Top German Universities without APS Certificate

Thinking of studying in Germany? The APS certificate is a requirement for Indian students. However, in this article, we explore some universities in Germany that don't require the APS certificate.

Indian students aspiring to study in Germany often face the mandatory requirement of obtaining an APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate. This document verifies the authenticity of their academic records and is essential for applying to German universities and securing a student visa. However, there are exceptions to this rule, with some universities and specific cases allowing Indian students to bypass the APS certification process.

APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) is a joint institution of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Embassy's cultural department. The main function of the APS is to check the authenticity of educational documents and their corresponding educational certificates of Indian students wanting to study in Germany, and issue authenticity certificates or APS Certification. This not only speeds up the admission process but also provides an extra layer of screening of documents for each applicant.

This article explores the universities in Germany that accept Indian students without an APS certificate, with their application process and more. 

What is APS Certificate?

The APS certificate was introduced by the German Embassy and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) to streamline the admission process for Indian students. It verifies educational qualifications and ensures that only qualified candidates gain access to German higher education institutions. Despite its importance, some universities have opted not to require this certificate, thus easing the application process for certain students. APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) checks if your Indian degree is valid for studying in Germany. It is now a mandatory document for German student visa, unless your university or course is exempt.

You need it mainly if you are applying to:

• Public universities
• Bachelor's or Master's programs
• German-taught courses

Who Doesn’t Need APS?

You can skip APS certification if:

• You apply to a private university in Germany
• You go to a foreign university’s German campus
• You are going for a PhD with a public scholarship
• You already have a foreign degree (like UK or US)
• You are doing a short course less than 90 days

Universities that do not require APS Certification in Germany

While APS Certification is a mandatory requirement across most universities in Germany, some schools don’t require APS certification during the application process. While these schools are conveniently located in Germany, upon completion of your studies, your degree will be conferred by a partner university situated outside the country. Rest assured, these degrees hold the same validity and recognition as those awarded by German universities themselves. Some schools do not require you to submit your APS Certification in Germany, including:

1. Berlin School of Business & Innovation
2. EU Business School – Munich
3. Lancaster University, Leipzig
4. New European College - The Genuine Business School

Let us know about these universities in brief and above all learn about their degree awarding partners. 

Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)

Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI) offers a strong focus on practical business skills with an international perspective. Their professors have extensive industry experience, and the curriculum is designed to be career-oriented. Additionally, BSBI boasts a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life in the heart of Berlin.

• Popular Programs: Business Administration (specializations in International Business, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management), Management, Marketing, Finance, Digital Marketing
• Degree awarding partners: Degrees awarded at BSBI are recognised and accredited by Universitá Telematica Internazionale UNINETTUNO, University For The Creative Arts, Concordia University Chicago, and University of Roehampton London.

EU Business School – Munich

EU Business School offers a strong focus on international business education with a global network of partner universities. Their programs emphasize practical skills development through case studies, business simulations, and company visits. EU Business School boasts a multicultural student body and a vibrant campus life in Munich.

• Popular Programs: Bachelor's in Business Administration (specializations in International Business, Marketing, Management), Master's in International Business, MBA.
• Degree awarding partners: Degrees awarded at EU Business School – Munich are recognised and accredited by Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, University of Derby, London Metropolitan University and Dublin Business School.

Lancaster University, Leipzig

Lancaster University Leipzig is a branch campus of the prestigious Lancaster University in the UK. This offers a unique opportunity to earn a British degree while studying on a European campus. The university offers a blend of British and German teaching styles, and its programs are designed to focus internationally.

• Popular Programs: A variety of Bachelor's and Master's programs in English across various disciplines like Business, Law, Social Sciences, Data Science
• Degree awarding partner: Degrees awarded at Lancaster University Leipzig, are recognised and accredited by Lancaster University, UK.

New European College - The Genuine Business School

The New European College offers a unique, American-style business education with a focus on small class sizes and interactive learning. Their curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The college boasts a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on career preparation.

• Popular Programs: Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration
• Degree awarding partner: Degrees for all bachelor and master programmes at New European College are recognised and accredited by Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences (WUAS).

What are the Conditions for Exemption from APS Certificate? 

While these universities do not require an APS certificate, it's important to note that this exemption often applies under specific conditions:

• Students pursuing non-German degrees at these institutions.
• Those who have received scholarships funded by German or EU organizations.
• Ph.D. candidates whose supervisors do not mandate an APS certificate.
• Students holding international qualifications such as A-Levels or International Baccalaureate may also be exempt.

Candidates wanting to know more about APS Germany requirements can visit our website or contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.