Why you need TOPIK
TOPIK is the Test of Proficiency in Korean. Your level decides which programmes you can apply to, which visa steps are open to you and how many hours a week you may work. Here is where it counts, what each level means, and where to check your own case.
Most Korean-taught degree programmes ask for level 3 or 4. English-taught programmes usually ask for an English test instead. TOPIK is not a requirement for the D-2 student visa itself, but it matters for some universities, changing school, part-time work hours and staying on after graduation.
Five places your score matters
- 1
University admission
Programmes taught in Korean state a minimum TOPIK level in their admission guide. English-taught programmes usually ask for TOEFL, IELTS or a similar test, and many do not ask for TOPIK at all. Some universities also admit applicants slightly below the level on conditions, such as an interview, a Korean course or conditional admission.
- 2
Starting a degree
A Korean language course (D-4) is the usual way to reach the level a degree programme asks for, so students often take the exam during or at the end of the course. The designated K-CORE (E-7-M) departments also need TOPIK 3 or higher to enter.
- 3
Visa change, school transfer and job search
TOPIK is not required for the D-2 visa itself. It counts in these cases:
- Changing to D-2 at a stricter-screening university (비자심사강화대학), for nationals of countries the Minister has designated or that are under focused management: TOPIK 2 for associate degrees, TOPIK 4 for bachelor's degrees and above.
- Changing school: TOPIK 3 (it is waived in some cases, for example when you move to a certified university).
- After graduation: your first change to the D-10 job-seeking visa does not need the points test. With TOPIK 4 the exemption lasts 3 years from your degree.
- 4
Part-time work hours
On a D-2 you need a work permit first (your university confirms, then immigration permits). Your weekly hours depend on your Korean level; the table below shows how.
- Factory (manufacturing) work is allowed only at Korean level 4.
- Students in English-taught programmes can meet the requirement with an English score instead (for example TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2 or TEPS 601).
- 5
Graduation (your university's rules)
Some universities set their own Korean-level condition for graduation. We have not collected these rules, so ask your department or read the student handbook before you choose a Korean-taught programme.
Today's TOPIK question
One free practice question a day. No account needed.
저는 친구___ 같이 영화를 봤어요.
A new question comes every day. A practice question written by StudyToKorea, not an official TOPIK exam paper.
Weekly hours by Korean level
| Who | Required level | Without the level | With the level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate and 1st–2nd-year bachelor's students | TOPIK 3 | 10 hours a week in total, weekends and vacations included | 25 hours on weekdays; no limit on weekends and vacations |
| 3rd–4th-year bachelor's students | TOPIK 4 | 10 hours a week in total, weekends and vacations included | 25 hours on weekdays; no limit on weekends and vacations |
| Master's and PhD students | TOPIK 4 | 15 hours a week in total, weekends and vacations included | 30 hours on weekdays; no limit on weekends and vacations |
At a certified university, or with excellent grades or Korean, the weekday limit rises to 30 hours (35 for master's and PhD). A permit can be restricted if your previous semester's average grade was below C (2.0). Check your own case with the part-time check.
Open the part-time check →What each level means
TOPIK I covers levels 1–2 and TOPIK II covers levels 3–6. Your level comes from your total score; there is no minimum for each section.
Basic survival Korean: introducing yourself, buying things, ordering food.
Below what almost all degree programmes ask.
Everyday basics: making phone calls, asking for favours, using places such as the post office and the bank.
Associate degrees at stricter-screening universities (for nationals of designated countries). The lowest bar at some universities.
You can manage daily life and keep up simple conversations on familiar topics.
The usual entry level for Korean-taught degrees. Also K-CORE departments, part-time hours in years 1–2 and changing school.
You can follow general news and everyday work or study topics fairly well.
Part-time hours in years 3–4 and graduate study, bachelor's degrees at stricter-screening universities, factory work, and 3 years without the D-10 points test.
You can understand and use Korean on less familiar social and professional topics.
The strictest programmes of a few universities. It can also replace KIIP stage 4 for K-CORE (E-7-M).
You can use Korean accurately and fluently for specialised study or work.
The strictest programmes of a few universities.
The descriptions are our short paraphrase. The official wording is on the TOPIK website.
The TOPIK level Korean universities ask for
We read the admission guides of 127 universities (checked Oct 6, 2026). For each university we took the programme with the highest TOPIK requirement.
Requirements differ by programme and by language track, and English-taught programmes may need no TOPIK. Universities whose guide states no level are not counted. Always read the guide of the programme you apply to.
Tools that use your TOPIK level
TOPIK exam dates and fees
The official 2026 exam plan, from the TOPIK website. Dates and fees are for Korea; overseas registration, results dates and fees are set country by country.
| Exam | Exam date | Registration | Results | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet-based (IBT) Round 15 · Korea and overseas | Oct 24, 2026 | Aug 18, 2026 – Aug 24, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | Registration closed |
Speaking Round 12 · Korea only | Oct 24, 2026 | Aug 18, 2026 – Aug 24, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | Registration closed |
Paper-based (PBT) Round 109 · Korea and overseas | Nov 15, 2026 | Sep 1, 2026 – Sep 7, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | Registration closed |
Internet-based (IBT) Round 16 · Korea and overseas | Nov 28, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 – Sep 21, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | Registration closed |
- Paper-based (PBT)
- TOPIK I (levels 1–2): 40,000 KRW
TOPIK II (levels 3–6): 55,000 KRW - Internet-based (IBT)
- TOPIK I (levels 1–2): 70,000 KRW
TOPIK II (levels 3–6): 95,000 KRW - Speaking
- All levels: 80,000 KRW
The 2027 plan is not published yet. The 2026 plan came out on 31 October 2025, so expect the next one around the end of October.
Get an email when TOPIK registration opens →Read from the TOPIK website on 2026-10-04. The website comes first if it differs. Official TOPIK website ↗
Registration for exams outside Korea is arranged country by country; read your country's notice on the TOPIK website.
Common questions about TOPIK
Your next steps
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