Education Journalist | Study Abroad Strategy Lead | Updated On - Mar 17, 2026
Germany is one of the most sought-after study destinations for Indian students, with 58,833 Indian students enrolled in German universities in the winter semester of 2024/25, making them the single largest international student group in the country. The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate was introduced in October 2022 by the German Embassy in New Delhi in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is a mandatory step before applying to a German university or obtaining a student visa. However, specific universities in Germany, primarily private universities and internationally affiliated colleges, does not require the APS certificate as part of their admission process. These are the top German universities without an APS certificate that Indian students can apply to directly, saving both time and the 18,000 INR (approximately €200) processing fee.
It is important to understand upfront that "without APS certificate" refers specifically to the university's own admission requirement. The German Embassy's visa requirement is a separate matter and is addressed in detail in a dedicated section below.
- Top Universities in Germany without APS Certificate for Indian Students
- What Makes These Universities APS-Exempt?
- What Is the APS Certificate and Why Do Indian Students Need It?
- The Critical Visa Distinction: APS-Exempt University vs APS-Exempt Visa
- Top German Universities Without APS Certificate
- How to Apply to German Universities Without APS Certificate?
- FAQs on Top German Universities Without APS Certificate
Top Universities in Germany without APS Certificate for Indian Students
The table below lists the top German universities without an APS certificate for Indian students, along with key program and fee details.
Note: All INR conversions are approximate, calculated at 1 EUR = 90 INR (March 2026). Verify current rates before financial planning.
| University | City | Popular Programs | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Annual Tuition (INR approx.) | Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IU International University of Applied Sciences | Berlin, Cologne | B.Sc. Computer Science, B.A. Business Administration, M.Sc. Computer Science, MBA | €6,970–€11,050 | ~6.3–9.9 lakh | April, October |
| GISMA University of Applied Sciences | Potsdam (near Berlin) | Global MBA, MSc Data Science AI & Digital Business, BSc International Business Management | €9,600–€22,500 | ~8.6–20.2 lakh | Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct |
| Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) | Berlin, Hamburg | International Business, Digital Marketing, Hospitality Management | €7,500–€9,900 | ~6.7–8.9 lakh | Oct, Feb, May |
| Arden University Berlin | Berlin | Business, Accounting, Healthcare Management | €8,000–€10,500 | ~7.2–9.4 lakh | Feb, May, Sep |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) | Berlin, Hamburg, Potsdam | Business, Design, Technology | €9,000–€12,000 | ~8.1–10.8 lakh | Mar, Sep |
| EU Business School | Munich | MBA, BSc Business | €15,600–€21,900 | ~14–19.7 lakh | Aug, Oct, Feb, Jun |
| Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | Munich, Berlin, Hamburg | Media, Design, Management, Journalism | €7,200–€10,800 | ~6.5–9.7 lakh | Oct, Mar |
| CODE University of Applied Sciences | Berlin | Software Engineering, Interaction Design, Product Management | €9,600–€12,000 | ~8.6–10.8 lakh | Oct, Apr |
According to the APS India official website (aps-india.de), students who obtain a non-German degree in Germany — which is the case at many of these private universities that award degrees through international partner institutions — are exempt from the APS verification requirement for university admission purposes. Additionally, students holding international qualifications such as A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) are also exempt from APS certification.
What Makes These Universities APS-Exempt?
These universities are APS-exempt for admission primarily because:
- They are privately funded institutions that operate their own independent admission and credential verification processes.
- Several award degrees through international partner universities (e.g., UK-based institutions), meaning the degree is not a German state-recognised degree subject to APS verification.
- They cater heavily to international students and have built internal document verification systems that do not rely on the APS process.
What Is the APS Certificate and Why Do Indian Students Need It?
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle), or Academic Evaluation Centre, is a body operating under the German Embassy in New Delhi. According to the official APS India website (aps-india.de), the APS certificate verifies the authenticity of Indian academic documents and confirms that an applicant's educational qualifications meet the minimum requirements for university admission in Germany. The APS process was introduced on October 1, 2022, and applies to students from India, China, Vietnam, and Mongolia due to the high volume of applications from these countries.
