What is APS Certificate in Germany? And How to Apply

What is APS Certificate?

An APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is a document issued by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to evaluate the educational qualifications of international students who wish to study in Germany. International students from certain countries, primarily from India, China and Vietnam, are typically required to obtain an APS certificate when applying for admission to German universities.

APS certificate is required to ensure the authenticity and equivalence of foreign educational qualifications. It helps German universities assess the academic eligibility of international students for admission. It is advisable to start the APS certificate application process as early as possible because it can take several months to complete. Ideally, you should apply for the APS certificate before applying to German universities.

APS certificate fee for Indian students

As of the current update (Feb 2024) the APS(Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate fee for Indian students is ₹18,000. However, it’s crucial to note that fees can change, and variations may occur.

Please note this fee can change, and specific fees may vary.

These digital APS certificates will be issued in a secure PDF file format and are validated by a digital signature. The digital certificate will be delivered to you via your registered email address upon completion of the APS verification.

APS Certificate Sample

Here is the sample of APS certificate. This is how it looks like.

Is the APS certificate mandatory for Indian students?

Yes, the APS certificate is mandatory and very important for most Indian students. Without APS, you can not apply for a student visa to study in Germany. So, almost every Indian student who wants to get a degree in Germany needs to apply for APS certificate.

However, there are some cases where Indian students don’t need the APS certificate:

• If they have scholarships from Germany or the European Union.
• If they are applying for a Ph.D. program and their supervisor doesn’t require the certificate for registration.
• If they have international certificates from schools or universities, such as A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate.

How do I apply for an APS certificate?

The application process for an APS certificate involves submitting the required documents to the respective APS office in your home country. These documents usually include your educational certificates, transcripts, and a completed application form. It’s best to consult the specific requirements of the APS office in your country.

Apply online on https://aps-india.de/aps-process/ and pay the application fee.

APS certificates are issued by the respective APS offices located in the applicant’s home country. 

For example, the APS India office is located in: Gate No. 3, DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue, 110029 New Delhi, India

What documents are required for an APS certificate?

The documents required for an APS certificate application typically include your high school diploma, transcripts, a copy of your passport, and any other relevant educational certificates. It’s important to check the specific document requirements of the APS office in your country.

How long does it take to obtain an APS certificate?

The processing time for an APS certificate varies depending on the APS office and the number of applications they receive. It can take anywhere from a 3 to 4 weeks (approx.) to several months to receive the certificate.

Can I study in Germany without an APS certificate?

If you are from a country that requires an APS certificate, it is generally not possible to study in Germany without one. German universities usually require the APS certificate as part of the application process for international students from these specific countries.

Can I use my APS certificate for multiple university applications?

Yes, you can generally use the same APS certificate for multiple university applications in Germany. Once you have obtained the APS certificate, it is recognized by most German universities for a certain period of time, usually a few years.