APS Certificate Germany: Requirements, Process, and Benefits

What is an APS Certificate?

The APS certificate is basically an authorised document offered by the German Academic Evaluation Centres to students seeking admission in German universities for long-term courses. The APS certificate full form is Akademische Prüfstelle, a mandatory document enabling international students to obtain a student visa in Germany. Moreover, it shows that all the documents are original and genuine, which is enough to get admission to any German institution.

Highlights

Having come across the above details, you must have understood all the information about the APS certificate for Germany. But do you know it’s crucial to know about the processing time to get the certificate before visa and university deadlines? So, let’s find out how long it takes to get an APS:

• Processing Time– The processing time usually ranges between 3 and 6 weeks from the submission date, which can expand during busy periods (April to August). Alternatively, this time depends on the total application and responsiveness of the native authorities.
• Validity of APS Germany Certificate– The APS certificate validity of the digital certificate is 3 years from the issuance date and requires renewal after that period. Whereas the paper certificate is valid for an indefinite period.

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Why Is the APS Certificate Important?

An APS Certificate Germany is an essential prerequisite for international scholars applying for a German visa or admission to German universities. The visa application will not proceed without an APS certificate, as it shows the authenticity of your educational qualifications. Here are a few points that prove why the APS certificate is crucial:

• Mandatory for visa application – It is a crucial document and mandatory for students seeking a visa to study in Germany, as the application will not proceed without an ASP certificate.
• Validation of documents – This certificate helps candidate to meet the vital educational standards for German universities by validating their academic transcripts.
• Prevents Fraud – The APS certificate aids German educational institutions in preventing the admission of fraudulent students by verifying their academic records.

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Application Process for APS Certificate   

Now that you have learnt about this certificate and its importance, let’s discuss how to apply for APS certificate with the easy steps.

• Collect Vital Documents - Start the process by collecting all the key documents, which must be verified through APS India, as this proves the authenticity of your documents.
• Online Registration – After collecting these documents, you are required to complete the online registration process by visiting the official website of APS India. Create your account and fill out the application form by uploading documents. Make sure you attach both the English-translated and original photocopies of all the documents.  
• Pay the Fees - The next step requires the candidate to pay the process fees to continue the APS application process, which you can pay through bank transfer.
• Submit Application – Once you are done with this process, submit the application to the Academic Evaluation Centre in your native country. You can submit the form online, but at some centres, they might ask for physical documents. So, check the requirements before submission.
• Personal Interview – This is the last step, which is not applicable in every country. Some countries may invite applicants for a personal interview to authenticate their qualifications. You will receive the Germany APS certificate within a month, so make sure you apply accordingly to avoid delays.

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Documents Required

The process starts with collecting documents, but do you know the APS certificate requirements varies based on the applicant’s educational level? Thus, to avoid this confusion, we have cited the detailed checklist about essential documents based on your current academic level, which you must submit while applying for the APS certificate.

For Postgraduates and Graduates

• Photocopies of all mark sheets
• Copy of a provisional certificate or bachelor’s degree
• Copy of Master’s Degree (If applicable)
• Admit card of class XII, including all documents required for JEE and Class 12 Candidates

For Undergraduates (Pursuing)

• Bachelor’s Mark Sheets of the first year
• Photocopy of class XII and X mark sheets
• Copy of passport
• Test for Academic Studies results
• APS free receipt
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Signed the application form with a passport-size photo
• Proof of a language certificate in English or German

After Class XII or JEE Main

• JEE result with the admit card
• Copy of Aadhaar Card, which is linked to the mobile number
• Transcript of class X and XII
• Pre-University Entrance Exam Proof (if needed)
• TestAS Results
• Copy of APS fee receipt
• Signed the application form with your passport photo
• Proof of passport
• Language proficiency certificate in English or German

APS Certificate Fees

The APS certificate cost varies based on the country, such as Vietnam, Pakistan, Mongolia, India and China. However, the total fee is INR 18,000 for India, €240 in Vietnam, PKR 18,000 in Pakistan, €150 in Mongolia and €334 in China.

The APS certificate fees are non-refundable, and applicants can transfer them directly via bank or online via the CCAvenue portal during registration. However, the Indian students must transfer their fees to the APS India bank account.

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Tips to Get Your APS Certificate Faster

Here are a few tips which you should consider before applying for the APS certificate for Germany to get it faster. 

• Submit Verified and Complete Documents – Submitting authentic and correct documents required for APS certificate Germany is most important to get your certificate as soon as possible. Thus, before submitting your documents, ensure they are accurate, complete, and Digilocker verified. You are not required to attach an SOP or LOR with these documents.
• Apply Early – The processing time may take up to 4-6 weeks, especially during busy periods, so applying early can help you avoid this issue. Additionally, it provides ample time to solve any issue, such as incorrect documents.
• Give a Responsive Contact – APS Certificate Germany generally contacts your professor or university head to verify details. Thus, offering a contact number that responds to the calls is essential for prompt communication.
• Pay Online – Many students face issues while transferring APS Germany fees, which leads to delays. Thus, it is recommended to pay online, as it helps in avoiding delays related to manual bank transfers.
• Consult with Your University – You should connect with your university and convince them to send your academic documents to the APS office through email. It will increase the authenticity of your papers, leading to a faster APS certificate.

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Conclusion

In a nutshell, the APS certificate Germany ensures a smooth student visa obtaining process and provides easy access to German Universities. However, if you are applying for PhD courses or any short-term programmes, you can avoid this requirement. Being one of the crucial requirements in obtaining a German student visa, you must follow all the steps meticulously to prevent errors. Hence, connect with our study abroad consultants who can help you manage these documents to get the certificate as soon as possible.

FAQs:

1. Can I Apply for the APS Certificate If I Haven’t Received My Final Degree Certificate Yet?

Yes, you can apply for the APS certificate without a final degree certificate, but you must provide a provisional degree certificate.

2. Can I apply for APS without IELTS?

Yes, it is totally valid to apply for APS without IELTS because you are not required to prove your language proficiency for this certificate.

3. Which universities don't require APS?

Some private universities in Germany offer admission without APS, which includes:

• Berlin School of Business and Innovation
• EU Business School
• New European College
• Lancaster University Leipzig

4. Is APS required for a German Student Visa?

Yes, a student seeking a German Visa must have an APS certificate because it verifies their qualifications and academic documents. Your visa application will not be accepted without an APS certificate.

5.Who Needs the APS Certificate?

Students from India, China and Vietnam, who want to pursue a long-term degree in Germany, must acquire an APS Germany Certificate. It is because the certification validates your academic credentials. Plus, it is a mandatory requirement to apply for a German student visa and for universities. However, students applying for doctoral programs (PhD) or short-term courses are exempted from this requirement.