Foreigners will take the 'Ukrainian IELTS' to obtain citizenship: levels A1–C2 will appear
Ukraine may completely change the approach to language exams for foreigners: instead of the current model, which effectively works the same for Ukrainian civil servants and those who are only learning Ukrainian as a foreign language, it is proposed to create a separate international certification system — based on the TOEFL or IELTS principle. Foreigners will be able to take exams abroad, receive certificates with a limited validity period, and the Ukrainian language itself will be integrated into the global language testing system. The relevant draft law No. 15261 has already been supported by the specialized committee of the Verkhovna Rada.
Thus, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, De-occupation and Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, National Minorities and Interethnic Relations reviewed draft law No. 15261 regarding a new system for assessing the level of Ukrainian language proficiency and decided to appeal to the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy with a proposal to recommend the parliament adopt the document as a basis.
Draft Law No. 15261: what changes are proposed
Deputies propose to legally separate the Ukrainian language exam for Ukrainian citizens from the testing for foreigners and stateless persons. Draft law No. 15261 provides for the creation of separate assessment levels, different exam rules, and the actual formation of a "Ukrainian as a foreign language" system — similar to TOEFL, IELTS, or TestDaF.
The authors of the initiative explain the need for changes by the fact that the current system is equally applied both to Ukrainian citizens who must master the state language to work in public service and to foreigners seeking to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.
At the same time, the current assessment model is actually based on CEFR standards for foreign languages, although it is also used for Ukrainian officials.
What levels of Ukrainian language proficiency are proposed for foreigners
The draft law proposes to leave only two levels of free command of the state language for civil servants and other persons defined by language legislation. At the same time, a separate six-level assessment system based on the CEFR model is introduced for foreigners and stateless persons:
- A1 — beginner;
- A2 — basic;
- B1 — intermediate;
- B2 — upper-intermediate;
- C1 — advanced;
- C2 — proficient.
Why Ukraine needs an international certification system for the Ukrainian language
One of the key reasons for the reform is named as Ukraine's international integration and the prospect of joining the European Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). It is expected that this will bring the language certification system closer to international standards and create an internationally recognized certificate in the Ukrainian language.
The draft law also provides for the possibility to take exams not only in Ukraine but also abroad — through authorized institutions, in cooperation with international organizations, including the Ukrainian Institute, using remote testing technologies.
Will the Ukrainian language exam be paid for foreigners
According to the legislation, for Ukrainian citizens, refugees, persons in need of additional protection, as well as persons with temporary protection, the exam to determine the level of proficiency in the state language will remain free of charge.
In contrast, the Ukrainian language exam as a foreign language for foreigners and stateless persons will be paid — at the expense of individuals and/or legal entities. The draft law also provides that the funds from taking such an exam will be credited to the state budget, and the amount of the fee will be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
How the work of the National Commission on State Language Standards will change
The explanatory materials state that the implementation of the draft law in 2026 will not require funding from the state or local budgets.
At the same time, the document provides for strengthening the capacity of the National Commission on State Language Standards. In particular, it concerns the introduction of IT specialists and cybersecurity experts to the staff for technical support and protection of information systems, increasing the maximum number of employees of the Commission's apparatus, expanding the payroll fund, creating a separate budget program, and additional expenses for organizing Ukrainian language exams as a foreign language.
How long will the Ukrainian language certificate for foreigners be valid
According to the draft law, the certificate of Ukrainian language proficiency as a foreign language will be valid for five years. At the same time, documents certifying the level of state language proficiency for persons taking exams for official positions will remain valid indefinitely.
If the draft law is adopted, a separate language certification system for foreigners will effectively operate in Ukraine, and the procedure for confirming knowledge of the Ukrainian language to obtain citizenship will become more formalized and structured.
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