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APS Certificate Germany - Processing Time, Validity, Sample, Cost, Time
Edited By Porishmita Paul | Updated on Sep 10, 2024 12:34 PM IST
What is an APS certificate in Germany? An APS certificate is a document issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Germany. Most German universities use APS certificate Germany to verify academic credentials and other documentation of the applicant for higher studies.
This Story also Contains
- What is an APS Certificate?
- Importance of APS Certificate
- APS Certificate Requirements
- How to Apply for APS Certificate Germany for Indian Students?
- APS Certificate Fees
- Documents Required for APS Certificate
- APS Certificate Validity
- APS Certificate Processing Time
- Digital APS Certificate
Indian students who have completed an educational qualification from any recognised school board or university can apply for an APS Germany certificate on the official website of APS India. How much does APS cost in Germany? The APS certificate Germany fees for international students is around Rs. 18,000. The fees can be paid via bank transfer or online through the CCAvenue portal during registration.
A few significant benefits of the APS certificate Germany for Indian students include an easy admission process, faster student visa Germany processing, and document verification. International students who are exclusively applying for language learning in Germany without further academic pursuits are exempted from applying for an APS certificate Germany. Read the complete article to learn the APS certificate required documents, the application process, and other significant details.
What is an APS Certificate?
APS certificate full form is Academic Evaluation Centre. Established in 2001, the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS India) in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a service provider of the Science Section of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi.
The APS certificate acts as a bridge between the Indian educational system and the German higher education and visa application process. This certificate, verifying academic documents, is now a mandatory part of the visa application for Indian students seeking to study in Germany.
Students should complete the APS process before applying to a German university to reduce processing time. The APS does not issue visas, but the original APS Certificate is a required component of the German student visa application. Short-term courses under 90 days do not require the APS Certificate Germany, but longer courses of more than 90 days do.
Should I apply for an APS certification before applying to a German university?
Yes, you can apply for an APS certification before applying to a German university. Generally, it is recommended that students should complete the application process before applying to a German university to minimise the overall processing time.
Is an APS certification necessary for attending language courses in Germany?
No, APS is not mandatory for attending language courses in Germany. Candidates who wish to solely apply for German language courses without any intention of further university-level education can study in Germany without an APS certification.
Who is exempt from the APS verification process?
To get an exemption from the APS verification process, students need to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
Students must obtain a non-German degree in Germany
Students need to have a foreign degree outside of India (e.g. British degree, Turkish degree, etc.)
Students who wish to study a PhD / PostDoc in Germany
Candidates must have obtained an international degree in India
Applicants receiving a stipend from public funds (EU or German funds)
Importance of APS Certificate
What is the importance of an APS certificate? The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is of great significance for Indian students who are planning to study in Germany. A few key importance of APS certificate are as follows:
Visa Application Prerequisite: The APS certificate is mandatory for a student visa in Germany. The German government does not process any Germany study visa application without an APS certificate.
Authenticity of Academic Documents: Students can use the APS Germany certificate to demonstrate the authenticity of their Indian academic documents.
Eligibility Criteria for University Admission: Indian students can use APS certificates to demonstrate their academic eligibility for top German universities.
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APS Certificate Requirements
Candidates applying for an APS certificate Germany must meet some standard eligibility requirements. Here's a detailed look at the eligibility criteria for obtaining an APS Germany:
Candidates of any nationality who have an educational qualification from any recognised Indian school board or university can access the APS certificate.
Students must complete their academic degree from Indian educational institutions.
Applicants who have completed their vocational certificates or diplomas from institutions accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) are eligible to apply for APS Germany.
Candidates must provide authentic documents required for APS.
Note: For further queries on Germany APS certificate requirements, students can take the eligibility criteria quiz provided by APS.
Is notarization required for documents submitted to APS?
No, notarization is not generally required for documents submitted to APS. However, if the documents are translated into English from any Indian regional language then notarization of the documents is mandatory.
How to Apply for APS Certificate Germany for Indian Students?
Follow the below instructions to apply for an APS certificate Germany for Indian students:
Register online at APS India official website.
Print and sign the completed application form.
Transfer the APS certificate fees of Rs.18,000 to the APS bank account or make an online payment through the CCAvenue portal during registration.
Submit the required documents via courier to APS India.
Applicants should note that APS India will rigorously verify all the documents. Only complete applications will be considered for further processing.
