit all of your documents and the signed application form.
What is an APS certificate for?: An APS certificate is for students from India, Vietnam, mainland China and Mongolia, wishing to apply for a German student visa. The certificate validates the authenticity of their qualifications.
How do I get an APS certificate?: You can apply for an APS certificate on the APS India website.
What do I need for an APS certificate in Germany?: An APS certificate in Germany is to verify your qualifications, as in India, Vietnam, mainland China and Mongolia there are a lot of applicants applying for student visas in Germany. Submit your translated Indian academic documents to receive your certificate. Without this, you cannot get a student visa and attend German universities.
Is the APS certificate mandatory for Germany?: Yes, the APS certificate is mandatory for almost every Indian student. Without the APS, Indian students usually cannot apply for a student visa. However, there are a few exceptions:
If you benefit from Germany or EU-funded scholarships
PhD applicants whose dissertation supervisor does not require the document for registration
If you hold international certificates from schools or universities (A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, etc.)
If you are attending a short course that is under 90 days, then you do not need to apply for an APS certificate.

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