Are you an international student looking for a Korean-taught university program at one of the Korean universities or colleges? If so, you may need to prove your Korean language skills by taking TOPIK, a standardized test for non-native Korean speakers and Korean learners worldwide.
The popularity of learning Korean is increasing due to the role of the Korean language in popular culture, arts, music, business, and global partnerships. More people around the world have started learning Korean with the dream of studying in Korea and experiencing the Korean lifestyle. This growing global interest in the Korean language has created a need to test one’s skills and progress, which is why this article covers everything you need to know about TOPIK.
Read our guide to taking TOPIK if you are an overseas student aiming to study at Korean universities or colleges.
What is the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)?
The Test of Proficiency in Korean, or TOPIK, is a Korean language proficiency test for overseas Koreans and foreigners whose native language is not Korean. It is commonly used by Korean learners who want to apply to Korean-taught university programs, prove their Korean language level, apply for scholarships, seek employment, or meet other Korean language requirements.
The aim of TOPIK is to promote the Korean language worldwide by providing a standardized proficiency test with international recognition. To be eligible for TOPIK, test takers are generally non-native Korean speakers, including overseas Koreans and foreigners, who are learning Korean or need Korean proficiency for study, employment, visas, scholarships, or other official purposes.
Benefits of Taking the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
A valid and advanced TOPIK score can help international students apply to their desired higher education programs at Korean colleges and universities, benefit from various scholarship opportunities, engage more confidently with Korean society, build friendships, improve their chances of finding part-time jobs during their studies, and strengthen their profile for career advancement after graduation.
What is the recommended score to find a study program in Korea? Many Korean-taught university programs require or expect at least Level 3 in TOPIK II, which requires a minimum score of 120. Some majors, graduate programs, and scholarship tracks may require Level 4 or higher. However, requirements vary by university, degree level, major, and admissions track, and some English-taught programs accept English language scores instead of TOPIK. International students should always check the latest admissions guide for their specific program before applying.
When and Where to Take Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)?
The purpose of TOPIK is to help assess and promote Korean language proficiency worldwide, and the exam is offered in Korea and in many overseas locations. To take TOPIK outside Korea, applicants should check the official test schedule and contact the Korean embassy, Korean Education Center, or official local administering institution in their country for the registration procedure. To find the nearest embassy of the Republic of Korea, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web page.
TOPIK is no longer limited to only six annual paper-based exam sessions. The current test system includes TOPIK I and TOPIK II as paper-based tests and internet-based tests, and TOPIK Speaking is also offered separately. The number of sessions and available formats may differ by country and test center, so applicants should check the official TOPIK schedule and their local test center before planning their study and registration timeline.
Cost of Taking the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
The registration fee for TOPIK varies by test format, test center, and country. In Korea, the commonly published paper-based test fee is KRW 40,000 for TOPIK I and KRW 55,000 for TOPIK II. Overseas fees may differ, and internet-based or speaking test fees may also be different. Applicants should confirm the current fee with the official authorities in their test location before applying.
Below are examples of recently published TOPIK registration fees in selected locations. To find the actual cost of TOPIK I or TOPIK II in your location, visit the website of the nearest Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Korean Education Center, or official TOPIK test center.
| Country / Location | Published Example Fees |
|---|
| The U.K. | TOPIK I: £55 / TOPIK II: £65 |
| Australia | TOPIK I: AUD 40 / TOPIK II: AUD 45 |
| France | TOPIK I: €40 / TOPIK II: €55 |
| Germany | TOPIK I: €40 / TOPIK II: €45 |
Overview of TOPIK Levels
There are two main TOPIK test levels: TOPIK I and TOPIK II. TOPIK I covers Levels 1 and 2, while TOPIK II covers Levels 3 to 6. TOPIK I evaluates listening and reading, while TOPIK II evaluates listening, writing, and reading.
