With its work-life balanced culture and high quality of life, Germany stands out as an attractive destination for Bangladeshis seeking professional opportunities. The thriving economy of the country, a member of the EU (European Union), offers excellent prospects for skilled workers. The recent introduction of the Opportunity Card has streamlined the process, making it a more structured and accessible pathway for qualified professionals. This article offers a comprehensive guide to obtaining the German Opportunity Card from Bangladesh, covering key details on eligibility criteria and application procedures. What is the German Opportunity Card? The Opportunity Card is a permit that allows skilled workers from countries outside the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland to enter Germany for employment purposes. As a residence permit, it is valid for up to one year, during which the cardholder must secure employment. To obtain the card, applicants must provide proper proof of eligibility for the relevant employment. Who is Eligible for the German Opportunity Card? The card is primarily issued to two types of citizens from non-EU, EEA, or Swiss countries: 1. Individuals with a fully recognized German professional or educational qualification:Applicants must have an educational or professional certificate recognized in Germany, either from a home-country institution recognized by Germany or from an institution located in Germany. 2. Those who are not yet established workers but meet specific conditions:Applicants must fulfill the following criteria: - Hold an academic degree from a German university or a university recognized by Germany in their home country. - Have completed at least two years of vocational training from an institution in Germany or one recognized by Germany in the home country. - Demonstrate language proficiency: at least level A1 in German or level B2 in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). An IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.5 or a TOEFL IBT score of 72 to 94 is equivalent to CEFR level B2. Read more: Free Education in Germany for International Students in Bachelor, Masters, PhD German Opportunity Card Point System Applicants under Category 2 must meet a point-based system to increase their chances of receiving the card. Achieving a minimum of six points is necessary. The points are distributed as follows: Equivalence of Qualifications (4 points): Four points are awarded if the completed degree or training is partially equivalent. For professions requiring a license, four points are given before licensure, but the license test must be passed before the residence permit is granted. Eligibility for Shortage Occupations (1 point): One point is awarded for degrees or vocational training in shortage professions in the German job market, such as mining managers, chemists, civil engineers, and software developers. A full list of shortage occupations can be found here:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/fileadmin/1_Rebrush_2022/a_Fachkraefte/PDF-Dateien/3_Visum_u_Aufenthalt/2024_Mangelberufe_EN.pdf. Professional Experience (2 to 3 points): Two points for at least two years of relevant professional experience within the last five yearsThree points for at least five years of experience within the last seven years. Language Proficiency (1 to 4 points): One point for A2-level German proficiency, two points for B1, and three points for B2 or higher.An additional point is given for C1-level English proficiency or if the applicant is a native speaker.Age (1 to 2 points): - Applicants under 35 receive two points- Those who are aged 35 to 40, receive one point. Residence Record in Germany (1 point): One point is given for having legally lived in Germany for at least six months in the past five years, regardless of the purpose (study, work, or travel).Spouse as a Skilled Worker (1 point): If one spouse meets the Opportunity Card criteria, the other spouse receives one point.To check eligibility before starting the final application, visit the following link:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/self-check-opportunity-card#c52628. Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students Benefits of the German Opportunity Card This card initially allows the holder to find work in Germany for a maximum of 1 year. After this period, the card can be extended for up to 2 additional years while staying in Germany. Cardholders can pursue employment or self-employment opportunities. This permit allows for one or more part-time jobs totaling 20 hours per week. As part of their job search, cardholders can undertake a job trial for a maximum of 2 weeks per employer.

Embarking on a journey to learn the German language can open up a world of opportunities for higher studies and professional growth. With its rich cultural heritage, strong economy, and influential position in the European Union, Germany has become an attractive destination for students and job seekers. Whether you aspire to pursue a degree at a renowned German university, or secure employment in a German company, mastering German language can pave the way to success. Bangladeshi students are embracing this success every year. If you also cherish the dream to be one of them, this article is for you. Let's take a look into how to get International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh. How to Get International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh Eligibility for Getting International German Language Certificates The Goethe-Institut offers a range of exams for Bangladeshi students of different age groups, providing opportunities to obtain international German language certificates. Let’s explore the exams and their age eligibility: Criteria for A1 Level Certificate Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 (FD 1) Age Eligibility: 10 to 16 years old.Language Skills: Fluency in German at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a prerequisite for candidates.Course Requirement: Completion of 80 to 200 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements. Read more: 10 Most Useful Foreign Languages to Learn in 2022 Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 (SD 1) Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the A1 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 80 to 200 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements. Criteria for A2 Level Certificate Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch (FD) Age Eligibility: Minimum 12 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the A2 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 200 to 350 45-minute classes, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements. Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the A2 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 200 to 350 45-minute classes, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements. Criteria for B1 Level Certificate Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Age Eligibility: Minimum 12 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the B1 level of the CEFR. Read more: Ausbildung in Germany for Non-EU Students including Bangladesh Criteria for B2 Level Certificate Goethe-Zertifikat B2 Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 15 years.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the B2 level of the CEFR. Criteria for C1 Level Certificate Goethe-Zertifikat C1 Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the C1 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 800 to 1,000 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements. Criteria for C2 Level Certificate Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 18 years.