10
SCHOOLSPosted by Mika 🇯🇵 Japan · 1 month ago
Do I need TOPIK before applying to a language school?
i can read hangul and know maybe 200 words. absolute beginner basically.
do language schools require TOPIK to let you in? or is that only for university degree programs. don't want to waste money on a test i don't need yet
do language schools require TOPIK to let you in? or is that only for university degree programs. don't want to waste money on a test i don't need yet
7 comments
OFFICIAL ANSWER
EvanALLO TEAM
English desk · Seoul
No. You do not need TOPIK for a language program, and you should not pay for the test yet.
Language programs at Korean universities are designed for absolute beginners. Level 1 assumes you know nothing — many students arrive not knowing hangul at all. Your 200 words already put you ahead of a normal level 1 starter.
TOPIK becomes relevant in three situations:
1. Applying to a degree program. Undergraduate admission usually wants TOPIK 3 or 4, graduate programs often 4 or higher.
2. Applying for a part-time work permit. Some immigration offices ask for TOPIK 2 as evidence you can work safely, though attendance matters more.
3. Scholarships. Most funding tied to language study asks for a TOPIK score.
One thing worth knowing: TOPIK results take about a month to publish, and the test only runs a handful of times a year. If your longer plan is a degree, take it once you finish level 3 or 4 at your language school — that is when the timing works out.
For the application itself, what schools actually check is your diploma, your funds, and your visa eligibility. Not your Korean.
Language programs at Korean universities are designed for absolute beginners. Level 1 assumes you know nothing — many students arrive not knowing hangul at all. Your 200 words already put you ahead of a normal level 1 starter.
TOPIK becomes relevant in three situations:
1. Applying to a degree program. Undergraduate admission usually wants TOPIK 3 or 4, graduate programs often 4 or higher.
2. Applying for a part-time work permit. Some immigration offices ask for TOPIK 2 as evidence you can work safely, though attendance matters more.
3. Scholarships. Most funding tied to language study asks for a TOPIK score.
One thing worth knowing: TOPIK results take about a month to publish, and the test only runs a handful of times a year. If your longer plan is a degree, take it once you finish level 3 or 4 at your language school — that is when the timing works out.
For the application itself, what schools actually check is your diploma, your funds, and your visa eligibility. Not your Korean.
Was this helpful?Updated 1 month ago
7 comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
You can still post anonymously after signing in.started level 1 having learned hangul on the plane. genuinely fine. half my class couldn't read on day one
12
ok that makes me feel a lot better about my 200 words
5
save your money. i took topik before going "to be ready" and got level 2 which did absolutely nothing for me
9
as a japanese/chinese speaker you'll fly through the reading part btw. the grammar overlap is unfair
7
the vocabulary overlap is genuinely a cheat code, i won't pretend otherwise. speaking is a different story though
11
as a spanish speaker i'm just here suffering equally at everything
4
take it after level 4, that's the sweet spot where you can actually pass something useful
5
Related questions
SCHOOLSYonsei KLI vs Korea University KLC — which is better for speaking?SCHOOLSIs the 10-week pace at university language schools really that fast?SCHOOLSHonestly, what level are you after one year of language school?Ask a question
Post with your name or anonymously
1-second sign in
No password — Google or a 6-digit email code.
Continue with GoogleContinue with EmailYou can still post anonymously after signing in.
