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What is APS Certificate of Germany
What is APS Certificate of Germany
The APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) is a crucial document for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese students who wish to study at a German university. It’s issued by the Academic Evaluation Center, a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
What is the purpose of the APS Certificate?
- Verification of Academic Records: The APS checks the authenticity of your educational documents and confirms that your academic qualifications meet German university standards.
- Eligibility for German Universities: It verifies that your prior education makes you eligible to apply for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Germany.
- Mandatory for Visa Application: Since November 2022, an APS certificate has become a mandatory part of the documents you need to submit when applying for a German student visa at VFS Global centers in India. Without it, your visa application cannot proceed.
- Streamlined Application Process: Having an APS certificate can make your university application process smoother as German universities recognize the APS as a reliable authority for verifying international academic credentials.
Who needs an APS Certificate?
Generally, if you have completed your prior education (10+2, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, etc.) in India, China, or Vietnam and are applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Germany, you will need the APS certificate.
Exemptions:
Certain categories of students might be exempt from needing an APS certificate. These can include:
- Students with a German Abitur (German high school diploma).
- Students applying for Ph.D. programs (requirements may differ).
- Students receiving scholarships funded by the German government (e.g., DAAD scholarships).
- Students holding international high school qualifications (e.g., IB, A-Levels).
- Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree outside of India, China, or Vietnam and are applying for a Master’s program.
- Students going to Germany solely for a language course without plans for university studies.
How to Apply for the APS Certificate (for Indian Students):
The application process generally involves these steps:
- Register Online: Visit the official APS India website https://aps-india.de/ and create an account. Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations.
- Gather Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include:
- Printed and signed application form with a recent passport-size photograph.
- Copy of your passport (first and last page).
- Copy of your Aadhaar Card with linked mobile number.
- Mark sheets and certificates for Class X and XII.
- Mark sheets for all semesters/years of your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree.
- Degree certificates (provisional certificate is often accepted if the degree certificate hasn’t been issued yet, but it should not be older than 1 year).
- Proof of payment of the APS fee (currently around INR 18,000).
- Translation of documents (if not in English).
- Other documents as specified on the APS India website (e.g., JEE Main/Advanced results, TestAS results, language certificates if applicable).
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable APS fee online or via bank transfer as per the instructions on the APS India website.
- Submit Documents: Send the printed and signed application form along with the photocopies of all required documents (as per the checklist on the APS website) to the APS India office in New Delhi via courier or in person.
- Verification Process: APS India will verify your documents with the respective educational authorities. This process can take anywhere from 3-4 weeks to 45-60 days or even longer, so apply well in advance. In some cases, APS might request a brief interview.
- Receive Your APS Certificate: Once the verification is complete and successful, you will receive your APS certificate digitally via your registered email address. This digital certificate is valid and should be used for your university and visa applications.
Important Points to Remember:
- Apply Early: It is highly recommended to apply for the APS certificate at least 3-4 months before your intended university application deadlines.
- Accurate Information: Ensure all the information you provide in the application form and documents is accurate and matches your official records.
- Complete Application: Submit a complete application with all the required documents to avoid delays or rejection. Incomplete applications will be rejected, and the fee will be lost.
- Document Verification: APS will verify the authenticity of your documents with your educational institutions. Ensure your institutions are responsive to any verification requests from APS.
- Digital Certificate: The APS certificate is now issued digitally as a secured PDF file. Do not rename or modify this file when submitting it to universities or visa authorities.
- Validity: Once issued, the APS certificate is generally valid indefinitely. However, you might need to reapply under a different category if your qualifying credentials change.
- Track Your Application: You can usually track the status of your APS application online through the APS India portal.
The APS certificate is a crucial step for eligible international students aspiring to study in Germany. By understanding the process and preparing thoroughly, you can navigate this requirement effectively and move closer to your academic goals in Germany.
