Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your APS Certificate from India for German Student Visa

14 July 2025

Planning to study in Germany? Then getting your APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate is one of the first and most important steps in your process. This certificate verifies your academic records and is a must for all Indian students applying for a German student visa for long-term courses such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we make this easy for you, whether you are a first-time user or in case you require assistance with the fresh updates. According to new guidelines, effective from November 2022, Indian applicants need the APS certificate, which has to be procured prior to applying for a student visa.

Let us guide you through all the details you require regarding applying for the APS certificate of India with a simplified and latest process in order to ease your procedure.

What is the APS Certificate

APS refers to Akademische Prüfstelle, and it is a mutual effort between the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The certificate is proof that your academic papers are genuine and comply with the standards of German universities. It is a guarantee of quality that saves time and expedites processing of university admission and visas.

Why You Need the APS Certificate

Since December 2022, the APS certificate has been a mandatory document that Indian students need to acquire if they want to get a German student visa for study duration over 90 days. Your visa application will be rejected without APS. Furthermore, the majority of German universities now require the certificate before considering admitting a student.

Step-by-Step Application for APS Certificate from India

1.Visit the Website of APS India

Go to the official website www.aps-india.de and go through all instructions carefully.

2.Create an APS Account

Register yourself using your email id on the APS portal.

3.Fill Out the Application Form

Log in and complete the online application form. Fill up your academic and personal information.

4.Prepare the Required Documents

You are to provide soft and hard copies. The documents needed are:

• 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• All semester-wise mark sheets and degree certificate (for graduates)
• Passport copy
• Passport-size photo (recent)
• Proof of application to university (if available)
• Certificate of language (if necessary)

5.Pay the Application Fee

APS application fee is INR 18,000 (non-refundable) at present. You will need to deposit it in the bank account specified on the APS website. Keep the proof of payment as it is a part of your application.

6.Send Hard Copies by courier/post

After paying and submitting the form, courier your documents together with the payment receipt and signed application form to APS India office in New Delhi.

7.Wait for Document Verification and Interview (if needed)

APS will verify your documents after they receive them. Sometimes, you will be asked to provide an interview. But interviews are seldom provided to the majority of the students.

8.Get Your APS Certificate

If everything is in order, you’ll receive your APS certificate by post or download it from your portal. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks after your documents are verified.

Important Updates and Tips

• APS certificate is valid indefinitely, unless stated otherwise by the university.
• Apply early to avoid delays during the visa process.
• Double-check all your documents and send only attested copies where required.
• Do not send original mark sheets unless specifically requested.
• Use a tracked safe delivery service.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we manage the whole APS application process, right from document verification to courier and follow-up. If you are unsure of the procedures or need assistance in preparation of your documents, consult our expert counsellors now.

Contact with BCES Admissions Abroad at +91 9319996328 for professional advice and quicker APS application services.