What is the APS Certificate?
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate is a mandatory verification document for Indian students applying for higher education in Germany. The APS office checks the authenticity of Indian academic documents so that German universities and visa offices can rely on verified qualifications.
Who Needs APS?
All students applying for a German-taught or English-taught program at a German university must obtain an APS certificate before university admission and before submitting their visa application.
Why APS Certificate Is Required
- To verify the authenticity of Indian academic documents
- To standardize evaluation for German universities
- To prevent fraudulent or incomplete applications
- Because German embassies require APS for issuing a student visa
Documents Required for APS Verification
Submit photocopies (not originals) of the following, arranged in order:
- Signed APS application form
- Signed Student Authorization Letter (Available on APS Website)
- Passport copy (first and last page)
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (if completed)
- Bachelor’s mark sheets (all semesters)
- Master’s documents (if applicable)
- Admission letter (optional, not mandatory)
- English/German language certificates (only if available; not required for APS)
- Proof of APS fee payment
APS Fees
- Application fee: ₹18,000 (standard processing)
There is no express processing as of now. Fees are non-refundable.
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 4–8 weeks
- During peak season (May–August): timelines may extend
Step-by-Step APS Application Process
1. Online Registration
- Register on the official website: aps-india.de
- Fill out the online form and download the signed application PDF
2. Payment
- Pay the APS fee via bank transfer to the APS India account
- Attach the payment receipt with your documents
3. Document Submission
- Arrange documents exactly in the order mentioned
- Do not staple; use paper clips
- Send the package via courier to the APS Delhi office
APS Courier Address
APS India German Embassy No. 6/50G, Shanti Path Chanakyapuri New Delhi – 110021 India
4. Certificate Issue
Once verified, APS issues a digital certificate in your APS portal profile. This certificate must be uploaded with university applications and submitted during the visa process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting unattested or unclear mark sheets
- Incorrect payment details
- Missing signatures on the APS form
- Sending documents in the wrong order
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need IELTS/German certificate for APS?
No. Language scores are not required for APS verification. They may be required by universities, not APS.
Can I apply for APS without university admission?
Yes. APS can be obtained before applying to universities.
Is APS required for all German universities?
Yes. APS is mandatory for all public and most private universities in Germany for Indian applicants.
Is the APS certificate valid permanently?
Yes, the APS certificate does not expire for the degree it was issued for.
Final Checklist Before Sending Documents
- APS form signed and dated
- Correct payment receipt attached
- Documents in correct order
- Clear photocopies only
- Courier address verified
Need Help with APS?
Our team assists with APS form review, document preparation, and clarification of guidelines. If you want expert support, contact us directly.
