APS Certificate Explained: What It Is and How to Obtain It for Indian Students Planning to Study in Germany
Introduction
Germany is an increasingly popular study-abroad destination among international students. If you want to pursue higher studies in Germany, you must have an overview of the APS certificate required to submit along with a German student visa application.
In this blog, we will provide a detailed explanation of the APS certificate, its application process, document checklist, and much more essential information related to it.
Let’s get started!
What Is An APS Certificate For Indian Students?
➤ APS Certificate For German Visa Process
Also known as "Akademische Prüfstelle”, the APS certificate is an essential document required for German student visa applications. The certificate is issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) to confirm the authenticity of Indian educational documents and accelerate the visa process.
From 1st November 2022, the German Embassy made it compulsory for all international students from India, Vietnam, Mainland China, and Mongolia to verify their academic documents before enrolling at German University.
➤ Importance of an APS certificate
An APS certificate plays an important role in German student visa application. It not only accelerates the application process but streamlines the applications to universities in Germany.
For Indian students planning to study in Germany, obtaining an APS certificate is crucial to prove the authenticity of their Indian academic documents.
➤ Why should Indian Students apply for an APS certificate?
Holding an original APS certificate issued by the APS is mandatory, without it, students cannot apply for a German student visa. Hence, Indian students wanting to pursue their Bachelor's, Master's, or other degree programs in a German university must obtain an APS certificate.
➤ Who is exempted from the APS certificate?
APS certificate is mandatory; however, there are some exceptions to this requirement. This certificate is not required under the below conditions:
- Students funded by German or Europe Scholarships.
- Ph.D. applicants if their dissertation supervisor doesn’t require the APS certificate for registration.
- Students enrolled in short courses that have a duration of less than 90 days.
How To Apply For An APS Certificate From India?
Before beginning the APS certificate application process, it’s important for Indian students to thoroughly understand the requirements and guidelines to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents.
Below is a step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Registration
Register online at APS India’s official website → www.aps-india.de
Step 2: Form Filling
Fill out the application form correctly and then print and sign the form. (Incomplete forms or forms with incorrect information will invalidate your application form)
Step 3: Payment
Transfer the APS (Non-Refundable) verification fee of 18,000/- INR to the APS bank account. (Keep the payment receipt for future reference)
APS Bank Account Details:
- Account Holder: Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany – Wiss
- Account Number: 0946426766
- Name of Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank
- IFSC Code : KKBK0000182
Step 4: Document Submission
Submit necessary documents with printed and signed application forms through courier or in person at the APS India office. (If sent via courier, keep the courier tracking details with you)
Note: Documents submitted to the APS must be translated into English language and need to be notarized.
APS India Office Address For Courier:
Academic Evaluation Centre,
Gate No. 3, DLTA Complex,
R.K. Khanna Stadium,
1 Africa Avenue, 110029
New Delhi, India
Step 5: Document Verification
Document verification will be conducted by APS India. (Only complete application will be processed)
Step 6: Outcome
After the completion of document verification, the online profile of the candidate will be automatically updated with the verification results. Successful candidates will receive a digital APS certificate via email and an original APS certificate copy via courier.
