South Koreans take their higher education very seriously, and the quality of academic institutions the country possesses is exceptional. South Korea has 43 universities included in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Its highly modern cities, along with deep roots in cultural heritage, give students a strong platform to learn and thrive in their respective fields.
Many South Korean universities ask international applicants to submit proof of Korean or English proficiency. Depending on the university and program, accepted documents may include TEPS, TOEFL, IELTS, TOPIK, proof of English-medium instruction, or other university-approved documents.
In the article, we’ll focus on the IELTS band requirements for some of the best universities in the country. IELTS band scores represent levels of English language ability on a 0–9 scale, with 9 representing the highest level. The fixed IELTS minimums confirmed below generally range from 5.5 to 6.5, while some universities ask for proof of language proficiency without stating one fixed IELTS minimum for every applicant.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements in South Korean Universities
1. Seoul National University
Seoul National University (SNU) is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. SNU is a national research university established in 1946. Its official figures list 16 colleges, 11 professional graduate schools, and more than 36,000 enrolled students.
The university also maintains extensive international agreements at the university, college, and research-institution levels, giving students access to broad academic exchange and research opportunities.
SNU accepts TOEFL, TEPS, or IELTS scores for the undergraduate International Admissions II language-proficiency requirement. Its undergraduate admissions guide lists IELTS Academic 6.0 as one of the minimum English-language score options.
Here is what Seoul National University Scholars Say about IELTS:
“Because Mozambique doesn’t have English as an official language, I made sure to also take an English proficiency test (IELTS).”
Keity Rose Mendes
“Standardized Tests: I submitted a 7.5 IELTS score and a TOPIK Level 6 certificate (Korean language proficiency test) after high school for my SNU application.”
Munkh-Erdene Munkhbat
“One of the requirements was proof of English proficiency. Since my previous university used English as the medium of instruction, I was able to submit a Certificate of English as Medium of Instruction instead of taking standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.”
Jennifer Callanga
“Standard requirements included a bachelor’s diploma, a transcript of records, and a certification for the medium of instruction to exempt me from submitting TOEFL or IELTS results.”
TJ
2. Korea University
Korea University is a private research university based in Seoul. Founded in 1905 as Bosung College, it is one of South Korea’s oldest private universities and offers programs across a wide range of colleges and graduate schools.
Notable alumni of the institution include Lee Myung-bak, the 10th president of the Republic of Korea.
Korea University has a hospitable environment for international students and welcomes students from many parts of the world across degree and non-degree programs.
For graduate admission, applicants from non-English-speaking countries need to submit proof of English proficiency. Korea University’s Graduate School lists Academic IELTS 5.5 or higher as one accepted option, along with TOEFL iBT, New TEPS, and CEFR-based alternatives. Applicants who are native English speakers or who completed a degree program in an English-speaking country may be exempt.
Here is what Korea University Scholars Say about IELTS:
“While preparing for this scholarship, I took the IELTS test and obtained an overall score of 7.5.”
Islamuddin Alimurrijal
“I discovered late in the process that Korea University required IELTS scores.”
Nain Danish
“When I applied, I did not have any official standardized language test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS. Instead, I submitted an English proficiency certificate issued by the English academy I attended.”
Anjavola Rasolonjatovo
3. Yonsei University
Yonsei University is the second-oldest university on this list and traces its history back to 1885. The university was founded on Christian principles by American Protestant Christian missionaries. It is also commonly grouped with Seoul National University and Korea University as part of the SKY Universities.
For undergraduate international admission, Yonsei requires applicants to submit documents verifying Korean or English proficiency. Accepted proof may include language-proficiency test scores, standardized test results, Korean-language course certificates, or official documents proving that high school courses were conducted in Korean or English. The guide does not state one fixed IELTS band score for all undergraduate applicants.
Yonsei’s International Summer School, which started in 1985, offers short-term study opportunities for students who want to take courses on its Seoul campus. International applicants aspiring to study at Yonsei should verify the exact language documents required for their specific degree level and admission track.
Here is what Yonsei Scholars Say about IELTS:
“Most schools or scholarship programs require getting 6 to 6.5 on average IELTS score, so I set myself to get at least 7 to be safe.”
Rizka
“I think having IELTS and TOPIK scores made my application stand out.”
Bella Naufal Wafa Nabila A
“I dedicated a month to studying and achieved a 7.5.”
Sara Nuruddin Panjawani
“Yes, I took the IELTS before applying because most international scholarships require proof of English proficiency. One tip: be strategic about timing. IELTS and similar test results are only valid for two years, so it’s best to schedule the test close to your application timeline to maximize its usefulness.”
Charmaine Distor
4. Hanyang University
Hanyang University traces its history to Dong-A Engineering Institute, founded in 1939. The university has grown into a large institution with a diverse international student body, including thousands of international students in degree programs.
Hanyang has campuses in Seoul and Ansan. Its official 2026 figures list 26 colleges in total, including 16 colleges and 62 departments on the Seoul campus and 10 colleges and 36 departments on the ERICA campus. Hanyang is especially well known for engineering and related research.
For undergraduate English-track applicants, Hanyang lists different English-language minimums by program. International Studies requires TOEFL iBT 89 or IELTS 6.5, while the Data Science and Business English Track requires TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.0. Applicants from countries recognized as English-speaking by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be exempt from submitting official English test scores.
Here is what Hanyang University Scholars say about IELTS:
“The first priority in preparing my university application was to ensure a high language proficiency score. In my case, I submitted IELTS, which played a crucial role in both the admission and scholarship evaluations.”
