How to Get APS Certificate for Germany | Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students
- SUJATHA PAGADALA SANTHANAM
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Introduction
“Planning to study in Germany? You can’t apply for a student visa without the APS certificate anymore. In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire APS application process, documents required, timeline, tips to avoid rejection, and how to fast-track your verification.”
What is APS and Why is it Needed?
APS = Akademische Prüfstelle, a joint institution of the German Embassy and DAAD
Introduced in November 2022 as a mandatory requirement for Indian students
Purpose:
Verifies authenticity of your academic documents
Confirms your eligibility to apply to a German university
Without APS, your student visa application will be rejected
Who Needs APS?
All Indian students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s in Germany, except:
Those going through private universities that don’t require APS
Or applying for PhD with full scholarships
Even if you already have an admission letter, APS is still mandatory before visa
Step-by-Step Procedure to Get APS
Step 1: Register Online
Go to: www.aps-india.de
Click on “Online Application Portal”
Fill personal details, academic history, university programs you’re applying to
Upload digital documents (not scans of originals)
Step 2: Prepare and Send Hard Copy Documents
After registration, you’ll be instructed to print and send:
Signed APS application form
Photocopies of academic documents (notarized)
10th, 12th mark sheets and certificates
Bachelor’s transcripts and degree certificate (for Master’s applicants)
Medium of Instruction Certificate (if applicable)
Passport copy
IELTS/TOEFL score report (if already available)
Send to APS India Office in New Delhi via courier (preferably Blue Dart, DTDC, or Speed Post with tracking)
Step 3: Pay the Fees
₹18,000 (as of now) – non-refundable
Bank transfer only (NEFT/RTGS)
Attach payment confirmation to your application packet
Step 4: Document Verification Process
Takes 3–6 weeks depending on volume
APS verifies:
Authenticity of university
Validity of degree
Grade equivalency with German standards
They may contact your university, so provide accurate contact info
Step 5: Get the APS Certificate
If successful, you’ll receive:
APS certificate via courier
Also downloadable from your account
The certificate is valid indefinitely
You’ll need to submit this certificate along with your visa application at the German consulate
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Uploading unclear documents
Sending incomplete application (missing signatures, payment proof)
Not notarizing academic documents properly
Applying with backlogs or pending results
Timeline Overview
Registration + Courier Dispatch: 1–2 days
Processing Time: 6–12 weeks
Certificate Delivery: 1 week
Start your APS at least 2–3 months before your planned visa application
Pro Tips for Fast Approval
Get documents notarized in advance
Use college-issued transcripts with stamp & seal
Provide official medium of instruction letter
Submit only what’s asked – extra papers can delay processing
Track your courier and save confirmation email
What Happens if You Get Rejected?
APS will give a reason (usually due to invalid transcripts or unverifiable institution)
You can reapply after correcting the issue
Fee will need to be paid again
Final Thoughts
APS is not difficult, but it’s highly sensitive to documentation quality
Without it, your visa journey won’t even start
If you need help verifying or notarizing your documents, consider working with a certified consultant like PinnAscend — we’ve helped hundreds of students get their APS without rejections
Call to Action
“If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up and share it with friends who are planning to study in Germany. If you want help with your APS or Study Abroad applications, call or whatsapp us @81060 20032.
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