APS-Certificate for University Applications in Germany

Who needs the certificate and how does the application work

The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS), a cooperation between German embassies and the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), checks the documents of foreign applicants with degrees from China, India and Vietnam for studying in Germany. An APS certificate, which is issued after a successful examination, confirms the authenticity of the documents and their suitability for German universities.

Applicants who need an APS-certificate:

- Applicants with a high school or university degree from China, India or Vietnam for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs (with exceptions).

- Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan do not require an APS certificate.

Application for the APS-certificate:

1. Online registration on the relevant APS website (Beijing, Shanghai, New-Delhi, Hanoi).

2. Transfer of the processing fee.

3. Submission of the high school diploma, confirmation of registration, a passport photo and other documents to the APS by mail.

4. Participation in an interview if the admission requirements are met.

5. Receiving of a digitally signed certificate ("DigiZert") after a successful interview.

Application with the APS-certificate:

- For Bachelor's and Master's degree programs: Application for a Vorprüfungsdokumentation (preliminary documentation), then submission of the certificate as an upload to uni-assist.

- For the Studienkolleg: Uploading of the APS certificate with the online application.