APS Certificate for German Universities

TL;DR

• The APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) is an official document that verifies your academic credentials are genuine before you can apply to German universities.
• It is mandatory for students from China, India, and Vietnam and required by most German universities and embassies.
• The process involves registering online, submitting documents, possibly attending a short interview, and waiting a few weeks.
• Fees range from roughly €150 to €340 depending on your country.
• Start early — the process can take 3 to 8 weeks, and delays are common.
• Without the APS certificate, most German universities will not process your application.

What Is the APS Certificate?

The APS certificate is issued by the Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Centre), a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Its purpose is simple: to confirm that your school and university documents are real and that your academic background qualifies you for study in Germany.

Germany introduced the APS specifically for countries where verifying academic credentials can be complex. Think of it as a trust seal — once you have it, German universities and visa offices know your documents are legitimate.

Who Needs the APS Certificate?

The APS certificate is required for students who earned their school or university qualifications in one of the following countries:

• 🇨🇳 China — APS office in Beijing
• 🇮🇳 India — APS office in New Delhi
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam — APS office in Hanoi

If your academic qualifications are from one of these countries, you will almost certainly need an APS certificate to:

1. Apply to German universities — most institutions will not review your application without it
2. Apply for a student visa — the German embassy typically requires it as part of your visa application

Exceptions

You may not need the APS certificate if you:

• Are an exchange student through an official university partnership (Process A)
• Hold a DAAD scholarship
• Already have a German degree
• Are applying for a short-term language course (under 90 days)

When in doubt, check directly with the APS office in your country and the university you are applying to.

How to Get Your APS Certificate

Step 1: Register Online

Go to the official APS portal for your country and create an account. You will need to fill in your personal details, educational background, and the course you plan to study in Germany.

Official APS portals:

• China: aps.org.cn
• India: aps-india.de
• Vietnam: vietnam.diplo.de

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

The exact checklist varies by country, but you will typically need:

• Completed APS application form
• Valid passport copy
• Academic transcripts (all semesters)
• School leaving certificates (e.g. Class 10 and 12 for India, Gaokao for China)
• Degree certificate (if you have already graduated)
• Proof of language proficiency (if applicable)
• Official translations of all documents into English or German
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of APS fee payment

Step 3: Pay the APS Fee

Fees differ by country:

Country	Approximate fee	Notes
India	€150–€230 (approx. INR 18,000)	Non-refundable
China	€200–€340	Non-refundable
Vietnam	€150–€250	Non-refundable

Keep the payment receipt — you will need to include it with your application.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your complete document package through the online portal or by visiting the APS office in person, depending on your country's process. After submission, the APS office will review your documents.

Step 5: Attend the Interview (If Required)

Not everyone is called for an interview, but many applicants are — especially students from China and those still enrolled in a bachelor's course in India.

The interview typically lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and is conducted in English or German. It is not an exam. The interviewer wants to verify that you actually completed the studies listed on your transcripts and that your motivation is genuine.

What to expect

Common topics include:

• Your educational background — subjects studied, grades, thesis topics
• Why Germany — why you chose Germany, and why this specific course or university
• Your future goals — what you plan to do after graduation
• Subject-specific questions — basic questions about your field of study

Step 6: Wait for the Result

After the review (and interview, if applicable), the APS office will evaluate your case and issue the certificate if everything checks out.

Typical processing times:

• India: 3 to 4 weeks
• China: 4 to 6 weeks
• Vietnam: 3 to 5 weeks

These are estimates. During peak application seasons (spring and autumn), processing can take longer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting too late. The APS process can take two months or more from start to finish. Begin at least 3 to 4 months before your university application deadline.
2. Submitting incomplete documents. Missing translations, uncertified copies, or forgotten payment receipts are the top reasons for delays.
3. Underestimating the interview. While it is conversational, walking in completely unprepared can hurt your chances. Review your academic history beforehand.
4. Applying to universities before getting the certificate. Most German universities will not process your application without a valid APS certificate. Plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is the APS certificate the same as getting your degree recognised in Germany?

No. The APS certificate only verifies that your academic documents are authentic. It does not evaluate whether your degree is equivalent to a German qualification. For degree recognition, you may also need to check Anabin, Germany's database for evaluating foreign qualifications. If your qualification is not fully recognised, you may need to complete a preparatory course at a Studienkolleg.

How long is the APS certificate valid?

The APS certificate does not have a fixed expiry date. It remains valid as long as it reflects your current academic status at the time of issue. However, if you complete a new degree after receiving the certificate, you may need to apply for an updated version.

Can I apply to German universities while waiting for my APS certificate?

You can start preparing your applications, but most German universities will not formally process your application until the APS certificate is included. Some universities may allow conditional submission, but this varies. Always check with the specific university's admissions office.

What happens if I fail the APS interview?

If your application is not successful, you can usually re-apply. However, you will need to pay the fee again, and there may be a waiting period before you can re-apply. The exact rules depend on the APS office in your country. Take the time to better prepare before your next attempt.

Do I need the APS certificate for a master's course if I already have a bachelor's from a German university?

Generally, no. If you already hold a degree from a recognised German university, you typically do not need the APS certificate for further studies in Germany. Check with your target university to confirm.

Is the APS interview conducted in German or English?

You can usually choose between English and German. In China, Mandarin may also be an option for parts of the process. Pick the language you feel most comfortable in — the interview is about your academic background, not your language ability.

Do students from countries other than China, India, and Vietnam need the APS?

The APS offices currently operate only in China, India, and Vietnam. Students from other countries follow different document verification procedures, which may include submission through uni-assist or directly to the university. Check German University Types for more details on the application process.

Can I use the APS certificate for universities in other countries?

No. The APS certificate is specifically designed for the German higher education system. Other countries have their own credential evaluation processes.