The APS Certificate Germany for Indian students is a mandatory document verification issued by the German Embassy in New Delhi that validates your Indian academic credentials. Since November 2022, every Indian student applying to German universities must obtain an APS certificate before submitting university applications or applying for a student visa. The process costs ₹18,000, takes 3-4 weeks, and the certificate is valid for lifetime.
APS Certificate in 60 Seconds
- What: APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Official verification of your Indian academic documents by the German Embassy
- Who needs it: All Indian students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s in Germany (with some exemptions)
- Fee: ₹18,000 (non-refundable)
- Processing time: 3-4 weeks (can extend to 8-10 weeks during peak season)
- Where to apply: Online at aps-india.de, documents couriered to New Delhi
- Validity: Lifetime (digital certificates valid for 3 years, renewable)
APS Certificate — At a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Centre) |
| Mandatory Since | November 1, 2022 |
| Fee | ₹18,000 (non-refundable) |
| Processing Time | 3-4 weeks (8-10 weeks in peak season) |
| Office Location | German Embassy, New Delhi |
| Certificate Format | Digital PDF with digital signature |
| Validity | Lifetime |
| Applications Processed | 57,000+ (Oct 2022 – Feb 2024) |
What is the APS Certificate Germany for Indian Students
The APS certificate is an official document issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre (Akademische Prüfstelle) at the German Embassy in New Delhi. It serves two critical purposes:
1. Document Authenticity APS verifies that your Class 10, Class 12, and university documents are genuine and issued by recognized Indian boards and universities. They contact your educational institutions directly to confirm the authenticity of your marksheets, certificates, and transcripts.
2. Academic Equivalence APS evaluates whether your Indian qualifications meet German university entry standards (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or HZB). This assessment determines if you’re eligible for direct university admission or need to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory course) first.
Why Was APS Introduced?
Think of it as a “trust stamp” from the German government. Before APS was introduced in November 2022, each German university and the embassy had to individually verify every Indian applicant’s documents — causing massive delays and inconsistent evaluations.
With over 43,000 Indian students now studying in Germany (the largest international student group), the volume of applications made individual verification impractical. The APS India office alone processed over 57,000 applications between October 2022 and February 2024.
Now, APS does this verification once, and all German universities and visa offices accept it. This has significantly reduced:
- University admission processing time
- Student visa processing time
- Document fraud attempts
- Inconsistency in qualification assessment
APS for Online Programs Too
A common misconception: APS is required even for 100% online programs from German universities. If you’re earning a German degree while sitting in India, you still need APS verification.
Who Needs an APS Certificate?
You NEED APS if you are:
- An Indian student applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany
- An Indian student applying for a Master’s degree in Germany
- Currently enrolled in an Indian university and planning to transfer
- Applying for Studienkolleg (preparatory college)
- Applying for online programs from German universities
You DON’T need APS if you are:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarship holders | Students funded by DAAD or other German/EU-based scholarships |
| PhD candidates | If your dissertation supervisor doesn’t require APS |
| International qualification holders | A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), US high school diploma |
| Short courses | Programs lasting less than 90 days |
| German Abitur holders | If you completed German high school |
⚠️ Important: Even if you think you qualify for an exemption, verify with the APS office directly. Rules can change.
Documents Checklist by Category
For Master’s Applicants (Most Common)
This is the document list for Indian students who have completed their Bachelor’s degree:
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| Application form | Printed, signed, with passport-size photo |
| Class 10 marksheet | Colored copy on A4, both sides |
| Class 10 certificate | Colored copy on A4, both sides |
| Class 12 marksheet | Colored copy on A4, both sides |
| Class 12 certificate | Colored copy on A4, both sides |
| All semester marksheets | Colored copies, both sides (all 6-8 semesters) |
| Degree certificate | Colored copy on A4, both sides |
| Provisional certificate | If degree certificate not yet issued |
| Payment receipt | Bank transfer or online payment confirmation |
For Bachelor’s Applicants
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| Application form | Printed, signed, with passport-size photo |
| Class 10 marksheet & certificate | Colored copies on A4, both sides |
| Class 12 marksheet & certificate | Colored copies on A4, both sides |
| JEE Main/Advanced scorecard | If applicable (exempts you from TestAS) |
| TestAS score | Required if you don’t have JEE (see TestAS section) |
| Payment receipt | Bank transfer or online payment confirmation |
For Currently Enrolled Students
If you’re still completing your Bachelor’s degree:
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| Application form | Printed, signed, with passport-size photo |
| Class 10 & 12 documents | As above |
| Completed semester marksheets | All semesters completed so far |
| Enrollment certificate | Current enrollment proof from university |
| Payment receipt | Bank transfer or online payment confirmation |
📌 Critical Rules:
- Submit colored copies only — NEVER send originals
- All copies must be on A4 size paper
- Copy both sides of every document
- Documents in regional languages must be translated to English and notarized
- English documents do NOT need notarization
Step-by-Step APS Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit aps-india.de and take the eligibility quiz. This determines:
- Your applicant category (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD)
- Required documents for your specific situation
- Whether you need TestAS (for Bachelor’s applicants)
Step 2: Create Your Account
Register on the APS India portal:
- Provide personal details (name exactly as on passport)
- Enter educational background
- Upload passport-size photo
- Verify your email
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Complete the online application:
- Double-check all spellings, dates, and institution names
- Ensure details match your documents exactly
- Print the completed form
- Sign the printed form
Step 4: Pay the Fee (₹18,000)
The APS certificate costs ₹18,000. This fee is non-refundable under any circumstances — even if your application is withdrawn or documents need correction.
