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APS Certificate Process Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students (2026)
If you are an Indian student planning to study in Germany in 2026, obtaining the APS Certificate is a mandatory and crucial step before applying for a German student visa.
Since November 2022, the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS India) verification has become compulsory for Indian applicants applying for higher education in Germany.
This guide explains the APS Certificate process step by step, including documents required, fees, timelines, verification stages, and common mistakes Indian students should avoid.
What is an APS Certificate?
The APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) is an academic verification document issued by APS India. It confirms the authenticity of your academic records before you apply for:
- German student visa
- German university admission (in many cases)
Without APS, your visa application will not be accepted.
Who Needs an APS Certificate?
Indian students applying for:
- Bachelor’s programs in Germany
- Master’s programs in Germany
- German student visa (National Visa – Type D)
Even if you already have university admission, APS is still mandatory for visa processing.
APS Certificate Fee (2026 Update)
As of 2026:
- APS Fee: ₹18,000 (approx.)
- Payment must be made online to APS India account
- Non-refundable
Always check the official APS India portal for the latest updates before payment.
Step-by-Step APS Certificate Process (For Indian Students)
Step 1: Register on APS India Website
Visit the official APS India portal and create your account.
You will:
- Fill personal details
- Enter academic history
- Upload required information
After registration, you will receive a reference number.
Step 2: Pay the APS Fee
Transfer the APS processing fee to the official APS bank account.
Important:
- Mention your APS reference number in payment remarks
- Keep transaction proof
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Indian students must submit:
For Bachelor’s Applicants:
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Passport copy
- Admission letter (if available)
- Language certificate (IELTS/TestDaF if available)
For Master’s Applicants:
- All semester mark sheets
- Degree certificate
- Provisional certificate (if degree not issued)
- Passport copy
- APS application form printout
- Payment proof
Documents must be:
- Clear photocopies
- Self-attested
- Organized properly
Step 4: Courier Documents to APS India
Send your documents to the APS India address mentioned on their website.
Use reliable courier service.
Keep tracking details.
Step 5: Academic Verification Process
APS verifies:
- University authenticity
- Degree validity
- Academic records
In some cases, they may:
- Contact your university directly
- Ask for additional clarification
- Conduct interview (rare cases)
Step 6: APS Certificate Issuance
Once verified:
- APS issues digital certificate via email
- You receive multiple copies (usually 10 PDF versions)
- Use it for university applications and visa
APS Processing Time (2026)
Average processing time:
4 to 8 weeks
However:
- Peak season (March–July) may take longer
- Incomplete documents cause delays
Apply early to avoid visa timeline issues.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make
- Paying incorrect fee amount
- Forgetting reference number in payment
- Sending unclear mark sheets
- Not self-attesting documents
- Applying too late before visa appointment
These mistakes can delay your Germany intake by months.
Is APS Required for All German Universities?
Most public and private German universities now require APS for Indian students.
Even if a university does not explicitly mention it, APS is mandatory for the visa process.
What Happens If APS is Rejected?
APS may reject applications if:
- Documents are inconsistent
- University is not recognized
- Academic records cannot be verified
In such cases:
- You may be asked to reapply
- Fee is not refunded
Final Checklist Before Applying
✔ Valid passport
✔ All semester mark sheets
✔ Degree certificate
✔ APS fee payment proof
✔ Self-attested copies
✔ Correct courier address
Why APS is Important for Indian Students
Germany remains one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students due to:
- Low or no tuition fees in public universities
- Strong engineering and STEM programs
- Post-study work opportunities
- Growing Indian student community
APS ensures academic credibility and reduces fraudulent documentation.
Conclusion
The APS Certificate is not optional — it is a mandatory step for Indian students planning to study in Germany in 2026.
Apply early, prepare documents carefully, and track your application properly.
Proper planning can save you months of delay in your German admission and visa process.
If you are planning to study in Germany and need structured guidance, explore verified information and step-by-step resources at StudyAbroadCourses.org.
(Optional Section for EEAT Boost)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is APS required before applying to German universities?
Some universities require it during application; however, it is mandatory for visa.
Q2: Can I apply for APS without IELTS?
Yes, language certificate is not mandatory for APS.
Q3: How long is APS valid?
APS certificate does not usually expire.
Q4: Can diploma students apply for APS?
Yes, but additional documents may be required.
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Written By
Sayali Yadav
Sayali Yadav has been living in Germany for the past four years. She holds a Master’s degree in Quantitative Molecular Biology from Humboldt University of Berlin, one of Germany’s top five universities and home to over 50 Nobel Laureates. She has worked at the Nobel Laureate’s Charpentier Lab at the Max Planck Institute and at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin. She is also the co-founder of Edulx, an initiative that guides Indian students in securing admission to German public universities and supports them throughout their academic journey.