APS India: Everything Indian Students Need to Know

If you’re planning to study in Germany as an Indian student, you may have come across the term APS certificate during your application research. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about APS, why it matters, how to get this certificate and costs associated with it.

What is APS?

The Academic Evaluation Center (Akademische Prüfstelle in German) is a certification body that verifies the authenticity of academic documents and qualifications for students applying to German universities. For Indian students, APS India ensures that your educational background aligns with German university requirements and confirms the validity of your degrees.

The APS certificate is the document students receive after successfully completing the APS application process. This certificate is essential for applying to universities in Germany, as it verifies the authenticity of their academic credentials. 

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Why is APS Important?

APS certification is mandatory for many students from India who wish to apply to German universities. So why is it mandatory, and what does it do:

• Authenticity Check: APS verifies the legitimacy of your academic records, preventing document fraud.
• Streamlined Application Process: APS-certified students are more easily accepted by German universities, as the authorities have already completed the initial document evaluation, streamlining the process for German universities. 

Without APS certification, universities in Germany may not process your application.

Who Needs the APS Certificate?

The APS certificate is mandatory for all students applying to study in Germany, and their previous qualifications have been done in India. If you are planning on applying for admission to a bachelor's or master's degree in Germany, you will need the APS certificate. 

Are there exemptions for the APS Certificate?

Certain groups of students may be exempt from needing an APS certificate:

• Students with a German Abitur (German high school diploma).
• Students applying for Ph.D. programs, as the requirements differ.
• Students receiving scholarships funded by the German government, such as DAAD.
• Students holding international high school qualifications, such as a US high school diploma or an A-Levels certification.

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How to Apply for an APS Certificate in India?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the APS certificate in India:

Step 1: Register on the APS India Portal

• Visit the official APS India website.
• Create an account by providing your basic details, such as your name, email address, and contact information.
• Verify your email to activate your account.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

• Log in to your account and complete the application form.
• Enter details about your academic history, including high school, undergraduate, or any other qualifications relevant to your application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the necessary documents required for the APS process. The documents required for submission will differ based on the degree level you are applying for. The general list of documents needed is as follows: 

• Printed and signed APS application form with a passport-sized photo (not older than 6 months)
• Copy of the APS fee transfer receipt
• Copy of Aadhaar Card with linked mobile number
• Copy of passport (first and last page)
• Copy of Class X mark sheet and certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of Class XII mark sheet and certificate (if applicable)
• Bachelor's or master's transcripts depending on the degree you are applying for 
• Copy of language certificate (German and/or English)

Your list of documents needed could vary so make sure you check the checklist of documents needed for your specific case on the APS India website. 

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• The APS application fee is approximately INR 18,000.
• You can make the payment using the methods specified on the APS India portal. This is usually done by a bank transfer to the APS bank account. 
• Save the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Submit your completed application form along with the scanned copies of your documents.
• In some cases, you may be required to mail hard copies of the documents to the APS India office.
• If your documents are not in English or German, you may need to translate your documents and these will have to be notarized. 

Step 6: Attend the Interview (If Applicable)

If you are still pursuing your bachelor's degree at an Indian university, you may be required to attend an interview, although this is not always applicable. The interview is conducted to verify your documents and address any outstanding questions that may arise. 

• Bachelor’s applicants may be called for an interview as part of the APS process.
• The interview is conducted to validate your qualifications and may include subject-specific questions.
• APS informs the students of an interview about two weeks before the scheduled date, so you have plenty of time to prepare. 
• The interview can be conducted in English or German, depending on the language that the candidate is comfortable with. 

Step 7: Receive Your APS Certificate

• Once the verification process is complete, APS will issue your certificate.
• As of April 2023, the APS certificate is delivered digitally to the candidate via the email they have provided on the registration form. 
• The processing time for your APS certificate can vary based on the season. During busy admission periods, it may take longer to receive your certificate. You can track the status of your application through the online APS portal.

When to Apply for APS?

It’s recommended to apply for APS certification at least 3–4 months before your intended application deadline. This ensures you have enough time to receive the certificate and include it in your university applications.

APS India is a critical step for Indian students pursuing higher education in Germany. While the process may seem overwhelming, planning ahead and understanding the requirements can make it much smoother. By obtaining APS certification, you’re one step closer to starting your academic journey in Germany.

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