What is the APS exam and is it related to the German language in Germany?
The APS is not an exam but a document verification process run by the German Embassy that checks your academic certificates are genuine. It is not directly related to German language skills, though you must submit German or English language scores separately as part of your overall application.
The APS is not a language exam, so you do not need to speak German to get it. It is a document verification process run by the Academic Evaluation Centre of the German Embassy that confirms your school and university certificates are genuine and meet German academic standards.
APS at a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it checks | Authenticity of your academic transcripts and degree certificates |
| Is it mandatory | Yes, for a student visa and admission to most German universities |
| Written exam involved | Usually none; a brief academic interview may apply in rare cases |
| Validity | Lifelong once issued |
Where Language Fits Into Your Application
- German taught program: submit German language certificates such as Goethe Institut, TestDaF or DSH alongside your APS documents
- English taught program: submit English proficiency scores like IELTS or TOEFL instead
- Exempt: if you are only attending a short language course under 90 days without university admission, you do not need an APS certificate
- Master's applicants in fields like engineering and business starting from a future intake should also check whether the newly introduced dMAT aptitude test applies to their program
My Advice
Start your APS application the moment your language scores are ready, since the verification itself can take several weeks and every other step in your German visa file depends on it. Tell me whether your program is German taught or English taught, plus your home country and target degree, and I will lay out your exact document checklist.
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