
The APS interview, explained
Muhammad Bilal5 min read12 Jun 2026
What the APS certificate is, who needs it, and how to prepare for the interview.
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) verifies whether your previous qualifications let you study in Germany. Since 2022, an APS certificate is mandatory for Pakistani students before applying to most German universities or booking a visa appointment.
Expect to submit your degrees, transcripts, and documents — and often attend a short interview. Start early, because attestation and interview slots can take several weeks.
Apply early
Begin your APS application 2–3 months before your university deadlines — document attestation and interview scheduling are the most common sources of delay