Document Checklist For APS Certificate Germany
APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Class 12th Graduates
- A printed copy of the duly signed application form with passport-size photo (not older than six months)
- A printed copy of the APS fee transaction receipt
- Aadhar card copy with registered mobile number
- Valid passport copy (first and last page)
- Copy of 10th mark sheet and certificate
- Copy of 12th mark sheet and certificate (in case not issued, provide provisional certificate copy – not older than three months)
- Proof of participation in the university entrance exam (if applicable)
- Copy of TestAS (Test for Academic Studies)results (Core and Subject-specific)
- Proof of Language certificate (English/German Language proficiency certificate provide as per the requirement)
APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Class 12th Graduates with JEE (Mains and Advanced)
- A printed copy of the duly signed application form with passport-size photo (not older than six months)
- A printed copy of the APS fee transaction receipt
- Aadhar card copy with registered mobile number
- Valid passport copy (first and last page)
- Copy of 10th mark sheet and certificate
- Copy of 12th mark sheet and certificate (in case not issued, provide provisional certificate copy – not older than three months)
- Proof of clearing the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) Mains and Advanced along with the admit card
- Proof of Language certificate (English/German Language proficiency certificate provide as per the requirement)
APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Undergraduate students (with a minimum of 2 semesters of Bachelor)
- A printed copy of the duly signed application form with passport-size photo (not older than six months)
- A printed copy of the APS fee transaction receipt
- Aadhar card copy with registered mobile number
- Valid passport copy (first and last page)
- Copy of 10th mark sheet and certificate
- Copy of 12th mark sheet and certificate (in case not issued, provide provisional certificate copy – not older than three months)
- Copy of Bachelor’s mark sheet during the 1st year of Bachelor studies
- Copy of TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) results (Core and Subject-specific)
- Proof of Language certificate (English/German Language proficiency certificate provide as per the requirement)
APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Graduate/Post-Graduate Students
- A printed copy of the duly signed application form with passport-size photo (not older than six months)
- A printed copy of the APS fee transaction receipt
- Aadhar card copy with registered mobile number
- Valid passport copy (first and last page)
- Copy of 10th mark sheet and certificate
- Copy of 12th mark sheet and certificate (in case not issued, provide provisional certificate copy – not older than three months)
- 12th class admit card (if available)
- Copy of Bachelor’s mark sheet for all semesters of Bachelor's education and Bachelor's Certificate (if the certificate is not available, provisional certificates issued by the college will also be considered (less than one year old))
- Copy of Master's Certificate and Marksheet (if applicable)
- Copy of TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) results (Core and Subject-specific)
- Proof of Language certificate (English/German Language proficiency certificate provide as per the requirement)
Additional Details Related To APS
➤ APS Certificate Germany Fees
The fee for APS certificates for Indian students is ₹18,000, and successful candidates will receive five APS certificates. If students require additional certificates, then they will be charged ₹500 for each additional certificate.
➤ APS Certificate Processing Time
Successful candidates can expect to receive their APS certificates within 3-4 weeks after their document submission. Candidates can check their application status under the ”My Account" tab on APS India's official website.
➤ APS Certificate Validity
Once issued, an APS certificate is valid for an indefinite period. Students can apply to German universities and visa applications on VFS using this certificate. However, in case of an update in eligibility criteria, re-issuance of an APS certificate might be required.
Average Salary In France For International Students
After Germany, France has the 2nd best graduate salaries. Based on the firm, job location, and type of work, business graduates can expect a salary from 48,000 Euros to 98,000 Euros a year in France.
FAQs
1. Do I have to submit Original documents?
No, applicants are not required to submit their original documents along with the application. They can submit colored photocopies of each of their documents.
Moreover, inform your School/University/College that you have provided your educational documents for verification at APS India, as they may be inquired regarding your academic history.
2. When should I start my application for an APS certificate?
It is advisable to start applying for an APS certificate before starting your admission process for German universities. Consider the processing time of 3-4 weeks to avoid any delays.
3. Am I eligible for the APS Certificate?
Anyone who is pursuing or has pursued an academic program from a recognized Indian School Board/University is eligible to study in Germany and apply for an APS certificate.
4. Do I need to submit a TestAS score?
12th Graduates, undergraduates, and graduates; basically, those who have not sat or cleared JEE Mains and Advanced exams need to take the TestAS exam and submit their scores for applying for an APS certificate.
Final Thoughts
When embarking on your study abroad journey, it’s good to be well-prepared and informed about every process related to it.
For students aspiring to study in Germany, obtaining an APS certificate will help you provide authenticity proof for your Indian academic documents as well as speed up your admission and visa application process.
In this blog, we have provided all the necessary information for Indian students to obtain an APS certificate. Candidates can also connect with Edugo Abroad to streamline their application process.
Edugo Abroad is a trusted Europe education consultancy in India, helping students achieve their global education dream. We have an impeccable track record of a 90% German visa success rate and have helped more than 150+ students get their visas successfully.
Contact our experts today to begin your study abroad journey.
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