Frequently Asked Questions
What does APS stand for?
APS stands for Akademische Prüfstelle, the Academic Evaluation Centre at the German Embassy in New Delhi. It verifies that Indian school and university documents are authentic before they are submitted to German universities, uni-assist, or the German visa office.
Is the APS certificate mandatory for Masters in Germany?
Yes, for most Indian applicants with an Indian degree. If you completed your qualification at an Indian institution, you need an APS certificate for your German university application and your student visa, unless you qualify for an exemption.
How long is the APS certificate valid?
APS India does not state an expiry date for the certificate. Its official FAQ explains that a new evaluation is needed only if you complete a further qualification that changes your admission category, for example a Master's degree after your Bachelor's.
How do I check my APS application status?
Log in to the APS India online student portal with your registration details; the status is shown there. APS India clarifies that it cannot provide individual status updates for pending applications. If additional information or documents are required, APS India will contact you directly.
How long does APS take in India?
APS India says it cannot give a fixed processing time; it depends on application volume and how fast your college and university answer verification requests. Plan for at least two weeks after APS receives your documents, and apply several months before your university deadline.
Why does my APS status say non-support?
It means your school, board or university has not yet given APS India the information it needs to verify your documents. Ask your institution to reply to APS India from its official email address; replies from personal accounts such as Gmail are not accepted.
Can I get my APS certificate faster?
APS India lists no urgent or express procedure and cannot give a fixed processing time. Apply several months before your first university deadline, and make sure your college is ready to answer APS India's verification request.
Is APS required for a PhD in Germany?
Not always. APS India lists applicants intending to pursue a PhD or postdoctoral project among those who may not need APS verification when the German institution does not require it. Ask your doctoral supervisor or the university international office before you apply.
Is TestAS compulsory for APS?
No. APS India says TestAS is currently not a mandatory part of APS verification in India. If submitted, APS may verify its formal authenticity, but the test is not required for your certificate. Check separately whether your university asks for it.
Can I apply for APS before I get my degree certificate?
APS India cannot keep an application open while you wait for future results or additional mark sheets. Apply once the academic stage required for your intended admission pathway is complete. If a later qualification changes your admission category, a new evaluation and fee may be required.
What does the APS certificate look like?
APS India issues the certificate as a digital PDF, emailed to the address you registered with. Keep the original file and do not modify it; universities and the visa office check its digital signature.
How much is the APS fee?
₹18,000, paid online or via bank transfer as stated in the official APS India June 2026 leaflet. It is non-refundable once paid. Check the current amount in your APS account before paying.
Do I need to take the dMAT for APS?
Only if you apply for a Master's from the Summer 2027 intake onwards and your previous degree is in one of the fields APS lists. The dMAT costs €150 and is run by g.a.s.t. A low score does not automatically lead to refusal.
Can I apply for APS before getting admission?
Yes. You do not need an admission letter, and starting early is the better plan.
Do I send original documents to APS?
No. Send legible A4 colour photocopies as your checklist describes. Regional-language documents need a notarised translation.
