ASP Certificate Germany for Indian Students: Requirements, Process, & Fees

Indian students aspiring to pursue studies in Germany in 2026-27 are required to include APS certificate Germany when applying for study visas, as this document helps verify the authenticity of their academic credentials.

Within six months after the APS requirement was introduced by Germany in November 2022, 25,000 applications arrived at APS India, and around 7,000 certificates were issued. Moreover, to reduce the delay and streamline the verification process, APS introduced digital certificates (starting April 2023). In this article, we will explore all the details concerning the APS certificate in Germany for Indian students who need it and how to get one.

What is the APS Certificate Germany?

The Akademische Prufstelle (APS) certificate is a crucial document that helps verify your Indian academic records and qualifications. It is a mandatory document to be submitted if you want to pursue studies in Germany, and without an APS certificate, you cannot get admission or a visa.

Students are advised to complete their APS process before proceeding to apply to a German university, as it helps keep their processing time to a minimum. However, an APS certificate is not mandatory for short-term courses that are less than 90 days. 

The APS certificate and TestAS exam generally go hand in hand for admissions in German universities, and applicants should also note that the APS does not issue visas, but an original APS certificate is an integral part of your student visa application process.

Who Needs an APS Certificate in Germany?

All Indian students who wish to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Germany are required to apply for an APS certificate before they begin their application process to universities in Germany. 

All the currently studying or graduated students with educational qualifications from any recognised Indian school boards or universities need to secure an APS Certificate Germany as it is also a mandatory requirement for a German student visa.

Explore Intakes in Germany

Who Does Not Need an APS Certificate Germany?

Indian students who have been sponsored by a German or EU-funded scholarship do not need to apply for APS certification. Also, Indian students who wish to apply for a PhD or Postdoc or who are going to study the German language without attending a university or without attending any pre-university preparatory classes, do not need to apply for an APS certificate in Germany.

Why is the APS Certificate Mandatory for Indian Students in Germany?

The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate is a mandatory requirement for Indian students planning to pursue higher education in Germany. This document plays a crucial role in the application process for academic programs in Germany.

Here are the primary reasons why the APS Certificate is mandatory for Indian students in Germany.

• Academic Equivalence: The APS Certificate serves as proof that your academic qualifications obtained in India are equivalent to the standards of the German education system. This is essential for universities in Germany to assess your eligibility for admission.
• Admission Requirement: Most German universities and colleges require Indian applicants to provide an APS Certificate as part of their application package. Without this certificate, your application may be considered incomplete, and you may not be eligible for admission.
• Visa Application Mandate: When applying for a student visa to Germany, one of the critical requirements is to submit the APS Certificate. The German authorities use this certificate to verify that your academic credentials align with their education standards.
• Course Selection Requirement: Different academic programs in Germany may have specific prerequisites and requirements. The APS Certificate ensures that you meet these criteria, allowing you to select the appropriate course of study.
• Facilitates Recognition: German universities and educational institutions use the APS evaluation to facilitate the recognition of your Indian qualifications. This recognition is crucial to ensure that your academic achievements are acknowledged and accepted in Germany.
• Ensures Quality Education: By requiring the APS Certificate, German universities maintain a standard of quality in their academic programs. They aim to admit students who have demonstrated the necessary qualifications to excel in their chosen fields of study.

Learn more about Cost of Studying in Germany

Requirements to Get an APS Certificate in Germany

As you know the APS certificate is an essential document that Indian students need for the recognition of their educational qualifications in Germany. Here, we'll guide you through the key requirements for obtaining an APS certificate.

APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Applicants After Class XII

To help you navigate the application process, we've compiled a comprehensive document checklist for APS applications after completing Class XII. Check the given list below.

• Printed application form with a recent passport-size photo (not older than 6 months) duly signed.
• Copy of the receipt confirming the transfer of the APS fee.
• Copy of your Aadhaar Card with a linked mobile number.
• Copy of your passport (including the first and last pages).
• Copy of Class X Marksheet and Certificate.
• Copy of Class XII Marksheet and Certificate. In cases where the certificate has not been issued yet, the Provisional Certificate issued by the school will be accepted (provided it is not older than 3 months).
• Evidence of participation in a Pre-University Entrance Exam (if applicable).
• Copy of TestAS Results (both Core and Subject-specific).
• Copy of Language Certificate – German and/or English.

APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Applicants After Class XII With Passed JEE Mains or Advance

To help you navigate the application process, we've compiled a comprehensive document checklist for APS applications after completing Class XII with passed JEE Mains and Advanced exams. Check the given list below.

