Applying to Germany: APS, uni-assist and VPD
Three terms are confused more than any others when applying to Germany: APS, uni-assist and VPD. They are not the same thing, and not all three apply to every candidate. This page explains, on the basis of official sources, when each one comes into play.
Who this page is for
- Candidates in Türkiye planning a bachelor's or master's degree in Germany
- Anyone who wants to establish where the application channel actually begins
- Anyone who has come across conflicting information online
Do Turkish applicants need an APS certificate
The short answer: no. Applicants presenting Turkish educational documents are not asked for an APS certificate.
The APS (Akademische Pruefstelle) is a body that verifies, on Germany s behalf, the authenticity of educational documents issued in certain countries. According to the definition published by uni-assist, Germany s official application assessment service, this body exists for China, Vietnam and India and the APS certificate is an application requirement for candidates from those countries. Türkiye is not on that list.
The student visa information sheet published by the German mission in Türkiye makes no mention of the APS either; the documents listed are the Lise Diplomasi, the YKS result and placement certificate, proof of language ability and proof of financial resources.
Some consultancy websites state that "an APS certificate is compulsory for Turkish students". That claim does not match the official sources above. Always confirm a document list against the university's own page and the mission's information sheet; universities may set additional requirements of their own.
When can an APS be required
What matters is not citizenship but the country in which the document was issued. If you completed your degree in China, for example, holding Turkish citizenship does not remove the APS requirement. If your educational history spans more than one country, clarify this before you apply.
What uni-assist does
uni-assist is a shared service that converts documents from Türkiye into the German grading system and carries out a preliminary assessment on the university's behalf. Not every university uses uni-assist. Some universities accept applications directly through their own portal.
So the first step is not gathering documents but establishing the target programme's application channel. An application sent through the wrong channel is not assessed, and the fee is not refunded.
| How to identify the channel | The "Bewerbung" or "Application" section on the programme's university page |
|---|---|
| Two-channel cases | Some universities require uni-assist for bachelor's and direct application for master's |
| Time margin | Processing time varies with application volume; submitting close to the deadline is risky |
| Price | Charged per application; the current amount is on uni-assist's own page |
What a VPD is
A VPD (Vorpruefungsdokumentation) is the preliminary review document uni-assist issues after examining your records. It states the German equivalent of your grade average and your eligibility to apply. Some universities that accept direct applications still require a VPD alongside them. So "I am not using uni-assist" does not mean a VPD will not be needed.
A VPD is not a letter of admission. It only states the German equivalent of your records; the admission decision always rests with the university.
Documents required from Türkiye
The document list uni-assist publishes for Türkiye varies with the type of school you graduated from. For a standard high school qualification the requirements are:
- Lise Diplomasi (Turkish high school diploma)
- YKS placement result certificate (OSYM)
- A transcript, if you have already started university in Türkiye
The list differs for technical and religious vocational high schools, distance learning, and candidates admitted through YOS; in those cases a record of subjects and grades for the final four years is also required.
The translation rule is explicit: for translations made in Türkiye, uni-assist accepts only those produced by a sworn translator and whose stamp carries the words "yeminli tercuman". Applications are frequently returned over this detail.
The visa step and proof of funds
Once the offer or application process has advanced, the visa step follows. There are two separate categories here, and confusing them is a common mistake.
| Student visa | Applied for with a letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid) |
|---|---|
| Applicant visa | Before an offer is held, for preparation and language study; a stay of up to nine months |
| Proof of funds, student | at least EUR 11,904 per year (EUR 992 per month, 2026) |
| Proof of funds, applicant | EUR 1,091 per month (2026) |
| Accepted forms | A blocked account (Sperrkonto) in Germany, or a formal declaration of support |
| Processing time | Stated as four to six weeks in the mission's information sheet |
Work entitlement also comes up at the application stage: international students may work 140 full days or 280 half days, or up to 20 hours per week. To look for qualified work after graduation, a residence permit of up to 18 months residence permitAn official permit confirming your right to live in a country for a specified purpose and period. may be granted.
The blocked account figure is tied to the maximum support rate for German students and is updated periodically. Confirm the amount on the mission's page immediately before applying; opening the account with too little in it pushes the appointment date back.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the channel question until lastDocuments are prepared first, and only then does the applicant look into whether the application goes through uni-assist or directly. The correct order is the reverse: channel first, documents second.
- Not allowing time for the VPDA VPD is not issued instantly. Unless preparation time is added ahead of the deadline, the document will not be ready.
- Using a translation office that is not swornIf the stamp does not carry the words "yeminli tercuman", the translation may be rejected and the process starts over.
- Not checking the language requirement programme by programmeWithin the same university, English-taught and German-taught programmes have different language requirements.
- Confusing proof of funds with tuition feesThe blocked account secures living costs; the semester administrative contribution is a separate item.
Which channel applies in your case
Let us work it out together from your type of qualification, your target programme and your timeline.
Free initial assessmentFrequently asked questions
Is an APS certificate required for Turkish students?
No. By uni-assist's definition the APS exists for China, Vietnam and India and is an application requirement for candidates from those countries. Türkiye is not on that list. What matters is not citizenship but the country in which the educational document was issued.
Do I need a VPD when applying to a university that does not use uni-assist?
It may be. Some universities that accept direct applications still require a VPD obtained from uni-assist. Confirm this requirement on the programme's own application page.
How much proof of funds is required for a German student visa?
For 2026, at least EUR 11,904 per year, that is EUR 992 per month. For applicants who do not yet hold an offer, the monthly figure is EUR 1,091. The amount is tied to the maximum support rate for German students and may be updated.
How much can I work while studying in Germany?
140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. After graduation, a residence permit of up to 18 months may be granted to look for skilled employment.
Sources
- uni-assist e.V. — Definition of the APS and the countries it applies to
- uni-assist e.V. — Documents required for Türkiye and the sworn translator rule
- German Federal Foreign Office, mission in Türkiye — Student visa information sheet: documents, proof of funds, processing time
- Make it in Germany (Germany Federal Government) — Proof of funds amounts, work entitlement and the job-seeking permit