University Recognition
Germany
German universities generally do NOT recognize the ECL certificate in German as official proof of language proficiency required for university studies.
However, there are some exceptions where the certificate is accepted as general proof of language proficiency – for example when applying to certain programs, receiving conditional admission, enrolling in language courses, or in non-academic contexts.
Participating Universities & Exceptions:
- European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) der Technischen Hochschule Deggendorf: for German-language degree programs at the levels B2 or C1 (depending on the subject), for English-language degree programs B1 (Bachelor) or A2 (Master), certificate must not be older than 2 years
- Technische Universität Braunschweig: for applications to degree programs without admission requirements, proof of a German course at level B2 must be provided
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern: at least level B1 for application to study
- Universität Bamberg: at least level B1 for the application to the preparatory German course, at least B2 for participation in the DSH exam and for the application to the Studienkolleg
- Universität Göttingen: for application to study at least level A1 (ECL exams from level A2)
- Universität Hannover: for application for all Bachelor's degree programs at least level B1
- Universität Kassel: at least level B1 for application to the DSH preparatory course and for the Studienkolleg
- Universität Kiel: at least level B1 for admission to the preparatory German course
- Universität Oldenburg: for some Master's degree programs, a certificate of German language proficiency at level B2 or C1 is sufficient, otherwise at least level B2 for application to the preparatory college, at least level B1 for participation in a preparatory German course
- Universität Paderborn: at least level A1 for application to a preparatory German course
- Universität Regensburg: at least level B2 for the application to study
- Universität Saarbrücken: all levels for the application for the preparatory German course
- Universität Siegen: at least level B1 for the application for the preparatory German course
- Universität Trier: at least level B2 for admission to the DSH exam
- Universität Würzburg: at least level B2 for some Bachelor's degree programs, for all other degree programs at least level B2 for admission to the DSH exam or application for the preparatory course
Austria
ECL certificates are NOT accepted as official proof of language proficiency for admission to German-language degree programs.
Poland
The ECL Certificate at Level B2 is officially recognized in Poland as valid proof of language proficiency in Polish or English for the purpose of university admission. This applies to international students applying for higher education programs conducted in Polish or English at universities in Poland.
Hungary
ECL exams in English, Hungarian, and German at levels A2, B1, B2, and C1 are state-accredited and recognized by all universities.
Romania
In Romania, ECL exams in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian at levels B1, B2, and C1 are recognized as equivalent to the national high school language exam.
Vietnam
Replacement of mandatory language courses and final exams at vocational schools with certificates up from level B1, but with limited acceptance for academic or professional purposes.
Preliminary verification by the respective institution or authority is recommended.