APS (Akademische Prüfstelle, Academic Examination Office) is a mandatory step for most Chinese students applying to German universities. Many find it mysterious, but once you understand the rules, it's manageable—the interview tests real understanding, not memorization.
What is APS and why do you need it?
APS verifies the authenticity of your Chinese academic credentials and assesses your academic level. It doesn't grade you—it confirms you actually studied your major. After passing, you receive an APS certificate valid for 5 years, required by most German universities for admission.
APS has three offices in China: Beijing (inside the German Cultural Center), Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Choose the nearest one, but Beijing appointments are tightest—book early.
Three types of APS: Which one applies to you?
Document Check (Dokumentenprüfung)
Only document review, no interview. Suitable if you've graduated, attend a well-known university, and have clear documents. Fastest route—results in 2–4 weeks.
Individual Interview (Einzelgespräch)
Most common. One-on-one, 30–45 minutes, in German or English, testing your core subject knowledge. Use German if your target program is taught in German; English for English-taught programs.
Group Interview (Gruppenprüfung)
Small group Q&A, occasionally arranged in some cities. Similar to individual interview—nothing to worry about.
Most current students or recent graduates applying for a master's take the individual interview.
Individual interview: What's tested and how to prepare
What they test
- Core subject concepts: Based on your bachelor's courses. Engineering: math/physics/engineering principles. Sciences: core definitions and lab logic. Humanities/social sciences: research methods and basic concepts.
- Thesis/research experience: Almost always asked: "What is your thesis about?" "Why did you choose this major?"
- Language ability: Fluency and accuracy are also evaluated.
How to prepare
- List your 10 most important bachelor's courses. For each, write 3–5 core concepts and explain them in your interview language (German/English).
- Prepare a 5-minute oral summary of your thesis (or most important project) and practice until fluent.
- Answer "Why Germany?" and "Why this major?" honestly and specifically—don't recite a script.
- Mock interview: practice with a friend or record yourself.
Interviewers don't expect advanced research findings—they want to see your bachelor's degree is real and you actually took those courses. Honesty and saying "I need a moment to think" is far better than guessing.
Required documents
- Original passport and copy
- Bachelor's transcript (Chinese and English, university-sealed)
- Degree certificate/diploma or enrollment certificate (English)
- Language certificate (for APS, only German B1 or equivalent English—not B2)
- APS application fee: approx. 180 EUR (check current official price)
Timeline and booking tips
- Beijing appointments are tightest—peak season (March–May) can have 2–3 month wait. Start at least 4 months before submitting Uni-Assist materials.
- Shanghai and Guangzhou usually have 4–6 week wait times.
- After passing, the certificate is mailed domestically in 1–2 weeks—provide your delivery address early.
FAQ
- Will my application be scrutinized more if I didn't attend a 985/211 university?
- APS checks authenticity and basic knowledge, not university ranking. As long as your documents are real and your interview is normal, your pass rate is similar to top university graduates.
- What if my APS certificate expires?
- It's valid for 5 years. If expired, you need to reapply—but this rarely happens in practice.
- Does passing APS guarantee university admission?
- No. APS is only a prerequisite. Admission decisions are made by each university based on grades, documents, and other factors.
Summary
APS is the first door to studying in Germany—the process is fixed and transparent. The two most important things: book early (don't wait until the last six months) and organize your subject knowledge in your interview language. Once you pass, you can move forward with your Uni-Assist application confidently.
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