Is it possible to get colleges in Germany despite my college not being APS certificate eligible?
Yes, it is possible even if your college is not APS eligible. You can enrol in a foreign branch campus in Germany awarding a UK or Italian degree, pursue a funded PhD, or use an Erasmus multi-country program starting in another EU country, since these routes are exempt from APS.
Your college not being APS eligible does not close the door to Germany, though it does rule out standard public university admission through the normal route. You have three realistic alternatives that are legally exempt from the APS requirement altogether.
Your Alternative Pathways Compared
| Pathway | Degree Received | APS Required | Major Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign branch campus | Non German (UK, US or EU) | No | Higher private tuition fees |
| Erasmus or EU transfer | German or joint degree | No | Complex multi country logistics |
| Funded PhD route | German doctorate | No | Highly competitive scholarship funding |
| Standard public university | German bachelor's or master's | Yes, mandatory | Impossible if your college is unaccredited |
How Each Route Actually Works
- Branch campuses like Lancaster University Leipzig or Arden University Berlin let you live in Germany while earning a UK degree, with no APS needed for admission or visa.
- A funded PhD, backed by a scholarship such as DAAD or a professor's invitation, is exempt from APS entirely.
- An Erasmus Mundus program that starts your first semester in Poland, Austria or France lets you transfer into Germany later using an intra EU mobility visa, bypassing APS India.
My Advice
Decide your level of study first, since a funded PhD or a branch campus programme is often faster to arrange than an Erasmus transfer. Before you pay any tuition, get the school's international office to confirm in writing that they hold a specific visa support waiver recognised by the German Embassy, so you are not rejected at the final step.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
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