If you’re planning to study in Germany from India — for **Bachelor’s, Master’s, or other long-term programs — understanding the APS certificate Germany process is essential. Over the past few years, APS certification has become a mandatory step for Indian students applying to German universities and student visas. Many students feel confused about what APS is, why it’s required, how to apply, how much it costs, and what to expect — which is exactly why Lectures Abroad has put together this easy-to-read, friendly, and detailed blog to clear all your doubts.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know what an APS certificate is, why it matters, who needs it, what documents you need, how the process works, tips to avoid mistakes, exceptions, and real experiences of students going through the process. Let’s jump right in!
🧭 What Is the APS Certificate in Germany?
APS stands for Akademische Prüfstelle, which literally means Academic Evaluation Centre in German. In India, APS is operated by the Science Section of the German Embassy in New Delhi in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
In simple terms, the APS certificate is a verification certificate that confirms your Indian academic documents are real and meet the eligibility criteria for studying in Germany. It’s now a required document in most cases before you can submit a German student visa application, and it also supports your university applications.
This step was introduced to curb rampant fake academic documents and ensure only qualified students enter the German education system.
📌 Why Is the APS Certificate Mandatory for Indian Students?
Starting November 1, 2022, the German Government made APS certification a mandatory part of the German student visa application process for Indian students. Without it, you simply cannot apply for a student visa or, in many cases, complete admissions to universities in Germany.
The APS certificate is required because it:
✔ Verifies the authenticity of your Indian academic documents
✔ Confirms your academic eligibility for German university programs
✔ Helps smooth the student visa application process
✔ Serves as proof of credible educational background for both universities and German authorities
In short, the APS certificate acts as a gatekeeper — ensuring German higher education institutions and visa officers can trust that your academic history is legitimate.
🎯 Who Needs an APS Certificate for Germany?
Not every international student needs APS — but as an Indian student, you typically do if:
🎓 You completed your highest academic qualification in India
🎓 You are applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or other degree programs in Germany
🎓 You intend to apply for a student visa for long-term academic studies
There are some exceptions, but these are narrow and should be carefully checked before skipping APS:
❌ You do not need APS if:
✔ Your entire academic background is outside India (e.g., UK, US degree)
✔ You’re going for short language courses (less than 90 days)
✔ You hold an international school qualification like International Baccalaureate (IB)
✔ You’re applying for a Ph.D. or Postdoc and the university doesn’t require APS
✔ You have a German/EU government scholarship where APS isn’t necessary
📄 Documents Required for APS India Verification
To apply for an APS certificate in India, you generally need the following:
📌 Completed APS application form (printed & signed)
📌 Recent passport-sized photo
📌 Copy of your passport
📌 Aadhar card copy with your phone number
📌 All academic transcripts (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s marksheets)
📌 Bachelor’s degree or provisional certificate (if degree isn’t out yet)
📌 Language certificates (English or German) — optional for APS, but useful later
📌 APS application fee receipt
👉 Note: If some transcripts are in an Indian regional language, the translations must be notarized. Documents in English don’t generally need notarization for APS India.
🚶♂️ Step-by-Step APS Certificate Process in India
Below is the simplified way to understand how APS certification works for Indian students:
1. Online Registration
Visit the official APS India portal and complete the online application. You’ll need to enter details of your education and personal information, and upload a passport photo.
2. Pay the APS Fee
After registration, pay the APS processing fee — currently around INR 18,000 (approximately €172). This fee is non-refundable and must be paid before APS begins your verification.
3. Print & Sign
Download the application form from your portal, print it, sign it, and then attach all required documents.
4. Send Documents by Courier
You must send the documents to the APS India office in New Delhi via a reliable courier service. APS no longer accepts walk-ins and only processes mailed submissions.
5. Wait for Verification
APS will verify your academic credentials with the issuing institutions and check authenticity. You may even be called for an interview in some cases (this is usually to confirm your academic background).
6. Receive Your APS Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive your APS certificate — often as a digitally signed PDF — which you can use for visa and university applications.
⏳ How Long Does APS Take — Timeline Explained
APS processing usually takes about 3–6 weeks — though some students report delays up to 8 weeks during peak application seasons.
Since Germany has fixed academic intakes (typically winter and summer), planning ahead is key. Experts recommend applying for your APS certificate 3–4 months before application deadlines so you don’t miss university or visa dates.
💰 APS Certificate Fees
Currently, the APS process costs approximately:
🔹 ~INR 18,000 (or about €170) — non-refundable
This fee covers the whole verification process. Always check the official APS site before paying as fees can change.
🪪 APS Certificate Validity — How Long Does It Last?
Once issued, the APS certificate is generally valid indefinitely — but if your academic status changes (like finishing a new degree), you may need a new APS under a different category.
📌 Important Tips from Lectures Abroad
Here are some practical tips to make your APS journey smooth:
✔ Apply early — give yourself at least 2–3 months before deadlines.
✔ Use tracked courier services like DTDC or Blue Dart so you know when your documents arrive.
✔ Double-check translations — mistakes can delay verification.
✔ Keep copies of everything — APS may ask for re-verification if needed.
🧠 Common Questions Students Ask
❓ Do I need IELTS or language proof for APS?
No — APS doesn’t require IELTS or language tests for the APS certificate itself. However, you will need language scores when applying for your German student visa or university admission.
❓ Do all universities in Germany require APS?
Most public universities and many private ones do — especially if your academic records are Indian. Exceptions are rare, and you should verify with each university.
❓ Can I apply with provisional certificates?
Yes. APS accepts provisional degree documents if your final certificate isn’t available yet. This is common for students finishing their last semester.
🏆 Final Thoughts
The APS certificate India Germany step may seem like an extra hurdle, but it’s one of the most important parts of your study abroad journey — and one that can make your applications much stronger. Once you have your APS certificate, you’re ready to apply to German universities, secure your student visa, and begin your academic journey in Germany.
With smart planning, careful document preparation, and a little help from experts like Lectures Abroad, you can breeze through the APS requirements and focus on what matters most — your future in Germany. 🇩🇪✨
