Do German Student Visa Documents Require Notarization or Attestation? 2026

Quick Answer (2026)

No traditional Indian attestation or apostille is required for a German student visa.

Germany does not accept MEA attestation, SDM attestation, or apostille for student visa purposes.

Instead, Germany follows its own academic document verification system, carried out through the APS Certificate and, in some cases, direct verification by German authorities.

Many students mistakenly apply for apostille, which is unnecessary for Germany.
Learn more: Apostille Attestation in India
 

Notarization vs Attestation vs German Verification (Simple Explanation)

Notarization (Sometimes Required)

• Certified true copies by an Indian Notary Public

• Commonly used for:

  • Mark sheets

  • Degree certificates

  • Transcripts

• Confirms that copies match the original documents
  
  

Notarization alone does not guarantee acceptance by German authorities, but it may be requested during application or verification stages.

Related service: Notary Attestation in India
 

Attestation / Apostille (Not Required for Germany)

• Includes:

  • SDM attestation

  • State or HRD attestation

  • MEA attestation

  • Embassy attestation
    
    

• Not accepted by German universities or the German Embassy for student visas

• Applying for apostille for Germany is unnecessary

Explained in detail: Document Attestation Services
 

German Document Verification (Mandatory)

Germany uses a direct verification process, which replaces Indian attestation completely.

• Documents are verified at the issuing institution

• Managed through APS (Akademische Prüfstelle)

• Fees apply depending on document type

• Verification must be completed before visa appointment

APS Certificate: Mandatory for Most Indian Students

The APS Certificate is the most critical requirement for Indian students applying for higher education in Germany.

Who Needs an APS Certificate?

Indian students applying for:

• Bachelor’s programs

• Master’s programs
  
  

APS is not required for:

• PhD or Postdoctoral applicants

• German or EU government scholarship holders

• Students holding non-Indian degrees
  
  

APS Key Facts (2026)

• Verifies academic credentials directly from issuing institutions

• Processing time: 4–8 weeks

• Mandatory before booking a German student visa appointment

• Without APS, visa applications are rejected

Documents Required for German Student Visa (India – 2026)

Identity & Application Documents

• Valid passport

• VIDEX visa application form

• Recent biometric photographs
  
  

Academic Documents

• University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)

• APS Certificate

• Mark sheets and degree certificates

• Updated CV
  
  

Language Proficiency

• German-taught programs:

  • TestDaF / DSH / Goethe certificate
    
    

• English-taught programs:

  • IELTS / TOEFL (as required by the university)
    
    

Financial Proof

• Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) or

• Scholarship or official sponsor documents
  
  

Health Insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 for the initial stay

Important Notes for Indian Students

• Attestation or apostille is not required for Germany

• Notarized copies may be requested

• German Consulate can certify copies if needed

• Always carry original documents

• Do not staple documents

• Avoid unnecessary legalization steps

For documents in regional languages, certified translations are mandatory.

Certified Document Translation Services
 

Want the Complete Step-by-Step Process?

This article is a quick overview.

 https://pecattestation.com/

How PEC Attestation Helps German-Bound Students

PEC Attestation supports students with:

• APS application guidance

• Document verification support

• Certified translations

• Visa-ready documentation

Avoid unnecessary attestation and follow the correct German verification process.

Disclaimer:
This content is based on German Embassy and APS requirements applicable in 2026. Regulations may change. Always verify with official German authorities or authorized consultants before applying.

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