Study in Germany: How to Apply for APS Certificate in India?

27-Jul-2025

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Study Abroad

Study in Germany: How to Apply for APS Certificate in India?

Planning to Study in Germany from India? One of the most important steps you’ll need to complete before applying for a German student visa is obtaining the APS Certificate. Since November 2022, this document has been mandatory for all Indian students planning to pursue higher education in Germany. Without it, your visa application will not be processed.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the APS Certificate is, why it is important, and a step-by-step guide to applying for it in India.

What Is an APS Certificate?

APS stands for Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Centre). It is an initiative of the German Embassy and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The APS Certificate verifies the authenticity of your academic documents and checks whether you meet the eligibility criteria for admission to a German university.

This certificate is now a prerequisite to applying for a German student visa (long-term D visa) for Indian students.

Who Needs an APS Certificate?

You must apply for an APS Certificate if:

You are an Indian citizen planning to study Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany.
You hold Indian academic qualifications.
You are applying for a long-term student visa (over 90 days).

Exceptions: Students going on exchange programs or DAAD scholarship recipients may be exempt in some cases. Always verify with your university or the DAAD office.

Why Is the APS Certificate Required?

Verification of academic records to prevent fraud.
Ensures you are eligible to apply for German universities.
Speeds up the student visa process.
Accepted by all German universities.

Documents Required for APS Certificate Application

Here is a checklist of what you need:

Printed and signed APS application form
Passport-sized photograph (not older than 6 months)
Copy of valid passport
Copies of 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates
All semester marksheets of your Bachelor’s degree
Degree certificate (if already graduated)
Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL/German if required)
University application proof (email or confirmation)
APS fee payment receipt

APS Certificate Application Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Register Online

Go to the official APS India website and register yourself. Create an account and fill out the application form online.

Step 2: Print and Sign the Form

After submission, download the completed form, print it, and sign it manually.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The fee for APS certificate is INR 18,000.
Payment is to be made via bank transfer to the APS India bank account (details provided on the official website).
Save and print the payment confirmation.

Step 4: Gather and Send Documents

Prepare two sets of your academic and personal documents along with the signed form and fee receipt.

Step 5: Wait for Document Verification

APS will verify your academic records. This may take 4–8 weeks, depending on the volume of applications.

You can track the status on the APS portal.

Step 6: Receive Your APS Certificate

If everything is in order, you will receive your APS Certificate by courier or can download it from your portal once approved. This certificate is valid indefinitely, unless your academic status changes.

Tips for a Successful APS Application

Ensure your documents are clear, translated (if needed), and complete.
Apply early, especially during peak student intake seasons.
Save copies of everything you send.
Keep your university applications ready to submit as proof.
Any false document will lead to rejection or blacklisting.

What to Do After Receiving the APS Certificate?

Once you have your APS certificate:

You can proceed with your student visa application at the German Embassy or VFS.
Submit it to universities where you are applying.
Include it in your blocked account and visa checklist documents.

How Pollster Education Helps You

Pollster Education makes your study in Germany journey seamless by:

Guiding you through the APS Certificate application process
Helping prepare error-free document sets
Offering university shortlisting and application help
Supporting student visa filing
Advising on financial documents and blocked account
Providing pre-departure and post-arrival support

We provide end-to-end counselling for Indian students, absolutely free of cost.

The APS Certificate is a vital step in your plan to study in Germany. While it may seem like a complicated process, following the correct steps and preparing in advance can make it smooth and stress-free.

With the right guidance from Pollster Education, you can complete your APS and visa process on time and begin your studies in Germany with confidence.