The APS certificate is valid indefinitely once issued. Processing takes approximately 3–4 weeks after payment confirmation, according to APS India.
Who Is Exempt from APS Certification in Germany?
According to the official APS India FAQ page (aps-india.de/faqs/), the following categories of students do not need to apply for APS certification:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-German degree holders in Germany | Students obtaining a degree from a non-German institution based in Germany |
| International qualification holders | Students with A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or degrees from non-Indian universities |
| PhD/PostDoc applicants | If the dissertation supervisor does not require APS certification |
| German/EU scholarship recipients | Students funded by DAAD or other German/EU public funds |
| Short course students | Courses lasting fewer than 90 days |
APS Certificate Cost and Processing Time for Indian Students
The following table summarises the key details of the APS process for Indian students:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| APS Certification Fee | 18,000 INR (approximately €200) |
| Processing Time | 3–4 weeks after payment confirmation |
| Certificate Format | Digital PDF (introduced April 2023); paper certificates issued before April 2023 remain valid |
| Certificate Validity | Indefinitely valid (digital certificates valid for 3 years, then renewable) |
| Interview Requirement | May apply to students still pursuing undergraduate degrees in India |
| Submission Method | Courier only; no personal drop-offs |
The Critical Visa Distinction: APS-Exempt University vs APS-Exempt Visa
This is the most common source of confusion among Indian students planning to study in Germany.
Getting admission to a German university without APS does NOT automatically mean you are exempt from APS for your student visa.
These are two entirely separate requirements:
- University admission requirement: Whether the university asks for APS as part of its application process.
- German student visa requirement: Whether the German Embassy requires APS as part of your visa application.
Can Indian Students Get a German Student Visa Without APS Certificate?
According to the official APS India website (aps-india.de) and the German Embassy in India (india.diplo.de), Indian students applying for a German student visa are generally required to submit an APS certificate. This applies even if the university they have been admitted to does not require APS for admission.
In other words, a private university may admit you without APS, but the German Embassy will still ask for it when you apply for your student visa, unless you fall into one of the specific exemption categories listed above.
When Does the German Embassy Waive the APS Requirement?
The German Embassy waives the APS requirement for the student visa only in the following cases:
- You hold a scholarship from German or EU public funds (e.g., DAAD scholarship).
- You are a PhD/PostDoc applicant whose supervisor does not require APS.
- You hold an international qualification (A-Levels, IB, or a degree from a non-Indian university).
- Your course is shorter than 90 days.
Practical implication for Indian students: If you are applying to a private German university without APS for admission, you should still begin the APS process in parallel unless you clearly fall into one of the exemption categories above. Confirm your specific situation directly with the German Embassy or consulate responsible for your region in India before making any assumptions.
Top German Universities Without APS Certificate
The universities listed below are among the most popular choices for Indian students seeking to study in Germany without the APS certificate requirement for admission.
IU International University of Applied Sciences
IU International University of Applied Sciences is Germany's largest private university, offering on-campus programs in Berlin and Cologne, as well as online programs.
IU offers programs entirely in English, with intakes in April and October. The university does not require APS certification as part of its own admission process.
| Program | Level | Duration | Total Program Fee (EUR) | Total Program Fee (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Computer Science | Bachelor | 3 years | €20,910 | ~18.8 lakh |
| B.A. Business Administration | Bachelor | 3 years | €20,910 | ~18.8 lakh |
| M.Sc. Computer Science | Master | 2 years | €16,600 | ~14.9 lakh |
| M.A. International Management | Master | 1 year | €10,080 | ~9.1 lakh |
| MBA (90 ECTS) | MBA | 18 months | €15,050 | ~13.5 lakh |
| One-Year MBA (60 ECTS) | MBA | 1 year | €11,050 | ~9.9 lakh |
GISMA University of Applied Sciences
GISMA University of Applied Sciences is located in Potsdam, near Berlin. It is AMBA-accredited for its Global MBA, a distinction held by only approximately 2% of business schools worldwide. GISMA does not require APS certification for its own admission process.
