APS Certificate Turkey 2026: Germany University Guide

Are you a Turkish student dreaming of studying at a university in Germany? Then the term "APS certificate" must have come to your attention. So what is this Akademische Prüfstelle (APS), when is it required, and how does the application process work? In this guide, we will answer all your questions by explaining all the details for 2026, step by step. Get ready, we are taking the first step on your Germany adventure!

#What is the APS Certificate and Why is it Important for Turkish Students?

International students who want to pursue higher education in Germany face certain bureaucratic processes. One of these processes is the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate. The APS is an institution jointly established by the Cultural Department of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ankara and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Its primary task is to verify the authenticity and suitability of academic documents (diploma, transcript, etc.) of student applicants from certain countries (Turkey being one of them) who wish to study in Germany, according to the German education system.

So, why is the APS certificate Turkey so important for students? Because many universities in Germany require this certificate from Turkish students before they apply. Without an APS certificate, you cannot apply directly to universities in Germany. This certificate serves as a pre-screening document, indicating that your documents have been verified and approved according to German standards. In other words, it is a way to prove the reliability and validity of your documents before applying to a university in Germany.

The purpose of the APS is to prevent fraudulent documents and to lighten the workload of German higher education institutions. This way, universities can make faster and more reliable decisions, knowing that the documents they receive have already undergone a preliminary review.

Another concept often confused with the APS certificate is "equivalence" or Anabin H+ status. Anabin is a database that shows the general recognition status of foreign diplomas and universities in Germany. If your university and program appear as H+ in Anabin, it means they are generally recognized. However, for students applying from APS Turkey, Anabin H+ status is not sufficient; an APS certificate is also mandatory. While APS provides you with a specific certificate after a detailed check of your documents, Anabin offers general information. Therefore, the answer to the question "Do we need to get equivalence in Germany or is Anabin H+ sufficient?" is clear for Turkish students: you need to obtain an APS certificate.

For other frequently asked questions about studying in Germany, visit our FAQ page.

#Who is Required to Apply for APS?

The APS certificate is generally mandatory for Turkish citizens applying for a higher education program in Germany. This requirement may vary depending on the level of education you are applying for:

• Bachelor's Programs: All students who have completed their high school education in Turkey and wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in Germany must apply for APS. This includes checking whether your university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) meets German standards.
• Master's Programs: Candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree in Turkey and wish to pursue a master's degree in Germany are also generally required to obtain an APS certificate. APS assesses whether your bachelor's diploma and transcript are sufficient for admission to a master's program in Germany.
• Associate Degree Graduates: The situation may be slightly different for students who have completed an associate degree in Turkey. Generally, associate degree graduates are not directly admitted to bachelor's programs. They are usually expected to complete a Studienkolleg (preparatory course) or complete their bachelor's degree in Turkey and then apply for a master's program. However, if you are considering applying for a program in Germany, it is important to clarify your situation by contacting APS or checking the admission requirements of your target university. You may still need to apply for APS, as the authenticity of your documents will still be checked.
• Special Cases: In some cases (e.g., Erasmus like exchange programs, language courses only, or very specific university agreements), an APS certificate may not be required. However, these exceptions are quite rare and should always be confirmed with the official website or international office of your target university.
• Law Graduates and Regulated Professions: "If a law graduate's degree is not recognized in Anabin, are they not eligible to do a master's in Germany?" such questions are frequently asked. Certain professions, such as law, fall into the category of "regulated professions" in Germany. In this case, you may not only need to obtain an APS certificate but also go through additional processes for professional recognition. APS confirms the academic validity of your documents, but whether your professional qualifications are sufficient to practice a profession in Germany is a separate recognition process. For master's program applications, the university's own admission criteria are decisive. Some universities may allow you to pursue a law master's in Germany with a Turkish law bachelor's degree, while others may suggest additional conditions or a master's in a different field. It is critically important to obtain the most accurate information on this matter from the international student office of the university you wish to apply to.

In summary, for the vast majority of Turkish students considering applying for a degree program (bachelor's or master's) in Germany, the APS application process is mandatory.

Explore university options in Germany on our universities page.

#2026 APS Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The APS application process involves steps that require attention and patience. Since you must complete this process before your university applications in Germany, allocating sufficient time is crucial. Here is the expected step-by-step application guide for APS Turkey 2026:

#Step 1: Prepare Required Documents Completely

This is the most critical step of the process. APS checks the accuracy and completeness of the documents you submit. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays or rejection of your application.

