German Missions in India announced for German student visa applications, Indian students must have their academic records assessed by the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) and receive APS certificates before filling a visa application. The center has the applications verified of the students applying to pursue higher education in Germany that hold a Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese university degree according to Schengen VosaInfo.com reports. According to a statement posted on website, German Missions in India said that the change would come into effect from November 1, while APS applications will open as of October 1, 2022. 

The German Missions in India statement reads, “This means: Applicants need an APS certificate before filing a visa application. APS will be open for applications beginning October 1, 2022,” further saying that the new appointment slots for student visa applications through VFS Global would open in recent times. 

German Embassy said, “As there still is a number of entries on the appointment waitlist for winter semester 2022, please note that – unfortunately – it is not possible for the Embassy / Consulates to verify who is in possession of a still valid admission from a German university. Therefore, all students are kindly requested to register for an appointment only if they have obtained all mandatory documents.” 

The process for the APS certificate application first starts with online registration, meaning that individuals must start registering online at the APS India website for applying for the certificate, then printing and completing the application form by signing it. An amount of ₹18,000 for the APS procedure, which should be transferred to the APS bank account. 

The completed form should be submitted at APS India via courier or in person which must be printed and signed. 

APS certificates are not required in some cases, which include students that have won a German or European-funded scholarship and applicants that have thesis supervisors and do not require such a certificate for registration. The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS India) notes that these applicants are not required for the verification process. 

An APS certificate is considered an essential part of the visa application. Students can prove their degree’s authenticity and eligibility for pursuing studies at a German university along with the mentioned type of certificate. 

Students will be inquired about submission which includes - printed and signed application form together with a passport-size photo, which shouldn’t be older than six months, a copy of the APS fee transfer receipt, a copy of Aadhaar card with a linked mobile number, a passport copy, copy of transcript and degree certificate as well as a copy of language certificates in English or German.