| Program | Level | Duration | Total Program Fee (EUR) | Total Program Fee (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global MBA | MBA | 12 months | €22,500 | ~20.2 lakh |
| MSc Data Science, AI & Digital Business | Master | 12–18 months | ~€15,500 | ~13.9 lakh |
| BSc International Business Management | Bachelor | 3 years | ~€9,600/year | ~8.6 lakh/year |
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
BSBI is located in Berlin and Hamburg and offers programs in partnership with international universities, which is the primary reason it does not require APS certification for admission. Programs are available in International Business, Digital Marketing, and Hospitality Management, with annual tuition ranging from €7,500 to €9,900 (approximately 6.7–8.9 lakh INR). Intakes are available in October, February, and May.
Other APS-Exempt Private Universities in Germany
The table below summarises additional private German universities without APS certificate requirements for admission:
| University | Location | Key Programs | Annual Fee (EUR) | Annual Fee (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arden University Berlin | Berlin | Business, Accounting, Healthcare Management | €8,000–€10,500 | ~7.2–9.4 lakh |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) | Berlin, Hamburg, Potsdam | Business, Design, Technology | €9,000–€12,000 | ~8.1–10.8 lakh |
| EU Business School | Munich | MBA, BSc Business | €15,600–€21,900 | ~14–19.7 lakh |
| Macromedia University | Munich, Berlin, Hamburg | Media, Design, Management | €7,200–€10,800 | ~6.5–9.7 lakh |
| CODE University | Berlin | Software Engineering, Product Management | €9,600–€12,000 | ~8.6–10.8 lakh |
How to Apply to German Universities Without APS Certificate?
Applying to a German university without APS certificate follows a more streamlined process than applying to public German universities. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Research and shortlist programs: Visit the official university website and confirm that APS is not required for admission to your chosen program.
- Check your visa exemption status: Confirm with the German Embassy whether you still need APS for your student visa, based on your specific qualifications and circumstances.
- Gather required documents
- Apply directly to the university: Most private universities accept direct applications through their own portals, without requiring uni-assist.
- Receive your admission letter: This is required for your student visa application.
- Apply for your German student visa: Submit your application to the German Embassy or consulate responsible for your region in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru), as listed on india.diplo.de.
Multiple Reddit users have noted that even after receiving admission from a private German university that does not require APS, they were still asked to provide the APS certificate during the German student visa application process.
Students who have successfully navigated this route recommend starting the APS process in parallel with university applications — not after receiving an admission letter — to avoid delays in visa processing. The APS processing time of 3–4 weeks, combined with visa appointment wait times, can push the total timeline to 3–5 months.
The consensus among Indian students on Reddit is that private German universities without APS certificate requirements offer a faster and less administratively complex admission process — but the visa step requires the same careful preparation as any other German university application.
FAQs on Top German Universities Without APS Certificate
Ques. Can I study in Germany without an APS certificate?
Ans. Yes, you can gain admission to certain private German universities without an APS certificate. However, according to the official APS India website, Indian students generally still need the APS certificate for their German student visa application, unless they fall into specific exemption categories such as holding a DAAD scholarship, being a PhD applicant whose supervisor waives the requirement, or holding an international qualification like A-Levels or IB.
Ques. Do all German universities require APS certification?
Ans. No. Public German universities typically require APS certification for Indian students. Private universities and internationally affiliated institutions in Germany often do not require APS for admission. However, the German Embassy's visa requirement is separate and must be verified independently.
Ques. How long does APS certification take for Indian students?
Ans. According to APS India, the APS verification process takes approximately 3–4 weeks after payment confirmation. Students who are still pursuing their undergraduate degree may also be required to attend an interview, which adds approximately 14 days to the timeline.=
Ques. What is the Anabin database and why does it matter for APS-exempt universities?
Ans. The Anabin database is maintained by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the German states (KMK) and classifies foreign educational institutions and qualifications. The H+/H- status of a university on Anabin can affect whether APS will issue a certificate and how the German Embassy evaluates your application. Indian students should check the Anabin status of their chosen university at anabin.kmk.org before applying.
Comments