The warning was issued on April 19, 2026, during a certificate awarding ceremony for candidates who completed German language exams under the ECL system, organized by Der Sprachen Hub German Language Academy.
Speaking at the event, Mwizerwa Mulisa, CEO of Der Sprachen Hub German Language Academy, cautioned that some institutions attract students with low fees and unrealistic guarantees but fail to provide the quality training required to pass international exams.
He emphasized that many learners are misled into believing that paying less means they will learn more, yet in reality, limited investment often results in poor outcomes, especially in exam performance.
“People are being misled into believing that paying less will help them learn more. In reality, when you invest little in your education, you often gain very little and that affects your performance in exams,” he said.
He further warned that some schools promise quick fluency or guaranteed success, describing such claims as deceptive and harmful to learners’ ambitions.
According to him, many students only realize the consequences after failing exams or missing opportunities abroad due to inadequate preparation.
He called on Rwandans to be vigilant and report institutions that engage in misleading practices in order to protect others from similar experiences.
“There are institutions that simply deceive learners. We call on Rwandans to be cautious and to report such cases so that others are not misled,” he added.
These concerns come at a time when Rwanda is witnessing a steady rise in demand for German language certification.
The ECL German Exam system was officially licensed on December 3, 2025, granting Der Sprachen Hub the authority to organize and administer the exams locally.
The first examination session, conducted in February 2026, attracted significant interest, with more than 70 individuals expressing interest and over 34 candidates registering.
A total of 96 exam units were completed across B1, B2, and C1 levels, confirming a growing need for high-quality German language certification in the country.
The momentum continued in April 2026, when the examination session held from April 16 to 19 recorded remarkable growth.
Interest from candidates tripled compared to the February session, while the number of registered candidates doubled. Approximately 224 exam units were administered during this period.
For the first time in Rwanda, the A2 level was also introduced, expanding access to beginner-level learners and opening opportunities for a wider group of candidates.
Beyond local participation, Rwanda is increasingly attracting candidates from across the region seeking German language certification.
Recent sessions included not only a majority of Rwandan candidates but also participants from Burundi, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Uganda, with additional requests coming from Kenya and Tanzania.
This growing diversity highlights Rwanda’s emerging role as a regional hub for German language certification.
Learners who successfully completed the exams emphasized that proper preparation and structured learning are key to success.
Mugisha noted that access to learning materials, close support from teachers, and consistent preparation played a major role in his performance.
Similarly, Egide Ntihinyuzwa stressed that learning German requires dedication and cannot be rushed, pointing out that serious training provides a clear advantage.
“German is like any other language, it needs effort and time. Serious training gives you an advantage over those who are not well prepared,” he said.
Registration for the June 2026 ECL German exam session officially opened on April 8 and will close on May 14, with exams scheduled for June 12 and 13.
Candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their career prospects and access international opportunities, particularly in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
Immediately after the briefing, a certificate awarding ceremony was held to honor successful candidates, accompanied by live testimonials showcasing the impact of ECL certification on academic and professional pathways.
Der Sprachen Hub German Language Academy is a leading institution in Rwanda dedicated to German language training and international certification, enabling students and professionals to access global education and career opportunities.
As demand for German language skills continues to grow, stakeholders emphasize that success depends on choosing credible training institutions, avoiding shortcuts, and committing to quality learning.
