ECL language certificates are recognized by numerous authorities, institutions, and universities as proof of general language proficiency.
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Recognition in Germany
Visa Procedures and Migration
Federal Foreign Office
In visa procedures, ECL certificates are recognized as proof of German language proficiency. (Visa Handbook, 1.5.5 ECL Examination Centre)
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
BAMF recognizes standardized language certificates, such as the ECL certificate, as an alternative to the “German Test for Immigrants.” (bamf.de, Overview of Recognized Language Certificates)
Recognition of Professional Qualifications in Healthcare
Due to the large number and variety of institutions, this list is not exhaustive and is continuously being updated. It is therefore always advisable to contact the relevant authority directly to make sure whether the ECL certificate is recognized.
Bavarian State Office for Nursing
The State Office for Nursing accepts the ECL B2 language certificate for recognition procedures in the nursing sector. (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de)
Berlin Senate Department for Health
For foreign professional qualifications in healthcare (e.g., medical and preparation assistants), the ECL certificate is accepted as proof of language proficiency. (service.berlin.de, State Office for Health and Social Affairs)
Recognition under the Skilled Workers Immigration Act
Central Office for Skilled Worker Immigration North Rhine-Westphalia (ZFE NRW)
The ZFE NRW accepts ECL certificates as proof of language proficiency under the Skilled Workers Immigration Act. (ZFE NRW)
Arnsberg District Government
For the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, particularly in healthcare, the ECL certificate is accepted as proof of language proficiency.
The Arnsberg District Government is also responsible for recognizing teaching qualifications from EU member states in North Rhine-Westphalia. (bra.nrw.de)
Stuttgart Regional Government
The Stuttgart Regional Government recognizes language certificates that comply with ALTE standards for various recognition procedures. (https://rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de/rps/)
Recognition by Universities in Germany
University of Kassel
The University of Kassel accepts the ECL German C1 certificate as a minimum requirement for applying for the DSH exam. (uni-kassel.de)
Deggendorf Institute of Technology (TH Deggendorf)
At the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) of TH Deggendorf, the ECL certificate is recognized as proof of the required language proficiency. (th-deg.de)
Important Notes for Germany
Validity of the Certificate:
Generally, the language certificate should not be older than one year, especially for visa applications. (germania.diplo.de)
Specific Requirements:
Depending on the federal state or authority, additional or different requirements may apply.
It is recommended to check directly with the relevant institution for exact prerequisites.
For more detailed information, click here: -
Recognition in Switzerland
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
The SEM of Switzerland includes ECL certificates in German on its list of recognized language certificates for foreigner and citizenship procedures.
The certificate meets the minimum requirements for residence and settlement permits as well as for naturalization. (sem.admin.ch)
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Recognition in Austria
Universities:
Austrian universities do NOT accept the ECL certificate in German as official proof of language proficiency for admission to German-language degree programs.
Visa and Immigration:
For residence and settlement permits in Austria, other certificates (e.g., ÖSD, Goethe, telc, TestDaF) are required. (oesterreich.gv.at)
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Recognition in Hungary
In Hungary, ECL exams in English, Hungarian, and German are state-accredited and recognized by all universities and employers as proof of language proficiency.
All certificates in other ECL languages can be recognized through a nostrification process by the Hungarian education authority.
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Recognition in Romania
In Romania, ECL exams in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are recognized as equivalent to the national high school language exam.
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Recognition in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the ECL certificate in German can replace mandatory language courses and final exams at vocational schools.
However, for academic or professional purposes, other internationally recognized language certificates are often preferred.
It is recommended to check in advance with the respective institution or authority to confirm acceptance of the ECL certificate.