Payment Options:
| Method | Processing Time | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Online (Credit/Debit Card) | Instant | ✅ Yes |
| Online (Net Banking) | Instant | ✅ Yes |
| Online (UPI) | Instant | ✅ Yes |
| Bank Transfer (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS) | 1-3 days manual verification | ⚠️ Slower |
💡 Pro Tip: Use online payment — it’s verified instantly. Bank transfers require manual verification by the APS office and can delay your application by several days. Many applicants have reported week-long delays just waiting for bank transfer confirmation.
Bank Account Details: Available on the APS India website after you complete the application form. If you must use bank transfer:
- Use your application reference number in the payment description
- Keep the transaction receipt/screenshot
- Include a printout in your document package
Step 5: Prepare Your Document Package
Organize your documents in this order:
- Signed application form with photo
- Payment receipt
- Academic documents (chronological: Class 10 → Class 12 → University)
- Any additional certificates
Step 6: Courier to New Delhi
Send your complete package to:
APS India Gate No. 3, DLTA Complex R.K. Khanna Stadium 1 Africa Avenue New Delhi – 110029
⚠️ Important:
- Personal submissions are NOT accepted
- Use tracked courier (BlueDart, DTDC, Delhivery, or India Post Speed Post)
- Keep the tracking number safe
Step 7: Wait for Verification (3-4 Weeks)
Once APS receives your documents, the verification process begins:
What Happens During Verification:
- Document Receipt Confirmation APS confirms receipt of your package (check portal status)
- Institution Verification APS contacts your school/college/university to verify:
- Authenticity of marksheets and certificates
- Your enrollment and graduation details
- Signatures and seals on documents
- Academic Assessment APS evaluates your qualifications against German standards
How to Speed Up Verification:
- Inform your institution: Tell your college registrar, examination controller, or HOD that they may receive an email from APS India requesting verification. Ask them to respond promptly.
- Provide correct contact details: Ensure your institution’s contact information is up-to-date on their website (APS often finds contacts through official websites)
- Follow up politely: If verification is taking longer than 4 weeks, a polite email to APS can help
Peak Season Warning: During May-August (prime application season), processing can extend to 8-10 weeks. Plan accordingly.
Check Your Status: Log into your APS portal account regularly. Status updates include:
- Application received
- Payment confirmed
- Verification in progress
- Certificate issued
Step 8: Receive Your Digital Certificate
Upon successful verification:
- APS updates your portal status
- Digital certificate (PDF) sent to your registered email
- Certificate has a digital signature for authenticity
- You can use this for unlimited university applications
TestAS — For Bachelor’s Applicants
If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany and don’t have a completed Indian Bachelor’s degree, you’ll likely need TestAS in addition to APS. Skip this article if you are applying for Masters in Germany
What is TestAS?
TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende / Test for Foreign Students) is a standardized aptitude test that evaluates your readiness for German university education. Unlike subject-specific exams, TestAS measures:
- Cognitive abilities: Logical reasoning and pattern recognition
- Mathematical skills: Quantitative problem-solving
- Language comprehension: Understanding complex texts
- Subject-specific aptitude: Based on your chosen field
Who Needs TestAS?
| Situation | TestAS Required? |
|---|---|
| Class 12 graduate applying for Bachelor’s | ✅ Yes |
| JEE Main + Advanced cleared | ❌ No (exempted) |
| JEE Main only (without Advanced) | ✅ Yes |
| Completed 1+ year of Bachelor’s in India | Depends on university |
| Applying for Master’s | ❌ No |
📌 JEE Exemption: If you’ve cleared both JEE Main AND JEE Advanced, you’re exempted from TestAS. This is a significant advantage for IIT aspirants who decide to study in Germany instead.