Many Korean-taught undergraduate programs expect international students to obtain at least Level 3 in TOPIK II, which requires 120 points or more. Some graduate programs, departments, and scholarship opportunities require Level 4 or higher, which requires 150 points or more. Some universities also require students to reach a certain TOPIK level before graduation or before taking major courses. Since policies differ by institution and program, students should check the latest admissions and graduation requirements directly with their chosen university.
| Level | Sublevel | Minimum Score | Linguistic Competence |
|---|
| TOPIK I | 1 | 80 out of 200 | The test taker can use basic everyday expressions for situations such as self-introduction, ordering food, shopping, talking about the weather, and other daily topics. The test taker is expected to know about 800 basic words and basic grammar for forming practical sentences in everyday speech. |
| 2 | 140 out of 200 | The test taker has a vocabulary of about 1,500 to 2,000 words and can communicate about everyday life, including making requests while using public facilities. The test taker can understand and write basic paragraphs and distinguish formal and informal speech. |
| TOPIK II | 3 | 120 out of 300 | The test taker can communicate in familiar daily situations, participate in social activities, and understand paragraphs about familiar social issues. The test taker can also distinguish between colloquial and literary language to some extent. |
| 4 | 150 out of 300 | The test taker can use public facilities, socialize in different environments, and use Korean in some work-related situations. The test taker can discuss social issues or abstract concepts with some fluency and understands aspects of Korean culture. |
| 5 | 190 out of 300 | The test taker can use Korean for professional or research purposes to a certain extent. The test taker can discuss topics such as politics, culture, and the economy and can use language appropriately according to formality and context. |
| 6 | 230 out of 300 | The test taker can use Korean for professional or research purposes with a high level of fluency and accuracy. The test taker can discuss familiar and unfamiliar topics in various fields, although fluency may not be equivalent to that of a native Korean speaker. |
Overview of TOPIK Test Structure
The TOPIK test structure differs by level. TOPIK I has listening and reading sections, while TOPIK II has listening, writing, and reading sections. Most questions are multiple-choice, except for the TOPIK II writing section, which includes four written-response questions. Below is an overview of the TOPIK test structure, including sections, point distributions, and durations.
| TOPIK Level | Period | Test Section | Description | Duration |
|---|
| TOPIK I | 1 | Listening | 30 multiple-choice questions worth 100 points | 40 minutes |
| 1 | Reading | 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 points | 60 minutes |
| TOPIK II | 1 | Listening | 50 multiple-choice questions worth 100 points | 60 minutes |
| 1 | Writing | 4 written-response questions worth 100 points | 50 minutes |
| 2 | Reading | 50 multiple-choice questions worth 100 points | 70 minutes |
Ways to Prepare for TOPIK
TOPIK can be a critical exam for international students who want to study in Korean-taught programs in Korean higher education because it is often one of the important criteria for admission, scholarships, and academic progression. Moreover, higher TOPIK scores can provide more advantages when applying for scholarships, seeking employment while studying, or pursuing career prospects after graduation. Therefore, international students planning to take TOPIK should aim above the minimum required TOPIK level whenever possible.
To obtain your highest possible score in TOPIK, you need time management, consistency, motivation, and a strong study plan. Below are some of the best ways to prepare for TOPIK and arrange your study plan effectively.
1. Craft an effective study plan
Without a study plan, it is difficult to get the intended results in TOPIK because it is a systematic language test that requires both consistent effort and smart preparation. Test takers should create an effective study plan based on the time remaining before the exam date, the TOPIK level they are targeting, the skills required for the test, their current Korean proficiency, and the areas they need to improve before test day.
For instance, a wise study plan for a short period before the exam should focus on intensive reading and listening practice, vocabulary review, and comprehension with longer study hours each day. Applicants who have more time before the exam can schedule fewer study hours per day but should still practice listening, writing, grammar, reading, and vocabulary regularly.