• Passport Photocopy: A clear photocopy of the page containing your identity information.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A chronological and up-to-date CV prepared in German or English.
• High School Diploma: The original of your high school diploma and its German translation done by a sworn translator. Check the current APS website to see if notarization is required.
• ÖSYM Placement Result Document: The ÖSYM result document showing that you have been placed in a university.
• University Diploma (Bachelor's/Associate Degree): The original of your bachelor's or associate degree diploma, depending on your graduation status, and its German translation done by a sworn translator.
• Transcript (Grade Report): The official transcript (grade report) you will obtain from the university, showing all your courses and grades. A German translation of this document by a sworn translator is also required. Transcript translation for APS process is vital; ensure that the name of each course and your grade are translated correctly.
• University Student ID Card: A photocopy of your student ID card showing that you are a student.
• Foreign Language Certificates (if any): Photocopies of any language proficiency documents you possess, such as TOEFL, IELTS, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat.
• Other Documents (if any): Other documents that will strengthen your application, such as internship certificates, reference letters, participation certificates.

Important Note: APS generally requires notarized copies of documents or notarized copies of original documents translated by a sworn translator. However, these requirements can be updated from time to time. Before applying, always check the current document list on the official APS website.

Use our document checklist for a detailed list of required documents and preparation tips.

#Step 2: Fill Out the APS Application Form

There is an online application form available on the APS website. You must fill out this form completely and accurately. The form asks for your personal information, educational background, and the level of education you aim for in Germany.

#Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The APS application is subject to a fee. For APS fee 2026, you need to check the current information directly on the official APS website (www.aps.org.tr). Fees may vary by year or according to exchange rates. Payment is usually made via bank transfer, and the payment receipt is requested to be sent along with your documents. We do not provide any estimated figures without confirming our information, so please verify the current fee from the official source.

Get a general idea of living and education costs in Germany with our cost calculator.

#Step 4: Send Documents to the APS Office

After preparing all your documents, filling out the application form, and paying the fee, you need to send your documents to the APS Ankara Office via mail or cargo.

• APS Ankara Address: Obtain the current address from the official APS website.
• Shipping Method: It is important to send your documents securely (preferably with a courier company that provides a tracking number). You may face significant problems if your documents are lost.
• Document Order: APS generally requires documents to be arranged in a specific order. Do not forget to check this detail on the official website as well.

#APS Interview: Online or In-Person? What to Expect?

After you send your documents and the preliminary review stage is completed, the APS interview stage begins. The interview is an important part of the APS process and is conducted to confirm the accuracy of the information in your documents, understand your motivation, and assess your seriousness about studying in Germany.

#Purpose of the Interview

The main purpose of the interview is to check whether the information in the academic documents you submitted matches your knowledge. You may be asked questions specifically about the course contents in your transcript, your final project, or your graduation thesis topic. Additionally, your reasons for wanting to study in Germany, and whether you have knowledge about your target university and program, will also be evaluated.

#Differences Between Online and In-Person Interviews

Since the pandemic, APS has also offered an online interview option. Whether the interview will be conducted online or in-person may depend on APS's current practices and your preferences (if an option is offered).

• Online Interview:
  • Advantages: No travel expenses or time loss. You can participate from the comfort of your home.
  • Disadvantages: Internet connection problems, technical glitches may occur. The lack of face-to-face interaction may be felt.
  • Preparation: It is important to ensure a good internet connection, a quiet environment, and a working camera and microphone.
• In-Person Interview:
  • Advantages: Opportunity for direct communication. A more formal and concentrated environment.
  • Dezavantajları: Requirement to travel to the APS Ankara Office, transportation and accommodation costs.
  • Preparation: It is important to be at the office before the interview time.

#What to Expect and How to Prepare for the Interview?

The APS interview usually lasts 15-30 minutes. You may be asked questions such as:

• About Your Academic Background:
  • "Which university did you graduate from, what was your major?"
  • "Which courses did you take during your bachelor's/associate degree, which were your favorite/most challenging courses?"
  • "What was the content of your final project/thesis topic?"
  • "Why did you choose this major?"
• About Germany and Your Motivation for Education:
  • "Why do you want to study in Germany, why not continue in Turkey?