Stefanie
“I had TOPIK Level 5 and an IELTS band 7. For IELTS, I prepared intensively for three weeks with a tutor who helped me hit my target band 7.”
Juju San
“In terms of standardized tests, I took the IELTS in 2019 and achieved a score of 7.0, which helped demonstrate my English proficiency for admission.”
Gulsara
“The general eligibility for IISMA applicants is having at least a 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA and a certificate of English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, DET, and TOEIC). With a score for undergraduate, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 78, DET 100, and for vocational, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60, DET 95, and TOEIC 605.”
Dhiya Iftikha
“I didn’t take exams like the GRE or IELTS. Instead, I focused on TOEIC and TOPIK, and used free online resources to prepare.”
Zeineb Ben Hamza
5. Sungkyunkwan University
The roots of Sungkyunkwan originate from the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea for more than five centuries. It was established in 1398 as the highest national educational institution of the early Joseon Dynasty and is now a major private research university. The university gives heavy importance to research and has had a close partnership with Samsung since the 1990s.
Today, SKKU maintains international partnerships and offers programs across many academic fields. International graduate applicants who use official English test scores can submit TOEFL or IELTS results, and SKKU lists IELTS 5.5 or above as one accepted minimum. The university also lists alternatives, including a certificate of English proficiency or documentation proving that higher education was completed in English.
Here is what Sungkyunkwan University Scholars say about IELTS:
“No GRE or SAT was required. I only needed to prove English proficiency, so I prepared for and submitted the TOEIC (Listening and Reading only). This test is relatively cheaper, and only the Listening and Reading sections are needed for acceptance”
Muhammad Omer
6. Pohang University of Science and Technology
Pohang University of Science and Technology, commonly abbreviated as POSTECH, is a private research university based in Pohang. It was founded in 1986 with support from POSCO and is widely recognized as Korea’s first research university.
POSTECH offers undergraduate and graduate programs in science and engineering. Its official academic facts list 12 undergraduate departments, one undergraduate division, 16 graduate departments, and three interdisciplinary graduate programs. Its focused intake and research emphasis make it one of the most competitive universities on this list.
Graduate applicants who use an official English test score can submit TOEFL, TOEIC, TEPS, or IELTS results. POSTECH’s graduate admissions information lists IELTS 6.0 as one of the minimum English-proficiency score options.
7. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Our last university on our list is KAIST, South Korea’s first science and technology university. KAIST opened in 1971 and is located primarily in Daejeon, with another major campus in Seoul. Its official figures list 5 colleges, 7 schools, 13 graduate schools, and 27 departments.
KAIST remains one of South Korea’s leading universities for science and engineering. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, KAIST is ranked 70th overall, and it is ranked 32nd in both Computer Science and Engineering.
International graduate applicants at KAIST generally have to prove their proficiency in English. The KAIST School of Electrical Engineering lists IELTS 6.5 as one accepted minimum, along with TOEFL iBT 83, TOEIC 720, and New TEPS 326.
The above-mentioned universities are some of the best academic institutions that have opened their doors to international students. Korean universities usually use Korean or English as a medium of instruction at the college level. With globalization, universities in Korea have become increasingly aware of the importance of classroom diversity, which has helped attract more international students to the country.
Here is what KAIST scholars say about IELTS:
“I took the TOEFL for NJUST and the IELTS for KAIST.”
Ana T. Paredes
“After 1 month of preparation, I appeared in both tests and cleared both (IELTS 7.5) and (TOEFL iBT 102).”
Omer Tariq
“In addition, I prepared for standardized tests such as the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and IELTS, which strengthened my applications to international institutions.”
Rahul Agrawal
“I did have both IELTS and TOPIK (Korean Language Proficiency).”
May Myat Thwe
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in South Korea
FAQs about IELTS in South Korea
Do universities or scholarships in South Korea always require IELTS?
No, several recipients studied in Korea without IELTS. Anisatul Aqidah Tagiling (UNIST, GKS–Graduate) said she “did not take any international standardized language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS,” because it was optional for both GKS and UNIST; she instead submitted a nationally recognized English certificate and later completed the mandatory Korean course (TOPIK) under GKS.
What IELTS scores have successful Korea-bound students actually had?
Scores vary by person and program. Islamuddin Alimurrijal (Korea University, Master’s) shared, “I took the IELTS test and obtained an overall score of 7.5.” Juju San (Hanyang University, BBA) reported “an IELTS band 7.” These examples show competitive 7.0–7.5 ranges among admitted students, though requirements differ by university and track.
If my degree is taught in Korean, do I still need IELTS?
Usually the priority is Korean proficiency (TOPIK). Nunnalin (Ewha Womans University, CSE) took TOPIK and said she had Level 5 before admission; she also confirmed her classes were “in Korean,” and discussed the challenge of technical vocabulary even with a high TOPIK level. For such programs, TOPIK often matters more than IELTS.
Does having IELTS help for competitive scholarships or universities like GKS or SNU?
It can strengthen your application. Describing the embassy track competitiveness, Juju San observed that “most of the candidates I know have both IELTS and TOPIK.” While not always required, an IELTS score may boost your competitiveness alongside Korean proficiency.
Are there accepted alternatives to IELTS for Korea?
Yes, depending on the institution, scholarship, degree level, and program. Some official university guides accept alternatives such as TOEFL, TEPS, TOPIK, standardized test results, proof of English-medium instruction, or university-approved certificates. Always verify the exact documents each program accepts.
IELTS is just one of the many English language exams accepted in South Korean universities. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in Korea pages!