• Fill out the application form completely and don't forget to sign it. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph (not older than six months).
• Include a copy of the receipt confirming your APS fee payment.
• Provide a copy of your Aadhaar card, ensuring it is linked to your current mobile number.
• Include copies of your passport, specifically the first and last pages.
• Add copies of your Class X mark sheet and certificate.
• If your Class XII certificate has not been issued yet, you can submit the provisional certificate issued by your school. Make sure it's not older than three months.
• Include evidence of your successful completion of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and Advanced, along with your admit card.
• Attach copies of your language certificates, whether in German, English, or both, depending on the language requirements of your chosen program.

APS Certificate Germany Document Checklist For Applicants With Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

To help you navigate the application process, we've compiled a comprehensive document checklist for APS applications with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Check the given list below.

• Complete the application form by printing it and affixing a recent passport-size photo (not older than 6 months). Ensure that the form is duly signed.
• Provide a copy of the receipt confirming the transfer of the APS processing fee.
• Include a copy of your Aadhaar card with an associated mobile number.
• Submit a copy of your passport, including the first and last pages.
• Furnish copies of your Class XII mark sheet and certificate.
• If available, enclose a copy of your Class XII admit card.
• Include copies of mark sheets from all semesters.
• Provide a copy of your bachelor's degree. In case the degree has not been issued yet, the provisional certificate issued by your college will be accepted. (The provisional certificate should not be older than 1 year.)
• If applicable, enclose copies of your Master's degree and transcripts.
• Include copies of language certificates for German and/or English proficiency.

Also, read: How To Get Job in Germany From India in 10 Simple Steps

How to Get an APS Certificate in Germany for Indian Students?

If you're an Indian student aspiring to pursue higher education in Germany, you may be familiar with the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate, which is a crucial requirement for admissions to many German universities. To help you understand the process better, we've outlined the application process for an APS certificate for Germany from India.

Steps to Apply for APS Certificate Germany

The APS certificate is an essential document for Indian students planning to study in Germany. By following the steps outlined here, you can navigate the application process successfully and enhance your chances of gaining admission to your desired German university.

Step 1: Begin by registering online at www.aps-india.de. Print the application form, ensuring that the information entered is accurate. It is imperative that the form is personally signed by the applicant. It's essential to avoid any incomplete or incorrect details as they may render your application invalid.

Step 2: Transfer the APS processing fee of ₹18,000 to the designated APS bank account.

Step 3: Submit the required documents, including the printed and signed application form, through a courier service to APS India. You can easily locate the address on the APS official website. Remember to maintain a record of your courier's tracking details.

Step 4: Document verification will be conducted by APS, and it's important to note that only complete applications will be processed.

Step 5: Once the document verification is successfully completed, your online profile will be updated with the verification result and you will receive a digital APS certificate known as "DigZert" via email. This certificate will be sent to the email address you registered with.

Step 6: With the APS certificate in hand, you can proceed to apply to any German university of your choice and initiate the process for your student visa. For detailed visa information, you can visit the official website of the German consulate.

Also Read: What Level of German is Required to Study in Germany in 2026?

Processing Time for APS Certificate in Germany

The processing time for obtaining the APS Certificate may vary depending on various factors, including the completeness of your application. Generally, the processing time can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. However, the applicants who are called for interview, can get their certificates issued within 2 weeks.

Validity of APS Certificate Germany

The APS Certificate holds a lifelong validity. This means that once you obtain the APS Certificate, it does not expire, and you can use it at any time in the future when applying for academic programs in Germany. Whether you plan to apply for a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program, the APS Certificate will remain a valuable asset for your entire academic journey.

Also Read: IELTS Score Requirements for Studying in Germany

APS Certificate Germany Fees 2026

The APS certificate process involves assessing your educational qualifications to ensure they meet the standards required for studying in Germany. The fees associated with this procedure are as follows.

APS Verification Fee

To initiate the APS process, you'll need to pay a non-refundable verification fee. As of now, the APS verification fee is ₹18,000 INR. This fee is payable to APS and is an essential step to get your credentials assessed.

Costs for Document Submission

While not exactly a fee, you should consider the costs associated with submitting your documents to APS. This includes courier charges and any expenses for obtaining the required documents, such as transcripts and language certificates.

Study in Germany in 2026? GetGIS Study Abroad Assistance is All You Need

Obtaining an APS certificate Germany is a mandatory and first step for Indian students aiming to pursue studies in German institutions. While the process has become more streamlined with digital certification, it, however, demands careful documentation and timely submission. 

To simplify your study abroad application process, consider seeking guidance from trusted experts like GetGIS. Our team offers end-to-end assistance. From guidance to APS certification, university application, visa process, and more, ensuring your safe Immigration and study abroad experience.

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