The APS Certificate for Chinese Students: What It Is, How Long It Takes, and How to Prepare

The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle, Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate is mandatory for most Chinese students applying to German universities. German embassies will not issue a student visa without it. The APS office in Beijing operates the full process; the Shanghai office handles secondary school verification only.

Who Needs It

Chinese nationals applying to study at German universities with Chinese educational qualifications need an APS certificate. Exceptions: graduates of German schools in China, students with already-recognized degrees from third countries. Check with the specific German institution you're applying to, as some programs accept applications before APS but require the certificate before enrollment.

What APS Verifies

APS checks your Chinese academic records for authenticity and assesses your German language ability through a personal interview (Fachgespräch). The interview covers your previous study subject, lasts 20 to 40 minutes, and is conducted in German. A B1 to B2 level is expected for the interview; the certificate level required by individual universities varies separately.

The Process Step by Step

1. Prepare documents: high school diploma + notarized translation, university transcripts and diploma + notarized translations, language certificate (at least B1 for the interview), passport, ID photos, completed APS application form
2. Submit application: submit online at the APS Beijing website (aps.org.cn), then bring physical documents to the APS office. Appointment required.
3. Pay the fee: ¥800 application fee (subject to change; check aps.org.cn)
4. Attend the Fachgespräch: the in-person interview in German. Scheduled approximately two to four weeks after document submission. The interviewer will ask about your previous study subject — prepare to explain what you studied, why, and what you plan to study in Germany.
5. Wait for the certificate: four to six weeks after the interview for normal processing. Express service (additional fee) reduces this to two weeks.

Timeline

Allow eight to twelve weeks total from starting document preparation to receiving the certificate. Many students underestimate translation and notarization time. Notarized translations in China take one to two weeks per document. Start this process as soon as you have a university application target, not after.

Preparing for the Fachgespräch

The interview checks that your academic record is genuine by asking you to explain your coursework. Standard questions: "Was haben Sie in Ihrem Studiengang gelernt?" (What did you study?), "Warum möchten Sie in Deutschland studieren?" (Why Germany?), "Welche Fächer hatten Sie?" (Which subjects did you take?)

Prepare a two-minute explanation of your previous degree in German. Practice with a language partner or tutor. The interviewers are not trying to fail you — they're checking that you actually attended and understood the courses on your transcript.

If Your Application Is Rejected or Your Certificate Is Restricted

APS can issue certificates with restrictions (e.g., only valid for certain study fields). If your certificate is refused, APS provides written reasons. You can reapply once. Consult the Hochschulstart or your target university directly before reapplying, as some universities have specific guidance for APS-restricted applicants.