What is the APS Certificate, and why is it Important?
Update: This article has been updated in Septemeber 2024. Please note that as of this date, the APS certificate is now required for both on-campus and online studies.
The APS Certificate Germany is an official document released by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), also known as "Akademische Prüfstelle," an institution specific to studying in Germany. It plays a vital role in the application process for students from India, Vietnam, and China, as it proves the authenticity of the academic documents and is a prerequisite to obtaining the Student Visa. It is required for both online and on-campus study. As of 1st November 2022, the APS India office, at the German Embassy in New Delhi issues the APS certificate. This certificate confirms that your documents are genuine and valid, making you eligible to pursue higher education in German. Students from India, China and Vietnam will require the APS certificate regardless of whether the programme is 100% online or on-campus.
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:
APS Document ChecklistAs 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 need to notarise documents translated in 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.
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.
Is the APS Certificate for Germany Mandatory for Indian Students?
For almost every student from India, China and Vietnam aspiring to study at a German university, obtaining the APS certificate is mandatory – for both online and on-campus studies. Without it you cannot apply for a student visa, making the APS a critical component of the application process. However, there are exceptions to this requirement:
Scholarship Recipients:
If you are funded by scholarships based in Germany or the European Union, you may be exempt from the APS certificate requirement.
Ph.D. Applicants:
If your dissertation supervisor does not demand the APS certificate for registration, you may not need to submit it.
International Certificates:
Indian students who possess international certificates from schools (e.g., A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) or universities may be exempt from the APS certificate requirement.
Short Courses:
If your intention is to attend a short course in Germany, which lasts less than 90 days, you will not need an APS certificate.
It is important to note that these exceptions are subject to specific circumstances, and it is recommended to verify your individual case with the APS office in India.
How IU can play a role in your Study Journey in Germany
At IU, 94% of our University's graduates are offered jobs in Germany within 3 months of graduating. Graduates also start earning 50% higher salary within 5 years of starting their careers. According to an alumni survey, 90% of our graduates would like to stay in Germany, and you are eligible for an 18-month post-study visa. This will allow you to have time to look for a job and potentially secure a long-term work visa or EU blue card. We are here to help you with your visa process!
Public Universities
Here at the International University of Applied Sciences, we welcome students from all over the world. We believe in giving flexibility to your learning, which is why we offer on-campus options for students wishing to study in Germany. After completing your studies with us, you will be eligible for an 18-month post-study visa to help you kick-start your career in the country. We're here to prep you and guide you along the way!
Would you like to know more about moving to Germany from India or about applying to German universities? Click on the links to read these articles.
Remember, while this guide offers valuable information, it is essential to consult with the APS office in India for precise and up-to-date details pertaining to your individual case.
With our on-campus learning model in Germany, you can seamlessly combine online studies with in-person learning—truly experiencing the best of both worlds.
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