Indian students planning to study in Germany need to obtain an Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) Certificate before applying for admission and a student visa. The certificate verifies whether an applicant's academic qualifications meet German standards and has become a key requirement for many Indian students seeking higher education in the country.
Recent updates have also introduced new requirements for some applicants, including a mandatory aptitude test for certain master's programmes and revised Class XII eligibility criteria for undergraduate admissions.
What is an APS Certificate?
APS stands for Akademische Prüfstelle, or Academic Evaluation Centre. It is a joint initiative of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The APS Certificate confirms that an applicant's academic documents are genuine and that their qualifications meet the requirements for applying to a German university.
APS centres currently verify academic credentials for students from India, China and Vietnam.
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Who needs an APS Certificate?
Indian students applying to German universities generally need an APS Certificate before submitting their university application or applying for a German student visa.
However, some applicants are exempt from the requirement. These include:
- Students who have already completed a degree at a German university
- PhD applicants at German universities
- Certain DAAD scholarship holders
- Students enrolled in eligible dual-degree programmes
- EU and EEA applicants
Students should check the latest eligibility rules with the German Embassy or their chosen university before applying.
Why is the APS Certificate important?
The APS Certificate serves three key purposes:
- It verifies the authenticity of academic documents.
- It is required by many German universities during the admission process.
- It is a mandatory document for student visa applications in several cases.
The verification process is designed to prevent document fraud and ensure applicants meet Germany's academic admission standards.
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What are the latest changes for Indian students?
Digital Master Test (dMAT)
From the Summer Semester 2027, Indian applicants seeking admission to master's programmes in Engineering, Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business and Management must submit a Digital Master Test (dMAT) certificate along with their APS application.
The test is conducted separately by g.a.s.t. and costs €150. It does not replace APS verification or degree recognition.
Students who registered for APS or submitted their documents before June 29, 2026, are exempt from this requirement.
Higher Class XII marks for undergraduate applicants
From the Winter Semester 2026-27, Indian students applying for undergraduate programmes must have scored at least 70% in Class XII under the updated anabin eligibility criteria.
Applications submitted before March 15, 2026, are not affected.
How do you apply for an APS Certificate?
The application process involves five steps:
- Register on the official APS portal for your country.
- Gather the required documents, including academic transcripts, certificates, passport copies, the completed application form and proof of fee payment.
- Pay the APS processing fee.
- Submit the application online or by post, depending on the country's procedure.
- Receive the APS Certificate after successful verification.
Unlike applicants from China and Vietnam, Indian students generally do not need to attend an interview as part of the APS process.
How much does the APS Certificate cost?
The application fee varies by country.
For Indian applicants, the APS Certificate costs around €225.
The fee is approximately €334 in China and €240 in Vietnam.
How long does APS processing take?
Processing times depend on the applicant's country.
For Indian students, the APS Certificate is typically issued within four to six weeks after the application is submitted.
Processing can take up to three months in China and six to eight weeks in Vietnam.
What mistakes should applicants avoid?
Students are advised to:
- Submit all required documents to avoid delays.
- Apply at least three months before university deadlines.
- Check whether their chosen university requires an APS Certificate, as requirements may vary.
Applying early can help students complete university admissions and visa formalities on time before the start of their course.
