The APS certificate for Germany, explained
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate verifies that your prior qualifications are genuine and sufficient. For applicants from certain countries it's mandatory before you can even lodge a German student-visa application — and the most common mistake is starting it too late.
Updated 2026-06-20
Who needs an APS certificate
APS is required for nationals of specific countries (for example India, China, Vietnam and others — the list changes, so confirm yours on the official source). If your nationality is on the list, the visa cannot proceed without the certificate.
How the process works
You submit your academic documents to the APS office serving your country, pay the fee, and — depending on the country — may attend an interview. Once verified, you receive the certificate, which you then include in your university and visa applications.
- Start as early as possible — verification can take several weeks.
- Do not book the visa appointment until the APS certificate is in hand.
- Keep digital and certified copies for both the university and the consulate.
Processing time — and why it's the real bottleneck
Plan for one to three months from submission to certificate, depending on your country's APS office, the season, and whether your documents need re-verification with your university. Peak season (applications for the October intake) is slowest. The certificate itself is generally valid indefinitely once issued, so there is no advantage in waiting — do it the moment your final transcripts exist.
The killer timing mistake: German student-visa appointments in high-demand countries book out months ahead, and you cannot use the appointment without the APS certificate. Run the two clocks in parallel — start APS first, then book the earliest visa slot you can realistically make.
Documents and the interview
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations where required), passport copy, photographs, the application form and the fee receipt. Some APS offices verify documents directly with your university, which is what takes the weeks.
Where an interview applies, it's a short technical conversation about what you studied — not a language exam. Being able to explain your own coursework plainly is the whole preparation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the APS certificate take?
Plan for one to three months depending on your country's APS office, the season and whether an interview is required. Treat it as the very first step, before anything else in the German application.
Do all students need APS for Germany?
No — only nationals of the countries on the APS list (India, China and Vietnam are the major ones; the list can change). Check whether your nationality requires it before applying.
How much does the APS certificate cost?
The fee is set by each country's APS office and paid locally — check the current amount on your APS office's official page. Budget for certified translations of your transcripts on top.
How long is the APS certificate valid?
Once issued it is generally valid indefinitely, so there's no reason to delay applying for it. One certificate covers both the university application and the visa.
Can I apply for a German student visa without APS?
Not if your nationality is on the APS list — consulates will not accept the application without it. Nationals of countries not on the list don't need it at all.
See the full Study in Germany guide with visa requirements by nationality, costs and scholarships.