Germany APS Certificate Guide for Indian Students (2026–2027)
Everything you need to know about obtaining your APS certificate — from document preparation and ₹18,000 fee payment to physical VFS submission and 4–8 week processing timelines.
What is an APS certificate and why is it mandatory for Indian students studying in Germany?
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate issued by the German Embassy in New Delhi verifies the authenticity of Indian academic records. It is a mandatory document required prior to submitting a German student visa application or university admission.
APS Certificate Application Checklist
Ensure all 5 items are ready before visiting the VFS Global centre for physical submission.
Print & Sign Online APS Application Form
Download the official APS application form from the German Embassy website, complete all fields accurately, and sign it before submission.
Proof of ₹18,000 Fee Transfer (NEFT/RTGS)
Transfer ₹18,000 to the German Embassy account via NEFT or RTGS. Retain the bank transaction receipt as proof of payment — this is mandatory for submission.
Attested Copies of Academic Certificates
Submit attested copies of your Bachelor's degree, all semester mark sheets, and Class 10 and Class 12 certificates. Attestation must be done by a gazetted officer or notary.
DigiLocker Account Details / Professor Contact
Provide your official DigiLocker account credentials for digital document verification, or furnish the contact details of a professor from your university who can verify your academic records.
Language Proficiency Proof
Include a valid language proficiency certificate — IELTS or TOEFL for English-medium programs, or a Goethe-Institut certificate for German-medium programs.
Step-by-Step APS Application Process
- 01
Register on the APS India Portal
Create an account on the official APS India website and fill in your academic and personal details to generate your application form.
- 02
Pay ₹18,000 via NEFT/RTGS
Transfer the application fee of ₹18,000 to the German Embassy bank account using NEFT or RTGS. Save the transaction receipt.
- 03
Prepare & Attest Documents
Collect attested copies of all academic certificates (Class 10, 12, Bachelor's degree, mark sheets). Get attestation from a gazetted officer or notary.
- 04
Submit Physically at VFS Global
Visit the designated VFS Global centre in India with your complete document package. Online submission is not accepted for APS applications.
- 05
Await Verification (4–8 Weeks)
The APS office will verify your documents, potentially contacting your university via DigiLocker or professor references. Receive your APS certificate upon successful verification.
APS Certificate FAQs for Indian Students
QHow long does APS certificate processing take for Indian students?
APS certificate processing for Indian students typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date of physical document submission at the VFS Global centre in India. Processing times may vary during peak application seasons.
QWhat is the APS certificate fee for Indian students in 2026?
The APS certificate fee for Indian students is ₹18,000 (Indian Rupees), payable via NEFT or RTGS bank transfer directly to the German Embassy account. The payment proof must be included with your physical document submission.
QIs DigiLocker authorization required for APS certificate verification?
Yes, DigiLocker account details are required for APS verification. The APS office may use your DigiLocker credentials to directly verify your academic documents with the issuing institution. Alternatively, a professor contact from your university may be used for verification purposes.
QIs the APS certificate mandatory for all Indian students applying to German universities?
Yes, the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is mandatory for all Indian students applying for a German student visa or university admission. It verifies the authenticity of Indian academic records and is issued by the German Embassy in New Delhi.
QWhere do I submit APS documents in India?
APS documents must be submitted physically at designated VFS Global centres in India. You cannot submit APS documents online. The submission must include all required attested documents, the signed application form, and proof of ₹18,000 fee payment.
Need Help with Your Germany Application?
Our Germany study abroad experts can guide you through the APS process, university applications, and visa documentation — end to end.