Language Proficiency Requirements & TOPIK
International students are required to meet a certain level of Korean or English proficiency.
Learn more about language requirements for admission and graduation, as well as the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).
Language Proficiency
-
International students must submit proof of language proficiency for university admission and graduation, in accordance with the requirements set by each university (or department).
* This includes a minimum level of Korean proficiency (for Korean-taught programs) or English proficiency (for English-taught programs).
-
For Korean-taught programs, applicants typically submit a TOPIK score report (PBT or IBT). However, depending on the university, the following may also be accepted:
▷ Completion certificate or pre-assessment score from the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP), administered by the Ministry of Justice
▷ Certificate of completion from a local King Sejong Institute Korean language course - Language requirements vary by university (or department). Applicants are strongly advised to check directly with their desired institution in advance.
Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
What is TOPIK?
An exam designed to evaluate the Korean language ability of non-native speakers, including overseas Koreans and foreign nationals, and to provide guidance for Korean language learning.
Uses of TOPIK Scores
- Admission and graduation requirements for Korean universities
- Employment and hiring criteria
- Visa applications (employment, permanent residency, etc.)
- GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) applications
Test Structure & Types
□ Structure: TOPIK I (Listening, Reading), TOPIK II (Listening, Writing, Reading)
□ Types: PBT (Paper-Based Test), IBT (Internet-Based Test), Speaking Test
Validity Period
2 years from the date of score announcement
Services for TOPIK Test Takers
-
Practice PBT Questions
Check question types and solve sample
-
Experience IBT
Try the newly introduced IBT and Speaking Test environment.
-
Online Learning Videos
Free beginner-level (TOPIK I) lectures available in 9 languages.
-
Today’s TOPIK
Solve 5 new past exam questions daily.
-
Learning Resources
Access past exam PDFs, listening files (MP3), and writing guides.
-
All services are available on the TOPIK website
Korean Language Education Institutions
[In Korea: in-person classes] University-affiliated Korean Language Institutes
Offer Korean language courses for various purposes, including general learning, university admission, and business Korean.
[Overseas: in-person classes] Korean Education Centers
Operated by the Ministry of Education to provide provide Korean language education worldwide.
[Overseas: in-person classes] King Sejong Institutes
Operated by the King Sejong Institute Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to provide Korean language and culture education worldwide.
[Online] Online King Sejong Institute
Provides Korean language learning services online.
[Online] Study Korean
Offers Korean language and culture education for overseas Koreans.
[Online] EBS Durian
Provides Korean language and cultural content for foreigners.
0
/1000