Top German Universities without APS Certificate are the light of hope to international pupils, especially those being the students of countries like India, China, and Vietnam, the countries where APS certificate is mandatory. Introduced in November 2022 by the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the APS certificate checks the authenticity of the academic documents to enter a university and to apply to get a visa. Nevertheless, there are some exemptions which are provided by some German universities and programs thus making the process of application easier. This has been an article on Top German Universities without APS Certificate, it will describe into German Universities that don’t require APS Certification, and address the question Can I study in Germany without an APS certificate?.
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Understanding the APS Certificate Requirement
The APS certificate is an important document whose international students of certain countries should contain to make sure their academic qualifications are compatible with German ones. It also makes the process of university admission, and visas easy through authenticity verification of documents. There are, however, some exceptions with regard to certain institutions, courses or types of students, i.e. those with international credentials (e.g. A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) or those taking German or EU-funded scholarships or even Ph.D. students whose supervisor waives the fee. The APS certificate is also normally not necessary to enroll in short courses (under 90 days).
German Universities that don’t require APS Certification are usually privately run or belong to an international partner university and thus offer degrees granted by a foreign university. Such exemptions make the process easier and time and cost saving to the students.
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Top German Universities without APS Certificate 2025
Top German Universities Without APS Certificate consist of well-recognised universities with flexible admission policy to international students. In this article, we have compiled a list of five universities of this type with some major details regarding the programs and campuses as well as the tuition of the universities.
| University | Campus Location | Popular Programs | Tuition Fees (Annual) | Program Duration | Intake Periods |
| Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) | Berlin, Hamburg | Business Administration, Management, Marketing | €7,500–€9,900 | 18–24 months | Oct, Feb, May |
| EU Business School | Munich | MBA, Bachelor of Science | €15,600–€21,900 | 12–36 months | Aug, Oct, Feb, Jun |
| IU International University of Applied Sciences | Berlin, Bad Honnef | Business, IT, Data Science | €10,000–€15,000 | 12–36 months | Flexible (online & on-campus) |
| Arden University Berlin | Berlin | Business, Accounting, Healthcare Management | €8,000–€10,500 | 12–36 months | Feb, May, Sep |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) | Berlin, Hamburg, Potsdam | Business, Design, Technology | €9,000–€12,000 | 12–36 months | Mar, Sep |
1. Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
German Universities that don’t require APS Certification, such as BSBI, are also famous due to their professional and applied courses. BSBI is situated in Berlin and Hamburg and contains more than 38 programs, of which the strongest represent business disciplines, like International Business or Digital Marketing. Students are exempted of the APS requirement because degrees are awarded by partner universities outside German. The varied student population and the exciting campus life at BSBI is the reason why it is a preferred choice.
2. EU Business School
The Munich EU Business School is known as a school of MBA and Bachelor of Science. It does not require the APS certificate since it has flexible intake periods, degrees awarded by international partners. International vision and business networks make the school a place where students demand quality education.
3. IU International University of Applied Sciences
IU has a mix of Face-to-Face and Online studies which is a flexible mode of learning to international students. Can I study in Germany without an APS certificate? At IU, Yes. Degrees in Business, IT and Data Science are offered by the university, and APS certification is usually not done, in particular, to international qualification holders.
4. Arden University Berlin
Arden University Berlin offers low-cost degrees in Business, Accounting and Healthcare Management. It allows direct application form, and it does not require APS but is available to students in the whole world. Employability at the university means that the graduates are career-ready.
5. University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)
Located in Berlin, Hamburg, and Potsdam, UE has got innovative programs in Business, Design, and Technology. It also frequently excludes its international degree structure students with the requirement of APS certification, and this is attractive to students who are seeking a simplified application process.
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Why Choose Universities without APS Certificate?
Top German Universities without APS Certificate offer several advantages:
- Time-Saving: It shortens time in applications and processing of visas because one does not have to wait 4 to 12 weeks to pass through the APS process.
- Cost Effective: APS certificate is expensive about 225 euro (18000INR), and it can be reduced through selection of exempted universities.
- Reduced Administration: With direct applications, the administrative requirements are minimized, particularly those students who have international credentials.
- Various Programmes: They are universities, which have various programmes taught in the English language, to accommodate international students.
Application Process for APS-Exempt Universities
To apply to German Universities that don’t require APS Certification, follow these steps:
- Research Programs: You can view university websites or websites as DAAD.de to view program requirements and deadlines.
- Document Required: Collect your Academic transcripts, Language Certificate ( IELTS/ TOEFL) , Valid Passport translations should be notarised if necessary.
- Apply: Just go to the university site and will not have additional costs of uni-assist with some schools.
- Visa Application: Visa application is necessary depending upon the duration of courses, courses of more than 90 days require student visa even without APS certificate. Show the documentary evidence of admission, finances and health cover to the German embassy.
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Who is Exempt from APS Certification?
Can I study in Germany without an APS certificate? Yes, under specific conditions:
- International qualifications (A-Levels, IB or foreign university degrees) students.
- Grantees of scholarships paid by the Germans or the EU (e.g. DAAD).
- Ph.D. students whose supervising persons do not require the APS.
- Students registering on short courses (below 90 days).
Conclusion
Top German Universities without APS Certificate gives the international student a great advantage of receiving top quality education without undergoing the need of being APS certified. There are institutions such as BSBI, EU Business School, and IU International University, which provide high-quality programs which are also flexible, and the application is straightforward. Students will save time and spend less money on studying by selecting these universities and concentrate on their academic process in Germany. Also, make sure that certain program requirements are met and make sure you start the application in time. To know more, visit university websites or visit study abroad counselors to make sound decisions.
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Top German Universities without APS Certificate FAQs
What German universities require non APS certification?
Among the most remarkable ones, there is BSBI, EU Business School, IU International University, Arden University Berlin, and the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. As a rule, make sure of particular requirements on programs
Is APS certificate an aspect required in all the German universities?
No, some universities that are privately funded or international partner degrees tend to wave the APS prerequisite. Students with Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese nationalities are generally required to take it in public universities.
To verify whether a university asks to present an APS certificate or not?
Go to the university in question official web site or call the admissions department. Detailed program requirements are also also described on platforms such as DAAD.de.
Does circumventing the APS certificate have an impact on visa?
Not in case you fulfill other requirements of visa (proof of admission, financial resources, health insurance), then you can apply without APS certificate to exempt universities to have a student visa.
