APS certificate for Germany: steps, time and the new dMAT
What APS India checks, who can skip it, how to apply without delays, and where the Digital Master Test now fits in.
APS India checks the academic documents your Indian school and university issued, and its certificate is part of the documents usually needed for a German student visa. You register and pay online, then send your documents by post or courier; APS does not accept them in person. Processing takes at least two weeks and can take longer in busy months. Some master's applicants must also pass the Digital Master Test (dMAT). The fee is not refundable, so check your documents before you pay.
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What is the APS certificate?
The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) at the German Embassy in New Delhi verifies the academic documents and qualifications issued by Indian schools, boards and universities. German universities and the German Missions in India use the certificate to trust that your marks and degree are genuine. It does not decide your admission or your visa; it confirms your documents.
Who needs APS, and who can skip it?
The German Missions list the APS certificate as usually required for applicants with Indian school or university credentials. According to APS India, you may not need it if:
- your relevant degree was not issued by an Indian institution;
- you are doing a PhD or postdoc and your German institution does not ask for APS;
- your highest qualification is an international school qualification such as the International Baccalaureate; or
- you receive a qualifying German or EU public scholarship.
Check your own case on the APS India eligibility pages before you skip it. Most students we counsel need it.
Planning to study in Germany? Get a free shortlist of public universities and help with APS and the blocked account.
WhatsApp a counsellorHow do I apply for APS?
| Step | What you do | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Register | Create an APS account and fill in your personal, education, TestAS and language details online. | Use the same spelling of your name as on your passport and marksheets. |
| 2. Pay | Pay the fee online. APS recommends the CCAvenue option. | The fee is non-refundable. Wiring it manually slows the process. |
| 3. Send documents | Post or courier the documents on your checklist: legible A4 colour photocopies, both sides where printed. | APS does not accept documents in person. |
| 4. Track | Follow your status in your APS account. | Reply quickly if APS asks for anything; delays pause the check. |
| 5. Download | Your certificate is issued digitally as a PDF. | Keep the original file safe; universities and the visa officer ask for it. |
Source: APS India process page and FAQs, checked 26 October 2026. The fee amount is shown in your APS account at the payment step.
How long does APS take?
APS India says the verification takes at least two weeks, and it does not promise a fixed time. It can take longer when many students apply at once or when your school, board or university is slow to answer APS's checks. Plan for the slow case, especially before the winter intake.
What is the dMAT, and do I need it?
The Digital Master Test (dMAT) is now a required part of APS for selected master's applicants whose previous degree is in one of the fields APS India lists. APS has announced sessions in mid-January and mid-March aimed at the winter semester 2027/28, and says the updated list of fields and the registration date will be published on its dMAT page. TestAS is not required for APS.
If you are applying for a master's, check the dMAT list as soon as it is published, because a missed session can push your whole timeline back.
When should I start APS?
- Start APS before you apply to universities. Many universities ask for the certificate with the application itself.
- Prepare your blocked account in parallel: the visa needs €11,904 for the first year. See our Germany student visa guide.
- Check intake deadlines in our 2027 intakes guide, and costs in MS in Germany cost.
- Looking for tuition-free options? Read study in Germany for free.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 26 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Is APS mandatory for studying in Germany from India?
For most Indian applicants, yes. The German Missions in India list the APS certificate as usually required for students with Indian school or university credentials, with a few exemptions such as degrees not issued in India or certain scholarships.
How long does the APS certificate take?
At least two weeks, according to APS India. It can take longer in busy periods or when your school or university is slow to respond to APS's checks.
Is the APS fee refundable?
No. APS India says the fee is non-refundable once paid, whatever the outcome of the verification, so check your documents against the checklist before you pay.
Can I submit APS documents in person?
No. APS India accepts documents only by post or courier, as legible A4 colour photocopies.
Do I need to take the dMAT?
Only if you are applying for a master's and your previous degree is in one of the fields APS India lists for the Digital Master Test. Check the dMAT page for the current list and dates.
Can Abbacy help with my APS application?
Yes. We check your documents against the APS checklist, plan your APS and blocked account timeline, and shortlist German universities, free of charge.
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