APS Certificate - Akademische Prüfstelle

1 - Introduction

The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) is an institution of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany established in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). APS was first established in India, China and Vietnam. APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate has become mandatory for students who want to apply for a German student visa or admission in German universities.

2 - What is APS (Akademische Prüfstelle)?

The APS Certificate is an academic verification document issued by the German Embassy’s Academic Evaluation Centre.  APS India verifies the authenticity of your educational documents, including your school certificates, degree, mark sheets, and university recognition on Anabin portal.

APS ensures that:

• Your academic documents are real
• Your qualifications meet German standards
• You are eligible to study in Germany
• Your case can be processed faster for admission and visa

3 - Why is APS Important?

APS became mandatory because:

• It is needed for University Applications.
• Helps German universities quickly evaluate your academic profile.
• It is required to complete the student visa process.

4 - Who Needs an APS Certificate?
You must apply for APS if:

• You completed education in India, China, or Vietnam
• You are applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, German Language
• You need a long-term student visa (D visa)

Exemptions:

APS Certificate is NOT required if:

• You completed your entire education outside India, China or Vietnam
• You hold an IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma
• You are applying for a PhD Program
• Students with German-funded scholarships (e.g., DAAD)
• You are applying for a short-term program (under 90 days)

5 - Step-by-Step Process to Apply for APS

Step 1: Check your university status on Anabin portal

On Anabin, your university status should be H+ to apply for APS. If your university status is H+/- OR H-, then you are not eligible to apply for APS and to study in Germany. To check status on Anabin click on link: - https://anabin.kmk.org/db/institutionen

Step 2: Digilocker: Your documents like School, High School and if possible, bachelor marksheets & degree certificate should be uploaded on Digilocker. If your all documents are uploaded on Digilocker and you have courier the Digilocker verified hardcopies to APS office, then your documents will be verified very fast and you may receive your APS certificate in 10 days. Also, it will help you in smoothly process.

Step 3: Register on the APS India Portal

Before registration on APS portal check your University on Anabin portal. Visit the official APS India website and create a student account and fill in your personal & academic details accurately.

Link: - https://aps-india.de/aps-process/

Step 4: Pay the APS Processing Fee

The current APS application fee is 18,000 Rs (non-refundable). Payment can be made via NEFT / UPI / bank transfer. For Bank details click on Link: - https://aps-india.de/checklists/

Step 5: Courier Documents to APS India

• Printed & signed application form with passport size photo (not older than 6 months)
• APS fee transfer receipt.
• Aadhaar card with linked mobile number.
• Passport (1st and last page)
• Class X Marksheet and Certificate
• Class XII marksheet and certificate.
• Class XII admit card, if available.
• Marksheets of all semesters.
• Bachelor degree, if available. Else, the provisional certificate issued by the College (Not older than 1 year)
• Master’s degree and transcripts. (if applicable) 
• Language certificate – German and/or English (If available)
• Signed Student Authorization Letter – German and/or English

For Documents Checklist click on Link: - https://aps-india.de/checklists/

Courier Address: Gate No. 3, DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue, 110029 New Delhi, India

6 - How Long Does APS Take?

• If your all documents are in Digi locker then most probably APS certificate will be received in 10 to 12 days.
• If your documents are not uploaded in Digi locker then APS certificate will be received in 30 to 40days

• Delays may happen due to

1. Documents not uploaded in Digi locker
2. High application volume
3. Unresponsive colleges/university
   1. Document errors
4. Blurry photocopies

• Note: Apply early to avoid delays.

7 - Validity of APS Certificate

8 - Common Reasons for APS Delays or Rejections

1. Unresponsive Colleges
   APS emails your institution using official university email IDs. If they do not reply, your verification gets stuck. Solution: Inform your registrar/professor beforehand.
2. Blurry, unclear scans
   APS cannot verify unclear stamps or grades. Solution: Upload high-quality, color copies.
3. Missing semester marksheets
   Many students submit only consolidated transcripts. Solution: Submit all semester-wise marksheets, including backlog re-attempt marks.
4. Payment mistakes
   If payment came from another account without your name or APS ID, delays occur. Solution: Mention APS ID + Full Name in transaction details.
5. Fake or altered documents

If APS finds tampering, you may be permanently blacklisted from German visas. Solution: Only submit genuine documents.

9 - Benefits of APS Certificate

• Faster visa appointment acceptance
• Smooth university admission
• Reduced verification workload
• Proof of authentic academic background
• Required for almost all German universities

              The APS certificate is your entry ticket to Study in Germany.