APS Certificate for Germany - Guide for International Students

If you want to study in Germany and come from certain countries, you may need an APS certificate. This document confirms that your academic records are verified and valid for studying in Germany.

For many international students, APS is a mandatory step before applying to universities and before starting the student visa process.

In this guide, you will learn:

• what the APS certificate is
• who needs it
• how the APS process works
• which documents are required
• how long processing usually takes

What is the APS certificate?

APS stands for Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Center).

APS verifies academic documents and confirms:

• authenticity of your documents
• university entrance eligibility
• academic qualification for Germany

Who needs an APS certificate?

The APS process mainly applies to students from:

• China
• India
• Vietnam
• Mongolia

These students often need APS for:

• university applications
• student visa applications

➡️ Required documents for studying in Germany

Why is APS required?

Germany introduced APS to:

• reduce document fraud
• support universities with pre-verification
• speed up visa handling

With APS, universities and authorities can quickly confirm that your qualification is valid.

When do you need APS?

You usually need APS before university applications.

Typical sequence:

1. apply for APS
2. apply to universities
3. receive admission
4. apply for student visa

➡️ Apply to German universities

Which documents are usually required?

Requirements vary by country, but typical documents include:

• school leaving certificate
• university certificates/transcripts (if available)
• passport
• CV
• application form
• language certificates (if requested)
• passport photos
• APS fee payment proof

Documents usually need to be complete, certified, and translated where necessary.

How does the APS process work?

Step 1: Register online

Create your profile on the relevant APS portal.

Step 2: Submit documents

Send required documents online and/or by post.

Step 3: Interview or test (if required)

Some applicants must complete an interview or academic test.

Step 4: Receive APS certificate

After successful verification, you receive the APS certificate for applications and visa use.

Processing time and costs

Typical processing times:

• around 3-6 weeks
• can be up to 2 months in peak periods

Typical fee range:

• around 150-300 EUR (varies by country)

Fees are usually non-refundable.

Common issues

• incomplete documents
• incorrect translations
• applying too late and missing university deadlines

Start early, ideally 6-12 months before your intended study start.

What comes after APS?

After APS approval, proceed with:

• university applications

➡️ Apply to German universities

• student visa

➡️ Student visa Germany

• blocked account

➡️ Blocked account Germany

• health insurance

➡️ Health insurance for students in Germany

Conclusion

For many international students, APS is a critical first step on the path to studying in Germany. If you prepare documents early and follow the process carefully, you can complete APS smoothly and move forward with admission and visa preparation.