TestAS Quick Facts
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Languages | English or German (your choice) |
| Duration | ~4 hours (including breaks) |
| Format | Digital or paper-based |
| Fee | ~€100 (~₹9,000) |
| Conducted by | g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung) |
| Test Centers | Available in major Indian cities |
| Results | 4-5 weeks after test |
| Validity | Accepted by most German universities indefinitely |
TestAS Structure
The test has two parts:
1. Core Test (for everyone)
- Solving quantitative problems
- Inferring relationships
- Completing patterns
- Continuing numerical series
2. Subject Module (choose one based on your field)
- Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
- Economics
How to Register for TestAS
- Visit testas.de
- Create an account
- Choose test date and location
- Pay the fee (~€100)
- Prepare using sample tests available on the website
📌 Important: TestAS is separate from APS. Bachelor’s applicants without JEE need BOTH certificates. Apply for APS and register for TestAS simultaneously to save time.
APS Cost Breakdown
Understanding all costs involved in the APS process:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| APS Fee | ₹18,000 | Non-refundable |
| Document Photocopies | ₹200-500 | Colored copies on A4 |
| Notarization | ₹500-1,000 | Only for regional language translations |
| Translation | ₹1,000-3,000 | If documents are in regional languages |
| Courier to New Delhi | ₹200-500 | Use tracked courier |
| Passport Photos | ₹50-100 | For application form |
| Total (Typical) | ₹18,500-19,500 | Most applicants |
| Total (With Translation) | ₹20,000-23,000 | If regional language docs |
💡 Budget Tip: If your documents are in English (CBSE, ICSE, most state boards issue in English), you won’t need translation or notarization — saving ₹1,500-4,000.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake 1: Sending Original Documents
Fix: Send colored copies only. Originals are never returned.
❌ Mistake 2: Using Bank Transfer Without Tracking
Fix: Use online payment for instant verification. If using bank transfer, keep the transaction receipt and add it to your application.
❌ Mistake 3: Incomplete Semester Marksheets
Fix: Include ALL completed semesters. Missing even one semester will delay your application.
❌ Mistake 4: Not Informing Your University
Fix: Tell your college registrar/HOD that APS will contact them for verification. This speeds up the process significantly.
❌ Mistake 5: Applying Too Late
Fix: Apply 4-5 months before your university deadline. Peak season (May-August) can extend processing to 8-10 weeks.
❌ Mistake 6: Mismatched Names
Fix: Ensure your name is spelled exactly the same across all documents. Minor variations (Rajesh vs Rajesh Kumar) can cause issues.
❌ Mistake 7: Missing Translations
Fix: Documents in regional languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.) must be translated to English AND notarized. English documents don’t need notarization.
APS Interview — What to Expect
Who Gets Called for Interview?
Interviews are primarily for:
- Currently enrolled students (haven’t completed Bachelor’s yet)
- Cases where document verification needs clarification
Most Master’s applicants with completed degrees do NOT get interviewed.
Interview Basics
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | ~20 minutes |
| Language | English or German (your choice) |
| Notice | 2 weeks before scheduled date |
| Mode | In-person at APS office, New Delhi |
| Purpose | Verify your academic knowledge |
Sample Questions
- Explain your final year project
- What subjects did you study in your Bachelor’s?
- Why do you want to study in Germany?
- Basic questions about your field (e.g., “What is OOP?” for CS students)
Tips
- Review your semester subjects and projects
- Be honest — interviewers can tell if you’re bluffing
- Speak clearly; language fluency isn’t being tested
- Bring original documents (just in case)
After You Receive Your APS Certificate
Congratulations! Your APS certificate is a significant milestone. Here’s what you can do with it and your next steps.
What Can You Do With It?
✅ Apply to Unlimited German Universities One APS certificate works for all your applications — there’s no limit on how many universities you apply to. Whether you’re applying to 5 universities or 15, you need only one APS certificate.
✅ Apply for Student Visa APS certificate is mandatory for your student visa application at VFS Global. Without it, your visa application will not be processed.
✅ Valid for Life The good news: your APS certificate never truly expires. Paper certificates (issued before 2023) are valid indefinitely. Digital certificates technically have a 3-year validity but can be renewed by contacting APS — they don’t require re-verification.
