How to Prepare for APS Certificate Verification for Indian Students

If you’re an Indian student planning to study in Germany, one of the first and most crucial steps is getting your APS certificate. Since November 2022, the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate has been mandatory for all Indian students applying for a student visa for Germany.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the APS certificate is, who needs it, what documents you need, how the process works, and how to avoid delays.

What Is the APS Certificate?

The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) is a verification body under the German Embassy that evaluates your academic documents and confirms their authenticity. Without this certificate, you cannot apply for a German student visa.

Who Needs an APS Certificate?

If you are:

• An Indian citizen applying to study in Germany (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• A student who completed studies in India and is applying to a German university
  Then you must apply for APS verification before submitting your visa application.

Note: Some categories like DAAD scholarship holders or exchange programs may be exempt.

When to Apply for the APS Certificate?

As early as possible. APS processing takes 4 to 8 weeks or more during peak seasons. Ideally, apply before or just after you receive conditional admission from a German university.

Documents Required for APS Application

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Copy of passport (first and last page)
• Passport-sized photographs (white background)
• Class 10 and 12 certificates
• Bachelor’s degree certificate (if applying for a Master’s)
• Consolidated transcript or semester-wise mark sheets
• University admission letter (if available)
• Language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaF or medium of instruction)
• Proof of application fee payment
  You’ll need to submit two physical sets of all documents and send them to the APS office in New Delhi.

Steps to Apply for the APS Certificate

1. Register online at: aps-india.de
2. Fill in your details and upload scanned documents
3. Download the application form and sign it
4. Pay the application fee
5. Send two sets of printed documents by courier to APS India
6. Wait for email confirmation and interview (if required)
7. Receive your APS certificate (digital + postal)

APS Interview – What to Expect

Most students don’t require an interview, but if APS requests one:

• It’s usually short (10–15 minutes)
• Focus on your academic background and study plans in Germany
• Conducted in English or German

How Long Is the APS Certificate Valid?

The APS certificate is valid indefinitely — you don’t need to reapply unless your academic status changes.

Tips for a Smooth APS Process

• Double-check all documents before couriering
• Use a reliable courier service with tracking
• Apply early — APS delays can postpone visa applications
• Track your status via email or APS dashboard

What’s Next After APS?

Once you receive your APS certificate:
Apply for your German student visa with VFS/German Mission
Prepare your blocked account (required for visa)
Gather remaining documents for the embassy
Open your blocked account in advance with Studely — 100% digital, fast, and embassy-approved: www.studely.com