Find out if you need an APS
Country, degree, and target German state determine whether you need an APS certificate, what kind, and how long it takes.
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Frequently asked questions
Who needs an APS certificate for German university admission?
Applicants from India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Mongolia must obtain an APS certificate before applying to any German Bachelor or Master programme. Exchange students, PhD candidates, and most DAAD scholarship holders are typically exempt. Other South Asian and African nationals undergo verification through uni-assist or the local German diplomatic mission instead of APS.
How much does the APS cost in 2026?
Fees vary by country: India around 18,000 INR (~200 EUR), China around 2,500 CNY (~280 EUR; includes the individual interview), Vietnam around 1.5M VND (~60 EUR), Pakistan around 30,000 PKR (~100 EUR), Mongolia around 200 EUR equivalent. The fee is paid in a single transaction and is non-refundable once the application is registered.
How long does APS verification take?
Typical processing is 4 weeks (India, Vietnam, Pakistan), 8 weeks (China, includes the interview slot), or 6 weeks (Mongolia). Peak season (April to July, ahead of the winter intake) extends most countries to 8 to 16 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your university deadline; for China, plan for 4 months.
Is the APS certificate physical or digital?
All APS offices have moved to digital-only certificates by 2026. The PDF includes a QR code that uni-assist and German universities verify against the APS database. Save and back up the PDF; reissues are time-consuming. The certificate has lifetime validity, so once you have it, no future application requires re-verification.
Do I need APS for a German PhD?
No. PhD candidates from APS-required countries are exempt from APS verification, because doctoral admission is decided directly by the supervising professor and faculty. You will still need to submit notarised transcripts and degree certificates, but the APS-specific document workflow is replaced by direct correspondence with the receiving institute.
What documents do I need for an APS application?
Class 10 and 12 marksheets, all university semester transcripts, the consolidated marksheet, the Bachelor (and Master, if any) degree certificate, passport copy, and matriculation certificate where available. Plus the application form, fee receipt, and CV. Documents must be self-attested and uploaded as colour scans through your country's APS portal. China additionally requires you to attend an in-person interview.
Does the APS interview affect admission?
No, the APS interview (only for China) is not graded or shared with the universities; it's a verification step to confirm your stated qualifications match your actual academic background. Two academics ask 15 to 20 minutes of subject-area questions in your university's language of instruction. Failing the interview means you'd need to reapply with corrected documents; passing simply releases your APS certificate.