Many Indian students have the desire to study abroad, and Germany is frequently their first choice because of its recognized colleges, excellent educational system, and exciting job prospects. However obtaining a Germany student visa requires overcoming a number of hurdles, one of which is the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) accreditation. This blog post will explain what APS is, why it is necessary for Indian students wishing to apply for a Germany study visa, and offer a guide to make the process go more easily.
Why is APS for Germany needed?
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is crucial for anybody planning to further their studies in Germany.
Requirement for Germany Visa Application
If you intend to study in Germany, you must submit your visa application with the APS certificate. This certificate is required for the procedure to continue. In most cases, without this document, the embassy may not grant you a Germany study visa.
Academic Document Authenticity
It acts as confirmation that the academic documents you have from India are authentic. For the German authorities to take into account your educational background, this is essential.
By serving as a link connecting the Indian educational system and the German educational system and visa application processes, the APS for Germany guarantees that Indian students’ academic credentials are fairly evaluated and accepted for study in Germany.
Which qualifications need APS for Germany?
Students who are planning to study abroad in Germany would need APS for a German student visa but that might not always be the case. Most public universities may require it for Indian students who are going to Germany for their bachelor programs. However private universities in Germany may or may not require it during their admission process.
For masters and doctoral programs, usually, the student’s previous degrees are enough but it is always better to check on the university websites if they require APS or not.
There are exceptions as well like if a student is on scholarship, the university may not need an APS certificate from the student. Another case is when the course the student is going for is a short one. If the duration of the program is less than 90 days, the student need not get an APS certificate.
APS Application Process
Check Eligibility: Determine if you need APS certification based on your educational background and the specific requirements of your chosen German university.
Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, certificates, passport copies, and any additional materials specified by the APS office.
Fill Out Application Form: Obtain and complete the APS application form. Ensure all information is accurate and matches the details in your academic documents.
Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documents to the APS office by mail.
Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for APS processing. Fees can vary, so verify the current fee structure with the APS office handling your application.
Schedule Interview (if required): Depending on the APS office and your specific case, you may be required to attend an interview. Prepare thoroughly by reviewing your academic background and understanding the purpose of the APS interview.
Attend Interview: If scheduled, attend the APS interview at the designated time and location. Be prepared to discuss your educational background, career goals, and reasons for studying in Germany.
Wait for Processing: After submitting your application and attending any necessary interviews, wait for the APS office to process your application. The processing time can vary, so be patient and monitor your application status if possible.
Receive APS Certificate: Once your application is approved, you will receive the APS certificate. This certificate is crucial for your German student visa application and university admission process.
Get the Necessary Documents
Assemble all the documentation that the APS India office has provided. To help you understand the procedure and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, below is a document checklist:
- an application that is filled out and includes a passport-size picture
- a copy of the receipt for the verification fee
- an Aadhaar Card copy with the associated cellphone number
- a copy of your passport’s first and last pages
- your transcript of records from school, which includes a summary of your grades and subjects
- your high school’s grading scheme
- a summary of the topics you took and your university’s marks (if you have finished your studies)
- your degree from university (if relevant)
- A curriculum outlining the minimum and maximum grades required to graduate from university
- copy of the language proficiency certificate
How can I send the paperwork to APS India?
You can use courier services to send the necessary paperwork to APS India at their office location. Please be aware that APS does not have public visiting hours, thus individual drop-offs are not permitted. This guarantees that the submission of documents is rushed and handled effectively.
Please choose a reputable courier provider and follow any special instructions supplied by APS India regarding submitting documents to ensure a seamless procedure.
They get so many applications every day that they may be unable to give progress updates on individual courier deliveries to their office. To trace your papers, utilize the tracking facilities provided by the relevant courier operator.
Do all applicants need to have interviews?
Generally, not all applicants need to be interviewed. However, candidates who are currently studying for an undergraduate degree at an Indian university but have not completed their education will be called for an interview. Participants will be notified of the meeting location and time, usually two weeks in advance, via email and/or phone.
Germany APS Fees
Pay the 18,000 INR (or 225€) APS verification fee into the APS bank account. (Non-refundable). After that, you will then receive a receipt for your APS transfer fee.
What after you get an APS Certificate?
APS India office will initiate the verification process immediately after the receipt of your application. It is essential to plan well and send your application in advance, as the processing timeline for applications may vary. Three to four weeks are the typical processing period, however this might go up if they get a large number of applications. After successful verification you will receive a German APS; this can be used indefinitely. Digital APS certificates are verified by a digital signature and are sent in a safe PDF file format. The paper certificate is no longer in use as of 2023. Germany has made the decision to go digital in response to the increase of Indian students seeking to study there.
Once you have your APS certificate, you may apply for a German student visa via the Visa Application Center (VFS) and start the application process for German universities. Make sure you complete all the required actions and fulfill any extra criteria that the individual institutions have established.
Tips for Success
To enhance your chances of successfully obtaining APS certification, consider the following tips:
Start Early
Begin the APS application process well in advance of your intended start date for studies in Germany.
Prepare Thoroughly
Review all application requirements and ensure your documents are complete and accurate.
Attend Interview Prepared
If an interview is required, familiarize yourself with the format and practice discussing your academic background and career aspirations.
Follow Up
Regularly check the status of your APS application and promptly respond to any requests for additional information.
West Highlander Immigration – Top Consultants for German Student Visa
Get in touch with ICEF Trained Agent Counselors if you intend to pursue your education in Germany in 2024. They can provide advice on obtaining a Germany study visa. West Highlander Immigration, under the direction of Ms. Parwinder Kaur, an ICEF-trained agent counselor with more than 18 years of experience offers knowledgeable guidance on studying abroad. Reach out to us right now for knowledgeable assistance, to apply to obtain a Germany student visa, and to learn more about APS for Germany visa. We provide our clients with specialized services. We go over your needs for studying in Germany in-depth and proceed with processing your applications accordingly.