APS Certificate Guide: Requirement for Students from India, China & Vietnam

If you are an international applicant from India, China, or Vietnam planning to study at a German university, obtaining an APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) is a mandatory prerequisite for both university admission and student visa issuance.

Introduced by the German Foreign Office and DAAD, the APS verifies the authenticity of your academic records and language certificates before you apply.

Here is everything you need to know to complete your APS application smoothly.

What is the APS Certificate?

The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is an official verification department located at the German Embassies in New Delhi, Beijing, and Hanoi.

  • Purpose: Prevents fraudulent academic applications by directly verifying high school mark sheets, university transcripts, and degree certificates with issuing boards and colleges.
  • Validity: The issued APS certificate is valid indefinitely and does not expire.
  • Mandatory For: All students holding school or university qualifications from India, China, or Vietnam applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Germany.

Step-by-Step APS India Application Process

For applicants from India, follow this streamlined workflow:

Step 1: Online Registration & dMAT

Create an account on the official APS India portal (aps-india.de) and complete the online application form. 2026 Update: As of June 2026, if you are applying for a Master’s degree in specific fields (like Engineering, IT, Commerce, or Management), you must additionally register for and pass the Digital Master Test (dMAT) via the g.a.s.t. portal.

Step 2: Pay the Verification Fee

Pay the non-refundable verification fee of INR 18,000 via online payment (CCAvenue is highly recommended over offline transfers to avoid delays). Note that if you are required to take the dMAT, an additional test fee of €150 (approx. INR 16,500) applies.

Step 3: Courier Physical Document Bundle

Mail your printed application form and certified document copies to the APS office in New Delhi:

  • Printed and signed APS registration form.
  • Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and passing certificates.
  • University mark sheets for all semesters / consolidated transcript.
  • Bachelor’s Degree Certificate or Provisional Degree Certificate (if graduated).
  • Proof of English (IELTS / TOEFL) or German (Goethe / TELC) language proficiency.
  • Aadhaar card and Passport copy.
  • Authorisation letter allowing APS to verify credentials directly with your university.

Step 4: Verification & Digital Certificate Issuance

APS staff will contact your university registrar or board to verify your grades. Upon successful verification, your digital APS Certificate (Digi-APS) is issued directly to your registered email address!

APS Processing Times & Strategy Tips

  • Processing Duration: The process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks after payment confirmation, but during peak admission seasons (May to July) or depending on board verification speeds, this can extend to 6 to 12 weeks.
  • Strategy Tip: Apply for your APS certificate at least 4 to 6 months before your target university application deadlines! You cannot apply for a German student visa without an APS certificate.

Exemptions from APS

You are exempt from the APS requirement if:

  • You hold a scholarship funded by international or German public funds (e.g., DAAD scholarship holders).
  • You completed your high school or undergraduate degree in a country outside India, China, or Vietnam (e.g., an Indian national who completed a Bachelor’s degree in the UK or US).

Ready to apply to public universities once your APS is ready? Read our guide on Studying Tuition-Free at German Universities!