How long does it take to acquire an APS certificate and an IELTS certification in Germany?
Getting IELTS certified for Germany takes about 2 to 3 weeks total, since computer-delivered results arrive in 1 to 5 days. The APS certificate, needed for applicants from countries like India, China, or Vietnam, takes 4 to 8 weeks, longer during peak season.
Your IELTS certification and APS certificate for Germany run on completely different timelines, so you should not treat them as one combined step. IELTS is the faster of the two, typically wrapped up within 2 to 3 weeks of booking. Your APS certificate, which verifies your academic documents, generally takes 4 to 8 weeks and can stretch further during busy admission periods.
Timeline Comparison
| Requirement | Average Timeframe | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Certification | 2 to 3 weeks total | Computer-delivered results in 1 to 5 days; paper-based results in 13 days |
| APS Certificate | 4 to 8 weeks on average | Can stretch to 8 to 12 weeks during peak season, typically April to July |
Why You Should Run These in Parallel
The APS certificate is notorious for seasonal bottlenecks, since so many applicants submit documents at the same time each year. Rather than waiting for your IELTS results before starting APS, submit your academic transcripts for APS processing as soon as they are ready and let both processes run at the same time.
My Advice
Start your APS application the same week your transcripts are finalized, do not wait for your IELTS score first, and if you know your intake falls between April and July, submit even earlier than the standard 4 to 8 week window suggests, since peak season delays can push it out to 3 months.
More expert answers
Yes, you can apply for the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate for Germany. This certificate is mandatory for Indian students and verifies your academic documents for German university applications.
- Processing time: Typically 3 - 4 weeks, but can extend up to 3 months during peak periods (such as before major intakes).
- Application steps: Register online, submit required academic documents, pay the current fee (₹18,000, subject to change), and courier your documents to the APS office in New Delhi. An interview may be required in some cases.
- Validity: The APS certificate is valid for life.
Apply well in advance of university deadlines to avoid delays. If you need guidance on the process, your LeapScholar counsellor can assist.
Do you even need IELTS for Germany?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
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