APS Certificate To Study in Germany

If you're an international student planning to study in Germany, you've probably come across the term APS Certificate. This document is an important part of the German student visa application. It helps students from certain countries prove their academic qualifications. This verification makes the admission process easier. But what exactly is the APS Certificate, who needs it, and how do you get one?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including the application process, costs, required documents, and country-specific details for India, China, Vietnam, and more.

What is the APS Certificate? (APS Meaning & APS Full Form)

The APS Certificate is an essential document for international students who wish to study in Germany. The full form of APS is Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Center). It verifies the authenticity of a student’s educational qualifications and ensures they meet the requirements to study in German universities.

Why is the APS Certificate Needed?

The APS Certificate is a mandatory requirement for students from specific countries when applying for a German student visa. It plays a crucial role in:

• Document verification for university applications
• Simplifying the visa application process
• Preventing fraudulent applications by checking if students meet academic criteria
• Facilitating faster admission processing
• Providing proof of genuine academic qualifications

Without an APS Certificate, students from certain countries cannot proceed with their German student visa application. The APS certificate streamlines the process for the universities by doing the initial checks required for the university to verify educational certificates.

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Who Needs the APS Certificate?

The requirement for the APS Certificate depends on the applicant’s country of origin. Some of the countries where it is mandatory include:

• India (APS India)
• China
• Vietnam
• Mongolia

Students from these countries must obtain an APS Certificate before applying to courses in Germany. 

APS Certificate for Different Countries

APS Certificate for India

Indian students applying for a German student visa need an APS Certificate to validate their educational documents. Without this verification, applications for university admission or visa approval cannot proceed.

• Required for both bachelor’s and master’s programs
• Applicants need to submit original documents for verification
• Processing time: 3-4 weeks
• APS India allows up to 5 certificates to be sent to German universities

Read Our Guide on APS India for Requirements & Process

Read Article

APS Certificate for China

Chinese students must obtain an APS Certificate as part of their application process for German universities. APS China has a more rigorous verification process:

• Includes a compulsory interview for some students
• Documents must be translated and notarized before submission
• Processing time: 4-6 weeks
• Required for both degree-seeking and exchange students

APS Certificate for Vietnam

Vietnamese students must obtain an APS Certificate for university admission and visa processing. The requirements include original documents, translated academic certificates, and proof of bank account transactions for the APS fee transfer receipt.

• Required for students applying for a German study visa
• Includes both document verification and academic interview
• Processing time: 6-8 weeks

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APS Certificate for Mongolia

Mongolian students applying for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in Germany must obtain an APS Certificate.

• Includes document verification and an oral interview
• Processing time: 8-10 weeks
• Students must submit certified translations of their educational qualifications
  
  

Who is Exempt from the APS Certificate?

Certain students may be exempt from obtaining an APS Certificate, including:

• Scholarship holders from DAAD, Erasmus, or similar government-funded programs.
• Students applying for doctoral programs (in some cases, depending on the university).
• Applicants to specific exchange programs where APS is not required.
• Students who have already completed a degree from a German university.

It is advisable to check the official website of the respective German embassy or APS office for the latest exemption criteria.

How to Apply for the APS Certificate

The application process for the APS Certificate involves the following steps:

1. Fill Out the Application Form

• Download the application form from the official website of APS in your country.
• Provide personal details, academic qualifications, and intended courses in Germany.

2. Gather the Required Documents

Applicants must submit a document checklist, which typically includes:

• Original documents and certified copies of educational certificates
• Translated documents (if they are not in English or German)
• APS fee transfer receipt
• A valid passport copy
• Bank account details for fee payment
• Any additional documentation required

3. Pay the APS Fee

The APS fee varies based on the country:

Make sure you keep the APS fee transfer receipt as proof of payment. Fees are non-refundable, so submitting complete and correct documents is essential.

4. Submit Your Documents

• Submit the required documents either online or by visiting the APS office in your country.

5. Attend the Verification Process

• Some applicants may need to undergo an interview or written test as part of the document verification process.

6. Receive the APS Certificate

• If all documents are in order, the APS Certificate will be issued within 90 days.

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How to Track Your APS Application?

Once your application is submitted, you can use the APS tracking system on the official website to check the status of your application. This ensures you can monitor the application process and prepare for the next steps accordingly.

Common Reasons for APS Application Rejection

Students should ensure all documents meet APS standards to avoid rejection. Common reasons for rejection include:

• Incomplete required documents
• Failure to provide properly translated documents
• Discrepancies in academic records
• Missing APS fee transfer receipt
• Incorrect bank account details for fee transfer
• Failure to pass the APS interview (if applicable)

To avoid issues, double-check all documentation and submission guidelines.

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