Once the documents are verified, successful candidates will be notified by a digital APS certificate via email.
Students can now apply for a student visa through VFS.
Is there any interview for APS certificate?
Interview for APS certificate is not compulsory for all applicants. Indian students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at an Indian university are required to take an interview to qualify for an APS certificate Germany.
Is IELTS compulsory for APS?
No, IELTS is not compulsory for APS certificates for Indian students. International students can apply for an APS certificate in German without taking any ELP tests, such as IELTS. However, for university admission, students might require IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc to demonstrate their English proficiency.
Where to send APS documents?
Indian students who want to study in Germany can send their APS documents to the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) in New Delhi. The documents can be sent to the designated address by courier or in person.
APS Certificate Fees
What is the fee for APS Germany? The APS certificate Germany fees for Indian students is around Rs. 18,000. Candidates can pay their APS certificate fees through bank transfer. Students are advised to enter all the bank details correctly and keep the transaction receipt carefully for future reference. All the bank details for payment transfer are mentioned below:
Bank Details for Transferring the Fees in INR:
Account Holder: Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany – Wiss
Account Number: 0946426766
Name of Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank
IFSC Code: KKBK0000182
How can I get a free APS certificate?
You can not get a free APS certificate. To get an APS certificate, students need to pay a mandatory fee of Rs. 18,000 to the APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) to process their application. This is a one-time non-refundable fee. Candidates need to pay the fee to obtain the certificate.
Is it possible to withdraw from the APS process and receive a refund of the verification fee?
No, it is not possible to withdraw from the APS process and receive a refund of the verification fee. APS certificate fee in India is non-refundable. Students are advised to carefully consider their decision to proceed with the APS verification as once the fee has been remitted it will not be refunded under any circumstances.
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Documents Required for APS Certificate
How many documents are required for an APS certificate? The documents required for the APS Certificate for Germany from India at various study levels are tabulated below:
Documents Needed for APS Certificate: After Class 12tth
After Class XII | After Class XII with JEE Main and Advance |
Printed application form duly signed by the candidate with a passport-size photo | Printed application form duly signed by the candidate with a passport-size photo |
Receipt of APS fee transfer | Receipt of APS fee transfer |
Aadhaar Card with linked contact number | Aadhaar Card with linked contact number |
First and last page of the passport | First and last page of the passport |
Marksheet and Certificate of Class X | Marksheet and Certificate of Class X |
Marksheet and Certificate of Class XII. If the certificate has not yet been issued, a Provisional Certificate from the school that is not older than three months will be accepted. | Marksheet and Certificate of Class XII. If the certificate has not yet been issued, a Provisional Certificate from the school that is not older than three months will be accepted. |
Participation proof in a Pre-University Entrance Exam, if required | JEE (Main and Advanced) passing proof along with the Admit Card |
Core and Subject-specific results of TestAS | German and/or English Language Certificate |
German and/or English Language Certificate |
Documents Required for APS: During/After Graduation
While pursuing an undergraduate course | After Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree |
Printed application form duly signed by the candidate with a passport-size photo | Printed application form duly signed by the candidate with a passport-size photo |
Receipt of APS fee transfer | Receipt of APS fee transfer |
Aadhaar Card with linked contact number | Aadhaar Card with linked contact number |
First and last page of the passport | First and last page of the passport |
Marksheet and Certificate of Class X | Marksheet and Certificate of Class XII |
Marksheet and Certificate of Class XII. If the certificate has not yet been issued, a Provisional Certificate from the school that is not older than three months will be accepted. | Admit card of Class XII |
Bachelor’s degree mark sheet for the first year of studies | Mark sheets of all semesters of Bachelor’s degree |
Core and Subject-specific results of TestAS | Bachelor's degree. A provisional certificate issued by the College not older than one year will be accepted if the degree has not yet been conferred. |
German and/or English Language Certificate | Master’s degree and transcripts, (if applicable) |
German and/or English Language Certificate |
APS Certificate Validity
How long is the APS certificate valid for? Once issued by APS India. APS certificate Germany is valid indefinitely. Digital APS certificates issued after April 24, 2023, are valid for up to 3 years to apply to top German universities. APS certificate validity in India is infinite. Students can apply to various top universities in Germany using this APS certificate once issued by the authorities.
APS Certificate Processing Time
How long will it take to get an APS certificate? The estimated APS certificate processing time is generally 3 to 4 weeks from the application date. However, due to a recent increase in application volume, APS India has not released a specific estimate for the processing times of APS certificates. APS India tries to process all applications promptly for the ease of international students.
