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If you’re an international student planning to study in Germany, obtaining the APS Certificate might be a mandatory requirement in your application process.

Here’s everything you need to know about the APS Certificate:

What Does APS Stand For?

APS stands for Akademische Prüfstelle in German, or in English, Academic Testing Center. The APS is a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

APS was first founded in China in 2001, followed by Vietnam in 2007, and in India in 2022. Its main purpose is to verify whether the academic credentials of students coming from these countries are equivalent to the German standards — i.e., make sure they are eligible to apply to German universities.

What Is the APS Certificate?

The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is an official document issued by the German Academic Evaluation Centers. It confirms that the documents you have submitted are authentic and that your academic qualifications are enough to apply to a German university.

Who Needs an APS Certificate?

The APS examines the academic documents of applicants with an , , and school or university degree. So, the requirement for this certificate depends on your nationality and where you completed your previous studies.

If you’re a student from India, China, Vietnam or other, you must obtain the APS certificate before applying to German universities. However, some applicants may be exempt based on their academic background or previous studies in Germany.

Who is Exempt From the APS Requirement?

Some students may not need the APS certificate, including: 

• EU/EEA students applying to German universities.
• Students who have already completed a degree from a German university.
• Scholarship holders from specific German government programs like DAAD.
• Students pursuing a Ph.D. program at a German university.
• Students who are pursuing a dual degree program in a foreign country and have received a foreign diploma.

Why Is the APS Certificate Important?

The APS certificate is important because it’s a key factor in the following: 

• University admission. Many German universities require the APS certificate before processing students’ applications.
• Student visa applications. In some countries, it is a mandatory requirement to secure a German student visa.
• Document authenticity. It prevents fraud and ensures that your academic qualifications meet German standards.

APS Certificate Requirements for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese Students

There are a few differences between Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese students when it comes to the APS certificate.

These differences are only a few and they mainly relate to the application process, required documents, fees, and whether an interview is mandatory.

Here’s a comparison of the APS procedure for students from India, China and Vietnam:

How to Apply for an APS Certificate?

When applying for an APS certificate the very first thing you should do is log in on the official APS Portal of your country and register by creating an account with your personal information.

Once you’re done with that, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Gather the Required Documents

The documents you need to apply for an APS certificate may vary by country, but typically include the following:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of language proficiency (if applicable)
• Passport and visa copies
• Completed APS application form
• Proof of payment for the APS processing fee.

Step 2. Pay the Processing Fee

The cost of obtaining an APS certificate varies by country. For example, in India, the fee is around €225, in Vietnam it costs €240, while in China, it’s around €334.

Step 3. Submit Your Application 

Submit your application to the Academic Evaluation Center in your home country.

Some centers might allow you to submit your application online, while others might require physical documents.

Step 4. Attend the Interview (If required)

In some countries, applicants are invited for an academic interview to verify their qualifications. This depends on the country and the type of program you’re applying for.

Step 5. Receive Your Certificate

If your application is successful, you will receive your certificate within a few weeks. Processing times can range from 4 weeks to 3 months, so make sure you apply early if you need the certificate at a certain time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Application

• Missing documents. Make sure you submit all the necessary documents and paperwork in order to prevent any potential delays.
• Applying too late. APS processing takes time, so apply at least 3 months before university deadlines. 
• Ignoring university requirements. Not all German universities have the APS certificate as part of their requirements, but there are a number of them that do. So, make sure you check with your university about the APS requirement.

How Long Does it Take to Get an APS Certificate?

The processing time varies depending on the country of your origin.

• Students from India receive it somewhere between 4-6 weeks after submitting their application.
• For students from China, it might take longer to be processed, a possible timeframe being up to 3 months after applying.
• Students from Vietnam can receive their certificate somewhere between 6-8 weeks following their application.

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