APS Guide(for Chinese students)
APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is a mandatory requirement for most Chinese students applying to German universities. Without an APS certificate, Uni-Assist and many universities will not process your application. This guide explains what APS is, who needs it, how the document check works, how the interview works, required materials, realistic timelines, and how to avoid common delays.
What Is APS and Why It Exists
APS is an academic verification system run jointly by Germany and China.
Its purpose is to:
• confirm your academic documents are authentic
• verify you completed your previous education properly
• prevent fraudulent or unrecognized degrees
• ensure you meet the basic requirements for German higher education
Without APS, your application is considered incomplete.
Who Needs APS
APS is mandatory for:
• students with Chinese high school diplomas
• students with Chinese bachelor’s degrees
• students applying for Bachelor, Master, or Studienkolleg in Germany
• students applying through Uni-Assist and direct portals
APS is also required for VPD requests via Uni-Assist.
Who does NOT need APS:
• Students with Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan degrees
• Students who completed their degree outside Mainland China
• Exchange students (non-degree mobility programs)
If your previous education was in China, assume APS is needed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Types of APS Procedures
There are several APS procedures depending on your background:
1) Regular APS (interview required)
For students who completed high school or university in China.
Includes document verification + interview.
2) APS for Master’s Applicants (no interview in some cases)
If you already have a recognized bachelor degree outside China, you may skip the interview.
3) Fast-Track APS
For students admitted by German universities under special agreements.
Rare and not guaranteed.
4) APS for German-Taught Bachelor applicants
Interview is typically required to evaluate your general knowledge and motivation.
APS Document Check (What They Really Verify)
The APS office checks if your documents are:
• authentic
• officially issued by your school or university
• complete
• consistent with your transcripts and certificates
• matching your reported academic history
Documents typically required:
• passport
• high school graduation certificate
• Gaokao score (if applicable)
• university transcripts
• university graduation certificate
• student status certificate (if you have not graduated yet)
• English or German certificates (if relevant)
Tip: Missing or unclear documents cause the most serious delays.
APS Interview (What to Expect)
The APS interview is not a language exam.
It is designed to verify that:
• you truly studied what your documents claim
• you understand the basics of your field
• you have realistic study plans for Germany
• your academic background is legitimate
Interview topics depend on your major:
For engineering: basic physics, math, mechanics
For business: accounting basics, micro/macro economics
For computer science: algorithms, programming fundamentals
For humanities: motivation and academic background
For science majors: chemistry, biology, lab knowledge
It is not difficult if you actually studied your subject.
Warning: Students who rely on fake transcripts or purchased diplomas fail the interview immediately.
APS Timelines (Realistic Expectations)
Official timeline: 6–8 weeks
Realistic timeline (busy season): 8–12+ weeks
You may experience delays if:
• documents are incomplete
• verification requires contacting your school
• interview dates are fully booked
• you apply during peak months (Sept–Dec)
Apply as early as possible — APS delays can cause you to miss university deadlines.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
These are the biggest reasons students get stuck:
1.Missing documents
APS will not process your file.
2.Wrong translations
Only sworn translations are valid.
3.Not matching names
Your name must match your passport exactly.
4.Applying too late
Especially if your university deadlines are in May–July.
5.Poor interview preparation
APS interview should not be taken lightly.
How to Avoid Delays
• Prepare translations before APS opens for the year
• Contact your university early for sealed transcripts
• Bring all originals to the interview
• Keep your study plan clear and concise
• Check every document twice before submission
• Avoid peak submission months if possible
These small steps save weeks of waiting.
After You Receive APS
You will get:
• a physical APS certificate
• an APS verification number (very important)
You must upload your APS certificate when applying:
• via Uni-Assist
• directly to universities
• for VPD requests
Keep the original APS certificate safe — replacement takes time.
Summary
APS is a mandatory and essential step for Chinese students applying to German universities. Understanding the different APS procedures, preparing documents early, and taking the interview seriously will save you time, stress, and missed deadlines. Once you successfully obtain your APS certificate, all your German university applications become much smoother.