APS Certificate Guide for Indian Students: Everything You Need to Know | Study in Germany

1. Understanding the APS Certificate

2. The Purpose of the APS Certificate

3. When to Apply for an APS Certificate

4. The APS Application Process

1. Register online at the APS website, download the form, fill it out, print it, and sign it. Ensure all information is accurate, as errors may invalidate the form.

2. Transfer the APS procedure fee of ₹18,000 to the APS bank account. (Refer to the Trivia section below for APS Bank Account Details.)

3. Submit the required documents to APS India via courier or post. (Refer to the Trivia section below for the postal address and contact details.)

4. APS will assess and verify the documents, a process that takes approximately 2-3 weeks.

5. Successful applicants will be issued a digital APS certificate "DigZert" which will be sent to their registered email address.

6. Successful candidates can apply to any German university and submit their student visa application through the VFS. For more information about the visa, visit the German consulate website.

5. Documents Checklist

1. A printed and signed application form, including a passport-sized photo (not older than six months)

2. A copy of the APS fee transfer receipt

3. A copy of the Aadhaar card with a linked mobile number

4. Copies of the passport (1st and last page)

5. Copies of mark sheets and certificates

6. Copies of language certificates in German and/or English

6. Important Facts about APS Certificates

• APS Certificate Validity
APS certificates are valid indefinitely once issued. However, if eligibility criteria change, re-issuance may be necessary.

• APS Certificate Cost
The fee for five APS certificates is ₹18,000. Each additional certificate costs ₹500. Certificates are delivered by post.

• APS India Address
R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue, New Delhi – 110 029.

• Student Authorization Letter
It is mandatory to submit the filled Student Authorization Letter along with the documents. Please download the letter from the APS website and fill it out accurately.

• Original Documents and Notarization
Only copies of documents are required for submission. However, inform your school/university/college about the submission, as APS may contact them for verification. Documents do not need to be notarized.

• APS Certificate Exemptions
Students attending short-term courses (less than 90 days) at a German university are exempt from the APS requirement. However, any course exceeding 90 days requires an APS certificate.
Note: Students funded by EU or German scholarship programs do not need to apply for APS certificates.

• APS Certificate Processing Time
Successful applicants can expect to receive their certificates within 2-3 weeks after document submission.

• TestAS Requirement
Candidates seeking admission to a Bachelor's program in Germany who have not yet graduated with an Indian Bachelor's degree must submit a TestAS score. Those who have cleared JEE Main and Advanced are exempted. This requirement applies from the Winter semester of 2023. Refer to the complete checklist for undergraduate students or categories here.

APS Certificate: Exceptions

• You are going to obtain a non-German degree in Germany (if so, this should be included in the Offer Letter)

• You plan to do PhD or postdoc studies in Germany

• You received a scholarship or stipend from German or EU public funds

• Your previous studies were not based on Indian qualifications. For example:
• You completed International Baccalaureate or other non-Indian high school
• You obtained a non-Indian degree already (e.g. British Bachelor's, Turkish Master's)

Conclusion

FAQs

• Apply for the APS certificate well in advance, before the university admission process to avoid these delays.

• The processing time for the APS certificate as mentioned on the office 2-3 weeks, but wait times can sometimes be longer.

• Follow up with the APS office to check on the status of the application after submitting it

• Seek guidance from study abroad consultants or the university admission office to ensure that all the necessary documents and information are available for the APS certification process

• Be patient during the evaluation process, which may take several weeks or even months

• Check for updates on the APS India website or the German embassy website for any changes in the process or requirements

Recent Updates on APS Certificate Issuance

Reasons for Delays in APS Certificate Issuance

1. COVID-19 Pandemic: The ongoing global health crisis has caused disruptions in various sectors, including education and visa processing. Staff shortages, reduced working hours, and safety measures at the APS offices may have led to delays in processing the applications.

2. Increased Demand: With the recent change in regulations making APS certificates compulsory for Indian students applying for German student visas, there has been a surge in the number of applications submitted to the APS offices. The sudden increase in demand may have strained the available resources and processing capacity of the APS centers.

3. Verification Process: The APS certificate process involves verifying the authenticity of academic documents, which requires contacting and coordinating with various educational institutions in India. Delays from these institutions in providing the necessary information can contribute to extended processing times for the APS certificates.

• APS office is working at full capacity and receiving a lot of emails that are causing delays in the APS process.

• Students waiting for their APS certificate should ensure that their email address is correct, check their spam folder, verify that all documents have been submitted, and avoid sending multiple emails with large attachments.

• Watch the official video here.

• If your CCAvenue payment got cancelled during your APS certificate registration, you can proceed with CCAvenue online payment again by logging into your APS account.

• Once logged in, click on "My Account" and then "Payment Details."

• Under "Payment Details," select "Document Verification Registration" and then click "PAY NOW."

• You will see the CCAvenue online payment form, through which you can complete your cancelled CCAvenue online payment.

FAQs on digital APS certificates

1. What is "DigZert"? DigZert refers to digitally signed verification certificates issued by APS India to applicants who successfully complete their evaluation process after April 24, 2023.

2. How is the "DigZert" certificate delivered? The "DigZert" certificate is delivered to the email address used during the APS registration process.

3. Who is eligible for a "DigZert" certificate? Only applicants who register for the individual verification procedure are eligible for a "DigZert" certificate. Those participating in partnerships or exchange programs are not eligible.

4. Do German universities and institutions accept "DigZert"? Yes, German universities and institutions recognize and accept "DigZert" for their application processes.

5. Can I submit a "DigZert" certificate for my visa application through VFS? While the "DigZert" is recognized, for your visa application through VFS you must submit a paper printed copy of your digital certificate.

6. How can I verify my "DigZert"? You can verify your "DigZert" using either Acrobat Reader or digiSeal Reader software.

7. Can I print out the "DigZert" and use it for my university application? No, "DigZert" is an electronic document intended for digital communication. However, a printout is required for VFS visa appointments.

8. What should I do if I didn't receive an email with my "DigZert" certificate? Please ensure that you provided a valid and accessible email address during the APS registration process. APS will not be able to change your email address once your account has been created.

9. Is there an expiration date for "DigZert" certificates? Yes, due to EU regulations, the signature on the digital certificates will expire after three years from issuance.

10. What should I do if there is a mistake on my "DigZert" certificate? If there are mistakes in the digital certificate, you can get it corrected by sending an email to info@aps-india.de with "DigZert Mistake" as the subject. APS will issue a new certificate in case of an error.