APS Certificate Germany: Complete Guide for Indian Students
APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is a mandatory document verification that every Indian student must complete before applying to German universities. Without it, your university application will be rejected and your student visa denied.
APS process varies by institution type. Check your specific category at aps-india.de/checklists/ – the steps and documents below are a general guide only.
APS is Mandatory Since November 2022
All Indian students must obtain an APS certificate before applying to any German university or applying for a student visa. There are no exceptions.
4–8 Weeks
Processing time
~₹18,000
APS fee
New Delhi & Chennai
APS India offices
100% Required
No exceptions for Indians
4.9/5 · Based on student feedback · Founded by Ankit Jaiswal (MS, Germany)
APS Documents Checklist
Required Documents
If Applicable
Requirements (originals vs. certified copies) vary by category. Verify current requirements at aps-india.de/checklists/ before preparing your submission.
Last updated: June 2026, APS processes and submission options change frequently. Always verify at aps-india.de/checklists/ before applying.
APS Germany Application Process – Step by Step
Follow these 7 steps to successfully obtain your APS certificate.
Check APS Eligibility
Confirm you need APS (all Indian applicants to German universities do). Check the APS India website for current fee and any requirement updates.
Download Your Category Checklist
Download the checklist for your specific category from aps-india.de/checklists/ and prepare exactly what it specifies. Documents required (originals, certified copies, or both) differ by category, do not assume from a general list. Also prepare 2 recent passport photos.
Fill APS Application Form
Download and complete the APS application form from the official APS India website. Fill it accurately, any mismatch with your documents causes delays.
Pay the APS Fee
Pay approximately ₹18,000 via demand draft or as instructed on the APS website. Keep the payment receipt. It is required at submission.
Submit Documents or Book Appointment
Depending on your application category, you may submit documents by post/courier or book an in-person appointment at APS New Delhi or APS Chennai. Check aps-india.de for current submission options, categories and accepted methods are updated periodically. If booking an appointment, slots fill up quickly so plan ahead.
Attend APS Appointment (if required)
If your category requires an in-person appointment, attend on your booked date with all required documents. An academic interview may be conducted if APS requires it, not all applicants are called. If an interview is scheduled, be prepared to answer questions about your academic background.
Receive APS Certificate
APS issues the certificate digitally within 4–8 weeks of processing. You will receive your APS certificate by email. It is not posted. Your APS number is printed in the digital certificate PDF and is required for all German university applications.
APS Interview: What to Expect
Not all applicants are called for an interview, APS schedules one only when it needs to verify your academic background further. If you do receive an interview request, it is typically 15–30 minutes. Here is what to prepare:
Questions about your degree
Be prepared to explain your subject areas, core courses, thesis/project topic, and how they relate to your chosen German program.
Academic details from mark sheets
APS officers may ask you to explain specific grades or subjects. Know your mark sheets well. Bring originals.
Motivation for Germany
Why Germany specifically? Why this university/program? Have clear, honest answers, vague responses raise red flags.
Language of the interview
Interviews are in English (occasionally Hindi). If you are applying to a German-taught program, expect some German questions.
APS Germany FAQs
What is APS Germany and why do Indian students need it?
APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is Germany's mandatory document verification authority for Indian students. It verifies your academic certificates before you can apply to German universities or get a student visa. Since 1 November 2022, APS is required for all Indian applicants, no university will process your application without it.
What documents are needed for APS Germany application?
Documents required depend on your application category. Download the current checklist at aps-india.de/checklists/. In general, most categories include: mark sheets and certificates from Class 10, Class 12, and Bachelor degree; degree certificate; valid Indian passport (original + copy); passport-sized photographs; completed APS application form; proof of payment of APS fee (₹18,000). Whether originals or certified copies are accepted varies by category, verify the official checklist before preparing your submission.
How long does the APS Germany process take?
The standard APS Germany processing time is 4–8 weeks from the date of document submission. There is no express processing option. You cannot apply to German universities without the APS certificate, so start this process as early as possible, ideally 3–4 months before your intended application deadline.
How much does the APS certificate cost in India?
The APS fee in India is ₹18,000 (always verify on the official APS India website before applying). There are two APS offices in India: New Delhi (Embassy of Germany) and Chennai. Verify current submission options at aps-india.de before applying, APS India has updated the submission process and some steps can now be completed by courier. The official APS India checklist is the authoritative source for current requirements.
Can I apply to German universities without APS?
No. Since 1 November 2022, APS is mandatory for all Indian nationals applying to German universities and for the German student visa. Universities will not process your application without an APS certificate number, and the German Consulate requires it for the student visa.
Is there an interview in the APS Germany process?
APS may conduct a brief academic interview if required, not all applicants are called for one. If scheduled, the interview is 15–30 minutes covering your academic background, subjects studied, and motivation to study in Germany. It is conducted in English or Hindi. Most straightforward applications do not require an interview. Check your APS communication for whether one has been scheduled.
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