The APS Application Process:
As an Indian student seeking the APS certificate for Germany, you can follow these six simple steps:
Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with the Requirements
Before beginning the application process, it is crucial to understand thoroughly the specific requirements relevant to your case. The APS India office has outlined detailed information on its official website. By reviewing this information, you can ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
Next you have to go through the document verification process. Gather all the required documents as specified by the APS India office. Here is an APS document checklist to help you get to grips with the process and ensure you have all of the documents required:
- A completed application form with a passport-size photo
- A copy of the verification fee receipt
- A copy of the Aadhaar Card with the linked mobile number
- A photocopy of the first and last page of your passport
- Your school leaving certificate (including an overview of subjects and grades)
- The grading system used by your higher secondary school
- An overview of subjects and grades issued by your university (if you have completed your studies)
- Your university diploma (if applicable)
- A grading system specifying the minimum and maximum grades required for graduation from your university
- A copy of a language certificate
- An APS certificate (to be obtained through the APS application process)
As the steps can be done online, you don’t need to submit original documents, copies are fine for the application process as long as the documents are authentic. Keep in mind that you will only need to notarise documents translated into English by a certified translator from one of the regional languages.
Step 3: Prepare APS Application
Once you have gathered all the documents, it is time to prepare your APS application. Follow the guidelines provided by the APS India Office and their website, and pay close attention to the details. It is essential to fill out the application form accurately, ensuring all the information provided is correct and up-to-date.
Step 4: Submit the Application to APS India
After completing your APS application, you can submit it to the APS India office once you have signed it. As of the latest information available, the APS office in India only accepts documents by letter, post or courier. Be sure to adhere to any instructions provided by the office regarding the submission process to avoid any potential delays.
Step 5: Transfer the Verification Fee
Transfer the APS verification fee of 18,000 INR or 225€ to the APS bank account. You will then receive the APS fee transfer receipt. If you choose to study on campus at IU, we will reimburse you for the APS certificate cost, making it easier for you to focus on your studies without worrying about this initial expense.
Step 6: Await APS Certificate and Visa Application
Once your application has been submitted, the APS India office will begin the verification process. The timeframe for processing applications may vary, so it is advisable to plan ahead and submit your application well in advance. Processing times can be between 3 to 4 weeks, but this can be more if they receive a lot of applicants. Upon successful verification, you will receive the APS Germany, which is valid for an unlimited period of time. The digital APS certificates will be issued in a secure PDF file format and are validated by a digital signature. As of 2023, the printed paper certificate no longer exists. With the rise in the number of Indian students wishing to go to Germany for their studies, Germany has decided to go digital.
With the APS certificate in hand, you can proceed to the German student visa application through the Visa Application Centre (VFS) and begin the process of applying to German universities. Ensure that you follow all the necessary steps and meet the additional requirements set by the respective institutions.