✅ Share Digitally The PDF certificate can be shared electronically with universities. It contains a digital signature for authenticity verification.
What Your APS Certificate Contains
Your certificate will include:
- Your personal details (name, date of birth)
- Educational qualifications verified
- Equivalence assessment (direct admission eligible or Studienkolleg required)
- Language test scores (if you submitted them)
- Digital signature and QR code for verification
Next Steps After APS
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start university applications (uni-assist or direct portals) | Immediately |
| 2 | Continue German language learning (aim for A2-B1) | Ongoing |
| 3 | Prepare SOP, LORs, and CV | 2-4 weeks |
| 4 | Open blocked account (€11,904) | After receiving admission |
| 5 | Apply for student visa at VFS | 3-4 months before semester |
If You Need to Update Your APS
Situations where you might need an updated certificate:
- You completed additional qualifications after APS was issued
- You changed from Bachelor’s to Master’s application category
- Your digital certificate expired
Contact the APS office directly for the process and any additional fees.
🎓 Connect With Your Community
🎓 Your Desi Community Awaits
Brizz.me connects Indians across Germany:
Find what you need:
- 🎉 Indian events near you — festivals, student meetups, movie nights — Browse on Brizz Events
- 🏠 Desi flatmates — WG rooms, verified Indian roommates — Find on Brizz Rentals
- ✅ Indian services — tutors, yoga, consulting — Discover on Brizz Services
- 📚 Step-by-step guides — APS, Sperrkonto, visa tips — Read on Brizz Guides
Share with the community:
- 💼 Good at German or coding? — Help fellow students — List on Brizz Services
📍 The Indian community is waiting — Join at brizz.me
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the APS certificate expire?
No, the APS certificate is valid for lifetime. Digital certificates have a 3-year validity but can be renewed by contacting the APS office.
Can I apply for APS without my degree certificate?
Yes. If you haven’t received your degree certificate yet, submit your provisional certificate along with all semester marksheets.
Is IELTS/TOEFL required for APS?
No, language proficiency tests are NOT required for APS. However, if you include your IELTS/TOEFL scorecard, APS will verify and mention it in your certificate.
What if my APS application is rejected?
APS doesn’t typically “reject” — they may ask for additional documents or clarification. The fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Can I apply for APS from outside India?
The APS India office processes applications for anyone with Indian educational qualifications, regardless of current location. You’ll need to courier documents to New Delhi.
How many copies of the certificate do I receive?
You receive one digital certificate (PDF) via email. This can be shared with unlimited universities. Physical certificates are no longer issued.
Which language tests does Germany accept for student visa?
Germany accepts: Goethe Institute, Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, DSD, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT. PTE, Duolingo, and LanguageCert are NOT accepted. TOEFL iBT Home Edition is also not accepted.
Can I track my APS application status?
Yes, log into your APS portal account to check status updates. Processing status is updated once verification begins.
About This Guide Series
This Guide #5 is part of Brizz.me’s 20-part series — helping Indian students obtain APS certificate for studying Masters in Germany.
| # | Guide |
|---|---|
| 1 | Masters in Germany — Complete Guide |
| 2 | Germany vs UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands |
| 3 | How to Choose a University in Germany |
| 4 | Masters in Germany Eligibility Requirements |
| 5 | APS Certificate Germany Guide |
| 6 | Masters in Germany Application: SOP, LOR, CV & Documents |
| 7 | Learn German for Germany: A1 to B2 |
| 8 | Germany Application Timelines 2026 and 2027 |
| 9 | Germany uni-assist Guide |
| 10 | Germany Scholarships Guide |
| 11 | Germany Sperrkonto (Blocked Account) |
| 12 | Education Loans from India for Germany |
| 13 | Germany Student Visa Application |
| 14 | First 30 Days in Germany Checklist |
| 15 | Germany Werkstudent Jobs Guide |
| 16 | Germany Student Life Hacks |
| 17 | Germany Job Search Strategy |
| 18 | Germany Job Seeker Visa (§20) |
| 19 | Student to Blue Card Germany |
| 20 | Germany Permanent Residence (PR) |
← Previous: Eligibility Requirements & Alternative Pathways
Next →: Masters in Germany Application: SOP, LOR, CV & Documents
Disclaimer
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is educational content, not legal advice. APS requirements and procedures may change. Always verify current information on the official APS India website (aps-india.de) or contact the APS office directly. Information in this guide is current as of January 2026.
Last updated: January 2026
Lakshmi Kalyan Sunku