How can I get my APS certificate faster?
Here are some tips to help you get your APS certificate faster:
Prepare all documents in advance
Start the application process as early as possible
Opt for express services by paying an additional fee
Submit a filled application. Do not leave any space and avoid mistakes to prevent delays
Follow up with the APS center regularly
Be prepared for the interview (if required)
How many times can a candidate apply for an APS certification?
Indian students can only apply for an APS certificate only once in their lifetime. Candidates who have not completed their Bachelor’s degree at the time of the APS verification process can submit their certified grades from the 5th or 7th semester respectively to continue the verification process.
Can I reapply for an APS certificate?
No, you can not reapply for an APS certificate if your application is rejected. APS Germany certificate is valid indefinitely once issued. Therefore, candidates do not need to reapply for it for future requirements.
Digital APS Certificate
From April 24, 2023, all the candidates who have completed their APS evaluation procedure will be issued digitally signed verification certificates also known as “DigZert” from APS India. DigZert is an electronic document available in PDF file format and is validated by a digital signature. Students can use this Digital APS certificate PDF for digital
communication. A printout can be used during the VFS visa appointment included in the visa application.
What is the validity of APS digital certificate? Due to EU regulations on digital seals, Digital APS certificate validity is 3 years. The DigZert will be delivered to students via the email address used during the APS registration process. Applicants who are participating in a partnership or exchange programme will not be eligible for a DigZert Germany.
Could I print out the DigZert and use it like a paper certificate for my university application?
No, you can not print out the DigZert and use it like a paper certificate for university application. DigZert is an electronic document and can be used only for digital communication.
Can I use this digital certificate to apply for more than five universities?
Yes, you can use DigZert certificate to apply for more than five universities. It is an electronic document so students can use this certificate for as much as universities they wish to.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an APS certificate for Germany?
An APS certificate is a document issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre for international students planning to study in Germany. APS certificate full form is Academic Evaluation Centre. Students can use this certificate to get easy access to the admission process, faster student visa Germany processing, and document verification.
2. How much does APS cost?
The cost of APS in Germany is around Rs. 18,000. All students who are interested in applying to top Germany universities are required to pay the necessary fees to start their enrolment process. The fees be paid via bank transfer or online through the CCAvenue portal during registration.
3. What is the waiting time for APS certificate?
The waiting time for APS certificate Germany is generally 3 to 4 weeks from the application date. However, APS India has not released a specific processing time for the APS as it may vary from one candidate to the other.
4. Can I apply for APS without IELTS?
Yes, you can apply for APS without IELTS. APS India has not specified any language requirements for APS applications. International students can apply for an APS certificate German without appearing for the ELP tests like IELTS.
5. Can I apply to Tum without APS?
No, you can not apply for the Technical University of Munich without an APS certificate. If the candidate changes the degree programme at TUM or reapplies after an interruption of studies, they will be required to submit an APS certificate to confirm their admission at TUM.
Articles
Mar 27, 2025
Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
Hello,
It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 20 March,2025
Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.
Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:
1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.
2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.
3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.
To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:
1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.
2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.
3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.
It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.
sadafreen356 12 March,2025
Hello,
No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.
It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 13 March,2025
Hello!
You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.
Key Points to Consider:
1. German University Admission Requirements:
German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.
All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.
2. APS Certification:
As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.
3. Recognition of Online Degrees:
Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.
Recommendations:
You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.
Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.
Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.
Divyanshi Priya 12 March,2025
Most people pursue an MBA after a BTECH degree gaining a significant increase in their salary too. Your existing B.Tech degree will significantly enhance your profile and make you eligible for a wider range of MBA programs.Gain experience in a relevant work, preferably in a field of engineering or management, and boost your profile as much as you can.
CAT/GMA are must for the top MBA programs, but they are quite challenging. So, focus on preparation in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.You can give other entrance exams for MBA like XAT, CMAT.A few certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or software tool-specific certifications makes your profile more valuable .Projects, internships, or extracurricular activities demonstrate your skills and interests.You can Consider Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-Schools.You can get into the international colleges too if you want but you have to study hard.
A path to a top-tier MBA is not easy, but with focused preparation, strategic planning, and a strong performance in entrance exams,well it is definitely possible.
MBA
Samprikta Mondal 28 November,2024
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