2. Familiarize yourself with the test format
Like other language proficiency tests, TOPIK follows a specific format and structure. Therefore, it is important to understand how it works and what is tested, regardless of how fluent you are in Korean. Reviewing TOPIK levels, question types, time limits, test objectives, and scoring standards will help you stay organized and use your preparation time wisely.
3. Practice
Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true for TOPIK. No matter your current Korean proficiency level, you should practice consistently and set aside a specific amount of time each week or each day. Regular practice can lead to significant progress in Korean fluency, so do not skip practice. Make TOPIK preparation one of your main goals until you take the exam.
4. Maximizing the use of study materials and resources
Using various materials and resources will help you become familiar with TOPIK question types so you can use your time effectively while taking the test. There are many TOPIK resources available online and in stores.
Additionally, you can keep coursebooks or short notes with you at school or work so you can review what you have practiced. If you can use a tablet, computer, or smartphone, you can download study apps or record your notes to review them regularly while using public transportation or during your lunch break.
Universities and Institutions Accepting TOPIK
A large number of higher education institutions in Korea accept TOPIK as proof of Korean proficiency, but minimum scores differ by university, degree level, major, campus, and admissions track. Below are examples of universities that use TOPIK in their admissions, major-entry, or graduation policies. Students should always confirm the latest requirement with the university before applying.
| University Name | City / Location | Example TOPIK-Related Requirement |
|---|
| 1. Seoul National University | Seoul | TOPIK Level 3 or higher may satisfy Korean language proficiency requirements; English proficiency may also be accepted depending on the program. |
| 2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | Daejeon | KAIST is generally English-based for international admissions. TOPIK Level 2 is listed as a Korean language graduation requirement for international undergraduate students. |
| 3. Yonsei University | Seoul | For many undergraduate students, TOPIK Level 3 is required before entering a major and Level 4 before graduation. Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and other specific tracks may have separate or higher requirements. |
| 4. Ewha Womans University | Seoul | TOPIK Level 3 or equivalent may be required for major-course access or major entry, while some application routes, transfer applicants, or graduate programs may require Level 4 or higher. |
| 5. Korea University | Seoul | Requirements vary by track. Some Korean-track or open-major policies require TOPIK Level 5 for major assignment or unrestricted study, while Level 4 may be accepted with training or course restrictions in some cases. |
| 6. Hanyang University | Seoul and Ansan | Requirements vary by campus and program. Recent guidance commonly lists TOPIK Level 4 or higher for Seoul campus or graduate Korean proficiency standards, while some ERICA undergraduate cases may accept Level 3. |
| 7. Sungkyunkwan University | Seoul and Suwon | Undergraduate Korean Track students may need TOPIK Level 4 by major selection before the sophomore year. Graduate requirements vary by major and may also accept English proficiency. |
| 8. Sogang University | Seoul | Recent Korean-language track guidance lists TOPIK Level 4 or higher for relevant programs, but requirements vary by department and admissions track. |
| 9. Sejong University | Seoul | For the Korean Track, the required level varies by major: Level 2 for Creative Studies, Arts, and Physical Education; Level 4 for Korean Language and Literature, Media and Communication, and Business Administration; and Level 3 for other majors. Higher graduation standards may apply. |
| 10. Dongguk University | Seoul | Admission language qualification can be satisfied with TOPIK Level 3 or higher, or an accepted equivalent. TOPIK Level 4 or higher may affect major-course registration or exemptions from additional Korean-language coursework. |
Obtaining a good TOPIK score can give international students more advantages when applying to study programs and scholarships at Korean universities and colleges. However, improving Korean language skills takes hard work and determination, so read our complete guide to preparing for TOPIK and start practicing today.
Hopefully, this complete guide to TOPIK will give you the head start you need to prepare for the Korean proficiency test. Visit our Available Programs for International Students Page and Study in Korea page for more study options in Korea!
If you are interested, visit our Foreign Language Proficiency Exams and available courses for international students!
