What is APS in Germany?

What is APS in Germany?

APS stands for “Akademische Prüfstelle” which translates to “Academic Evaluation Centre”. The APS Certificate is a document issued by the German embassy or consulate in some countries to evaluate foreign educational qualifications and professional experience of applicants who wish to study or work in Germany.

It is important to note again that starting from 1st November 2022; all student visa appointments in India will require the APS certificate.  

 

APS Certificate for Indian students

Indian students are required to obtain an APS Certificate if they want to pursue higher education in Germany. The APS Certificate is mandatory for students from India who want to enroll in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at a German university. However, students applying for doctoral programs in Germany are not required to obtain an APS Certificate.

The APS Certificate application process for Indian students involves submitting the following documents to the German embassy or consulate in India:

  • Completed APS application form
  • Original and copies of educational certificates (secondary school, higher secondary, and bachelor’s degree)
  • Original and copies of transcripts (mark sheets)
  • Proof of proficiency in the German language (usually at least B1 level)
  • Work experience certificates (if any)

Remember: APS reserves the right to request additional documents.

 

The application process

Register online at www.aps-india.de Print and sign the completed application form. Incomplete and incorrect information will invalidate your application.
Transfer the APS procedure fee of 18,000/- INR to the APS bank account.
Submit the required documents including the printed and signed application form via courier or in person at the reception desk of the APS India.
Document verification will be conducted by the APS. Only complete applications will be processed.
On completion of the document verification, your online profile will be updated with the verification outcome. Successful candidates will receive five original APS certificates via courier.
Successful candidates may apply for a student visa through VFS.

 

How much does it cost?

Students will need to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 18,000 for APS verification. Candidates are required to transfer the fee to the account mentioned below. Please ensure that the bank details are correctly entered. Keep the transaction receipt for future reference.

Bank details for transferring the fees in INR:

Account Holder: Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany – Wiss
Account Number: 0946426766
Name of Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank
IFSC Code: KKBK0000182

So what does the APS Certificate for Germany do?

The APS Certificate is a document that evaluates the educational qualifications and professional experience of individuals who wish to study or work in Germany. The purpose of the APS Certificate is to ensure that the qualifications of the applicant are equivalent to German standards and to assess the applicant’s German language proficiency.

The APS Certificate is a mandatory requirement for certain categories of visa applications for Germany, including student visas, job seeker visas, and work visas. The certificate is primarily designed to assess the applicant’s educational qualifications and work experience in relation to the requirements of the German labor market.

In order to obtain an APS Certificate, the applicant must submit their educational and work experience documents to the German embassy or consulate in their home country. The embassy or consulate then evaluates these documents to determine if the applicant’s qualifications are equivalent to German standards. Additionally, the embassy or consulate may also assess the applicant’s German language proficiency.

Overall, the APS Certificate is an important document for individuals who want to study or work in Germany, as it provides an evaluation of their educational qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency in relation to the requirements of the German labor market.

 

APS Certificate Germany Validity & Processing Time

The validity and processing time of an APS Certificate in Germany may vary depending on the individual circumstances and the purpose for which it is required. Here is some general information on the validity and processing time of an APS Certificate:

Validity

The APS Certificate is generally valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. However, the validity period may vary depending on the individual circumstances and the requirements of the institution or organization for which the certificate is required.

Processing time

The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS India) processes all applications as quickly as possible. Please note, that the processing time can be up to 4 months (approx.).

Who is exempt from the APS requirement?

An APS certificate is not required for short-term courses (less than 90 days). For courses having a duration longer than 90 days, an APS certificate is mandatory. Students sponsored by German or EU-funded scholarships need not apply for an APS certification.

Recent Update – Students going to study at a non-German degree awarding institution are do not require an APS certificate.

 

Conclusion

A recent study conducted in 2022 placed Germany at the 4th position in the list of the top 20 countries for Higher Education. While the procedure to apply in German Universities may be strict, it is fairly straightforward and easy to follow.  The APS certificate is a very important document for Indian students and professionals who wish to study or work in Germany. It is proof of the individual’s qualifications and is required for visa applications, admission to universities, and employment opportunities in Germany. It not only paves a smoother way for admissions but also makes sure that deserving students get their rightful seats at esteemed German Universities.

For more information, join the experts for Germany, call Edusky today on +919266405050 / email: [email protected].