Finally, you have decided to study in Germany because of its engineering hub tagline, the globally recognized reputation of German degrees, the Schengen area, and the most important factor, tuition-free education. Then you must have heard of one certification that plays a crucial role in your German study admission journey, the APS certificate for Germany. How recently has it gained popularity, what is its purpose, and is it mandatory for all the international students? Plus, does it impact your German study visa chances? There are so many questions that pop up in the minds of the students while thinking about German studies.
What is an APS Certificate Germany?
The APS, or Akademische Prüfstelle, certificate is a compulsory document for certain countries’ international students who are willing to study in Germany. APS was first launched in China in 2001, followed by Vietnam in 2007, and later for Indian students in 2022, since Germany has witnessed the surge in Indian students.
As per the recent data shared by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, or DAAD, Indian students show a sharp increase in enrolment and have touched a record high. The data shows that the number of Indian students has doubled in the last five years. In 2018, the number was 20810, whereas in 2022 it touched almost 43,000 enrolments. As far as data for winter 2023-2024 is concerned, 49,483 Indian students were enrolled in German universities for different programs, which makes it the number one community.
Purpose of APS Certificate Germany
Germany is a smart country that exactly knows how to welcome only genuine students and learn from other countries’ mistakes, just like Canada did when a huge number of international students landed there by making forged documents. Thanks to the loophole, they now have introduced of the Pre-Attestation Letter, or PAL, in Canada, so APS was also introduced by the German Embassy and the German Higher Education Board, DAAD, as a joint initiative to distinguish between genuine and bogus students. The best timing to apply for APS is before applying to a German university, as it takes time to process, so applying early guarantees that you will have it ready for both your visa and university applications. APS was launched to fulfill certain conditions
- Fraud Document
APS serves as a formal pre-screen body. By checking academic records prior to their arrival at institutions or the immigration office, it lowers the possibility that applications that have been forged or altered would be accepted. APS does the filtration part at the initial stage and differentiates between genuine and bogus profiles.
- Streamline the admission process
APS was introduced since Germany is attracting a huge number of international students from certain countries such as China, India and Vietnam, and a proper streamlined process was much needed. Students who submit validated documents in advance avoid:
- refusals because of credentials that are absent or dubious
- Inquiries for follow-up confirmation
- bottlenecks when admissions are at their highest
As a result, the application timeframe becomes quicker and more consistent.
- Verify that international students fulfill academic requirements.
In the applicant’s native country, APS frequently makes direct contact with colleges, universities, and schools to:
- Verify the authenticity of certificates and transcripts.
- Check the length of the course and the medium of instruction.
- Examine the enrolment records.
How to get the exemption from the APS certificate in Germany
- If the student is willing to enrol in a PhD or Doctoral program
- Completed education from the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Board or any other board
- If completed degree outside India
Please Note – For visa purposes, official confirmation from APS or the German Embassy is advised if you are exempt.
Is it mandatory for all international students?
No, an APS certificate is not mandatory for all international students. It applies to certain countries only, such as
- India
- China
- Vietnam
- Mongolia
Charges for different countries
- APS Charges for Indian Students 18,000 INR
- APS Charges for Chinese Students- 1,000 RMB (Chinese Yuan)
- APS Charges for Vietnamese Students – 250 USD for the standard procedure for postgraduate studies and 150 USD for all other procedures.
Documents required for APS Certificate Germany
- Grade X
- Grade XII
- Passport
- English Proficiency Exam Result or Medium of Instruction
- APS Application Form
- APS Payment Proof
- Passport Sized Photograph
Validity of APS Certificate Germany
There is no expiry date on the APS certificate, which means the APS certificate is valid indefinitely, and the same document can be used to apply to multiple universities.
Interview process
| Country | Interview |
| India | No |
| Chinese | Yes |
| Vietnamese | Yes |
How does it impact the German student visa?
Since for the above-mentioned countries an APS certificate is a mandatory document, so visa processing can not be done without providing this document even for admission purposes; also, an APS is required. Although there is no surety that the visa would be approved yet, the chances would get increased if the student followed the proper process and provided all documentation.