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to C2, the highest level of competence, according to the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of at least 1,000 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements. Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students Special Certification Criteria TestDaF Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 18 years.Language Skills: The TestDaF determines whether candidates possess the language skills required for studying at a German university or institution of higher education. It corresponds to the B2 and C1 levels of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Candidates should have completed between 700 and 1,000 45-minute units of teaching in German.Goethe-Test PRO Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old. List of International German Language Certification Exams If participants take the exam right after the course ends, they get a discount. Students in a course must finish both parts of a level at the Goethe-Institut to be eligible as internal candidates. The fees corresponding to the certification exams for external candidates are given below:  International German Language Certification Exams Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (SD1)Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Fit in Deutsch)Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (SD1)Goethe-Zertifikat A2 (Fit in Deutsch)Goethe-Zertifikat A2Goethe-Zertifikat B1Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Jugendliche: Fit in DeutschGoethe-Zertifikat B2Goethe-Zertifikat C1Goethe-Zertifikat C2 Source: Goethe Institut Bangladesh Read more: Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies Currently, they are offering certification exams only from A1 to B2 level. The updated information related to the exams is provided in the latest brochure at the time of enrolment. So, please visit their official website or contact them directly to get the current fees for the exams offered by the Goethe-Institut in Bangladesh. Courses for the International German Language Certificates At the Goethe-Institut in Bangladesh, there are various extensive, intensive, and blended learning courses available for international German language learning. Every course typically takes participants a maximum of 22 participants and starts in January, March, June, and September. Let’s get to know in detail about the German language courses and certifications. Extensive and Intensive Course Extensive Online Live A1.1 / A1.2 This course is conducted online and is suitable for beginners at the A1 level. It consists of 2 sessions per week, with each session lasting 4 teaching units of 45 minutes. In total, the course spans 75 teaching units, providing a comprehensive introduction to the German language. Extensive Online Live A2.1 / A2.2 Designed for learners at the A2 level, this online course comprises 2 sessions per week, with each session lasting 4 teaching units of 45 minutes. The total duration of the course is 80 teaching units, allowing participants to strengthen their language skills and advance their proficiency at the A2 level. Intensive Online Live A1 Ideal for learners aiming to rapidly progress through the A1 level, this intensive course takes place online and involves 4 sessions per week, each lasting 3.5 hours. The total duration of the course is 150 teaching units, providing an immersive learning experience and facilitating faster language acquisition. Read more: Top European Countries Offering Free Education for International Students Intensive Online Live A2 Similar to the intensive A1 course, this program is intended for learners at the A2 level. It includes 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting 3.5 hours. The course spans a total of 160 teaching units, allowing participants to consolidate their language skills and enhance their proficiency at the A2 level. Intensive Online Live B1 For learners aspiring to reach the B1 level, this intensive course involves 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting 4 hours and 5 minutes. The course encompasses 190 teaching units and focuses on developing more advanced language skills and cultural understanding. Intensive Online Live B2 Targeting learners at the B2 level, this intensive course consists of 4 sessions per week, each lasting 4 hours and 5 minutes. It spans a total of 190 teaching units and aims to refine language proficiency, expand vocabulary, and strengthen communication abilities at an upper-intermediate level. Intensive Hybrid A1 This course offers a combination of classroom presence and Zoom streaming. Participants alternate between attending classes physically and joining online sessions. It involves 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting 3.5 hours. The course spans a total of 150 teaching units, providing flexibility in learning environments. Intensive Hybrid A2 Similar to the hybrid A1 course, this program is tailored for learners at the A2 level. It includes 4 sessions per week, alternating between classroom and Zoom sessions. Each session lasts 3.5 hours, and the course encompasses a total of 160 teaching units. Read more: How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education Blended Learning Courses The blended learning course combines classroom sessions and self-study in a 50-50 ratio. Half of the course involves attending classes in a physical setting with a teacher, while the other half focuses on self-paced online learning through the institute's platform. In the classroom sessions, you interact directly with the teacher and peers, practicing speaking and listening skills and receiving immediate feedback. The online self-study portion provides access to various learning materials, exercises, and resources. The format is designed to cater to individual learning needs, considering your progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. It spans 10 weeks with 4 sessions per week, lasting 3 hours each, summing up 16 teaching units of 45 minutes. This flexible schedule suits those with other commitments or a preference for a versatile learning environment. International German Language Certification Course Durations Table: German course durations International German Language Certification Course Duration (Week) Extensive Online Live (A1.1/A1.2) 10 Extensive Online Live (A2.1/A2.2) 10 Intensive Online Live/Hybrid A1 10 Intensive Online Live/Hybrid A2 10 Intensive Online Live B1 10 Intensive Online Live B2.1/B2.2 9 Exam Preparation (A1/B1) 1 Source: Goethe Institut Bangladesh These course details are subject to change and announced in the latest course brochure at the time of enrolment. So, for the most accurate and up-to-date details on the course offerings at the Goethe-Institut in Bangladesh, please visit their official website or contact them directly. Read more: How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education In a Nutshell So far, we have discussed how to get International German language certificates from Bangladesh. The courses and exams of the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh are tailored for different skill levels. The fees of the offered courses and certifications are available on the official website of Goethe-Institut Bangladesh. Learning German while staying in Bangladesh can ease the process of getting a German visa for higher studies, work visa, and other purposes. Let these processes prepare you to embark on the journey to your ultimate goal!