MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
APS Certificate for Germany in Vietnam: Document Verification, TestAS, Fees, and the Hanoi Embassy Route
The complete APS Vietnam guide: document verification at the German Embassy Hanoi, TestAS requirements, Vietcombank fee payments, and HZB equivalence.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — sourced to the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS Hanoi) regulations, German Embassy Hanoi, and DAAD Vietnam
The *APS Certificate (Chứng chỉ APS) is an absolute legal prerequisite for any Vietnamese citizen seeking to study at a German university, preparatory foundation college (Studienkolleg), or postgraduate program. Run jointly by the German Embassy in Hanoi and the DAAD, the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) checks the authenticity of academic transcripts, diplomas, and university entrance qualifications (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung* - HZB) before university admission and visa issuance can proceed.
Who needs APS and which procedure applies?
APS procedures in Vietnam are divided into specific categories based on the applicant's prior educational attainment in Vietnam:
| Applicant Category | APS Procedure | Required Exams | Output Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Graduates (THPT) | Document Verification (Thẩm tra hồ sơ) | National High School Exam + TestAS | APS Certificate for Studienkolleg |
| University Students (1–3 Semesters) | Document Verification | University Transcripts + TestAS | APS Certificate for Studienkolleg / Bachelor |
| Vietnamese Bachelor Holders | Master Document Evaluation | None (standard evaluation of degree & transcripts) | APS Certificate for Master's Programs |
| Doctoral / PhD Candidates | Exemption / Direct Verification | Doctoral supervisor letter (Promotionsbetreuung) | APS Exemption Certificate |
APS fee payments and submission mechanics at the Hanoi Embassy
All APS applications must be submitted by post or in person to the German Embassy Hanoi (APS Office, 29 Trần Phú, Ba Đình, Hà Nội). The evaluation fee must be transferred directly to the German Embassy's account at Vietcombank Hanoi in USD equivalent. Ensure that all Vietnamese academic documents are accompanied by state-notarized German or English translations and that certified true copies (bản sao trích lục/chứng thực) bear original red stamps.
How long is an APS certificate valid once issued in Vietnam?
APS certificates have indefinite validity. As long as your underlying degree or academic status does not change, an APS certificate remains valid for university applications across all 16 German federal states indefinitely.
Do students applying for an Ausbildung vocational program need an APS certificate?
No. APS applies exclusively to higher education applicants (Studienkolleg, Bachelor, Master, and language preparation prior to university). Dual vocational training (Ausbildung §16a) does not require APS.
How long does the APS document verification process take in Hanoi?
Standard document verification for undergraduate and Master applicants typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks from the date the Embassy receives the complete physical dossier and confirmed Vietcombank fee payment.