B1-level foreign language certificates now qualify applicants for university admissions benefits

Under the updated rules, applicants with a nationally or internationally recognized B1 certificate in a foreign language will be awarded 75 percent of the maximum score for the relevant subject. Those holding a B2-level certificate or higher will receive the full maximum score.

The changes were introduced by a Cabinet of Ministers resolution, which amended and supplemented several existing government decisions, the Ministry of Justice reported.

According to the amendments, admission to academic programs where a foreign language is designated as the primary subject will now be based on proof of foreign language proficiency at no lower than the B1 level, confirmed by a nationally or internationally recognized certificate.

For programs in which a foreign language is included among the subject combinations, applicants will be assessed as follows:

• holders of a B1-level certificate will receive 75 percent of the maximum score for the foreign language subject;

• holders of a B2-level or higher certificate will be awarded the full maximum score.

Previously, admission to these programs required applicants to hold a certificate at no lower than the B2 level, making the new rules a significant relaxation of entry requirements.