A Complete Guide On Academic Evaluation Centre Process In Germany
On November 1st, 2022, Germany announced that Indian students who arrive in the country should produce an APS certificate. This vital document is required when applying for and submitting all German student visa applications.
Germany has become a popular study destination over the years. From having 46 ranked universities to offering affordable and diversified program options, the country has become the hub for international students looking to pursue their academics abroad.
Thus if you’re looking or considering to study in Germany, you must first avail of an APS certificate. So to answer all your related queries regarding the APS process in Germany, the APS certificate checklist, and more, this blog will be your guide.
What Is APS?
APS stands for Academic Evaluation Centre or Akademische Prüfstelle. It is a joint institution between Germany’s academic exchange service (DAAD) and the cultural department at its German embassy in New Delhi. Having an APS certificate proves that an Indian student has submitted all genuine academic documents.
Top Benefits Of APS
Indian students can benefit from having an APS certificate. The visa process will be more simplified since you already meet the required eligibility criteria to study in Germany. Most of the international student crowd in Germany hails from India. Thus, this simplified process proves the impactfulness of having an APS certificate.
Who Should Apply For APS?
Indian students applying for a long-stay student visa in Germany since their courses are more than 90 days and they have graduated from a recognized university are eligible to apply for an APS certificate in Germany.
When To Apply For APS?
Germany’s academic intakes occur during the summer (April) and winter (September/October). An APS certificate is a document that has to be included when submitting all German student visa documents.
Ideally, you will apply for a student visa months before your semester starts. Thus, it is better to apply for the APS certificate at the same time simultaneously.
Type Of Students Exempted From The APS Process
While Indian students must apply for the APS certificate, a few are exempted from the same. Indian students, who have received a German or EU-funded scholarship require no submission of the APS certificate.
Academic Evaluation Centre Process In Germany
To conduct the APS process in Germany is very simple. Ensure you follow the instructions listed below.
- You must first ensure all your academic documents are verified by APS
- Visit the official website of APS India
- Create an account since this will be where you’ll track your APS certificate process.
- Submit all related documents, such as education details and anything else enquired. All academic documents should have an original and photocopies which should be translated into English.
- Submit all necessary documents and pay the APS verification fee to start the certificate processing. At times, APS can request additional documents, thus ensure you have everything required at your fingertips.
- Also, undergraduate students must attend an interview process.
- Visit the APS India portal and log in to your account to check the status. If everything is approved, Indian students will receive five copies of their APS certificate via courier.
- Students can then move forward to applying for the German student visa.
Top APS Certificate Documents Requirement
Submitting the proper documents can result in a successful verification process for Indian students. Since students at various academic stages apply for the APS certificate, there could be a slight difference in the document submission. Based on your study level, consider the ones below:
Documents required for students after
1. 12th :
| Printed and signed application forms with a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months ago) |
| APS fee transfer receipt copy |
| Aadhar copy exhibiting the linked mobile number |
| Passport copy |
| 10th marks card and certificate copy |
| 12th marks card and certificate copy. Suppose this is not available at the moment. In that case, students should ask the school to give a Provisional certificate. |
| Proof of entrance exams attempted |
| TestAS result copy for both core and subject-specific |
| Language certificate copy for either or both German/English |
2. 12th who also completed JEE (Main and Advanced) :
| Printed and signed application forms with a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months ago) |
| APS fee transfer receipt copy |
| Aadhar copy exhibiting the linked mobile number |
| Passport copy |
| 10th marks card and certificate copy |
| 12th marks card and certificate copy. If this is not available now, students should ask the school to give a Provisional certificate |
| JEE main or advanced results along with an admit card. |
| Language certificate copy for either or both German/English |
3. Pursuing an undergraduate degree :
| Printed and signed application forms with a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months ago) |
| APS fee transfer receipt copy |
| Aadhar copy exhibiting the linked mobile number |
| Passport copy |
| 10th marks card and certificate copy |
| 12th marks card and certificate copy. If this is not available now, students should ask the school to give a Provisional certificate |
| Marksheet copy exhibiting completion of first-year bachelor degree |
| TestAS result copy for both core and subject-specific |
| Language certificate copy for either or both German/English |
4. Students holding an undergraduate and graduate degree :
| Printed and signed application forms with a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months ago) |
| APS fee transfer receipt copy |
| Aadhar copy exhibiting the linked mobile number |
| Passport copy (1st and last page) |
| 12th marks card and certificate copy |
| 12th admit card copy if available |
| Marksheet copy of all semesters attended |
| Bachelor degree copy. If in case this is not available at the moment, students should ask the college to give a Provisional certificate (not older than 1 year) |
| All Master’s degree academic transcripts, if applicable |
| Language certificate copies for either or both German/English |
Note: Students should ensure that no original documents should be sent to APS. The documents should be photocopied from the original documents on both sides of an A4 sheet. All photocopies should be coloured.
How To Send APS Documents?
Indian students have two ways to send their documents, one via courier and the other in person to the APS reception.
APS Verification Fee Details
One of the crucial parts of the APS process in Germany is paying the verification fees. Indian students should pay INR 18,000 to the mentioned APS bank account. The bank details are as follows:
Account Holder: Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany – Wiss
Account Number: 0946426766
Bank Name: Kotak Mahindra Bank
IFSC Code: KKBK0000182
APS Certificate Germany Validity & Processing Time
The good news is the APS certificate in Germany validity is unlimited. Once you adhere to the above-listed steps, your APS certificate processing time can be anywhere between 3-4 weeks.
Is APS Certificate Required For Student Visas?
The agenda of conducting the APS process in Germany is to simplify the application process. Thus, an APS certificate is a mandatory document required when applying for and submitting your German student visa application.
APS Interview Process
As stated above, an interview process will be held for undergraduate students. The date and time will be mentioned to you via phone or email 10-14 days prior. The interview process will be for 20 minutes and will be conducted in either German or English, or both. The core agenda of the interaction will be to learn about the student’s academics and achievements while studying in India.
Top Universities Enquiring For APS Certificates
APS certificates are essential, and almost all top universities in Germany enquire about the same. To name a few, the Technical University of Munich, University of Münster and more.
Germany is home to the best universities that are ranked high globally. Thus, before you get started, ensure you’re applying for the APS certificate.
While you get your documents in place, it’s also essential to focus on choosing the right university and conduct all necessary actions to improve your study abroad experience. If you wish to seek assistance to kickstart your study in Germany ambitions, schedule a free 1-1 counselling session with our study abroad experts immediately.
