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Meta title: TOPIK Exam 2026–2027: Levels, Scores, Dates, Centres | StudyU
Meta description: TOPIK guide: PBT and IBT levels and scores, the 2026 calendar, where to sit it in Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, fees, registration, validity.
Last modified: 2026-09-24

# TOPIK Exam Guide 2026–2027: Levels, Scores, Test Dates and Where to Sit It

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TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the Korean government's language test for non-native speakers, run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education. Your level is set by your total score: TOPIK I awards levels 1–2 and TOPIK II awards levels 3–6. Results are valid for two years from the announcement date. Korean-taught bachelor's programmes usually ask for level 3 or higher, and outside Korea most test centres offer only the paper-based format.

This guide explains which level you need for your goal, how the paper, computer and speaking tests differ, the full 2026 calendar, and how registration works in Korea and in Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Everything was checked against the Ministry of Education's 2026 TOPIK notice, topik.go.kr announcements, test-centre pages and Korean embassy pages on 23 September 2026.

Computer study hall inside the Samsung Library of Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea. Photo: Christian Bolz / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Inside_Samsung_Library_in_Suwon.JPG), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Which TOPIK level do you need? {#section-1}

There is no single pass mark. The institution that receives your certificate sets the threshold. Study in Korea states that each university, or even each department, sets its own language requirements for admission and graduation.

| Goal | What is usually required | Who decides |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Korean-taught bachelor's degree | Level 3 for admission in most cases; many universities require level 4 to graduate | University and department |
| Korean-taught master's or PhD | Often level 4 or higher | University and department |
| English-taught programme | No TOPIK; you prove English (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) | University |
| Student visa from Uzbekistan | Bachelor's: level 3; master's: level 4; language course: level 1 with at least 110 PBT points (English for English-taught programmes) | Korean Embassy in Tashkent |
| Visa for universities under strengthened visa screening (citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and some other countries) | Bachelor's and above: level 4; junior college: level 2; arts and sports: level 3 | Korea Immigration Service |
| Part-time work on a D-2 visa | Level 3 in years 1–2 of a bachelor's; level 4 in years 3–4 and in graduate school | Korea Immigration Service |
| Part-time work on a D-10 job-seeker visa | Level 4 (or KIIP stage 4) | Korea Immigration Service |

How the language threshold affects your visa is covered in [Korea D-2 student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-korea), and how it changes your part-time hours in [working while studying in Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-korea). GKS has its own rules, described in [GKS scholarship](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gks-scholarship-korea).

Alternatives are not always accepted. Study in Korea lists two: the Ministry of Justice's integration programme KIIP (completion or pre-assessment score) and a course certificate from a local King Sejong Institute. The Korean Embassy in Tashkent also accepts the Sejong SKA test at set scores, but not for every university.

Do not confuse TOPIK with EPS-TOPIK. EPS-TOPIK is run by a different agency for the E-9 work visa and cannot be used for university admission.

If you are still choosing a route, read [how admission to Korean universities works](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-korean-universities) and [which Korean language programmes lead to degree study](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-korean-language-programs-in-korea) first. They determine whether you need the certificate before applying or can earn it in Korea.

## Test formats: paper, computer and speaking {#section-2}

TOPIK comes in three formats. The paper-based test (PBT) and the internet-based test (IBT) give certificates of equal value on the same level scale. The speaking test is separate and has its own certificate.

| Format | Sections and number of items | Time | Maximum |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| TOPIK I, paper | Listening 30, reading 40 | 100 min | 200 points |
| TOPIK II, paper | Listening 50, writing 4, reading 50 | 180 min in two sittings | 300 points |
| TOPIK I, computer | Listening 26, reading 26 | 70 min | 400 points |
| TOPIK II, computer | Listening 30, reading 30, writing 3 | 125 min, no break | 600 points |
| TOPIK Speaking | 6 tasks | 30 min | 200 points |

In practice:

- Only TOPIK II has a writing section. On the computer version you type your essays.
- The paper TOPIK II has a break between sittings, but you may not leave the building. The computer test and the speaking test have no break at all.
- The speaking test is held only in Korea, three times in 2026. Universities and consulates rarely ask for it.
- TOPIK Basic is free: 40 items (20 listening, 20 reading) below TOPIK I level. You can take it at home on a computer, and from 28 September 2026 groups can take it too. It has no legal standing and cannot be used for admission or visas.

## Scores and levels {#section-3}

Your level is based on the total across all sections; there are no section minimums.

| Level | Paper test | Computer test | Speaking |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 80–139 of 200 (TOPIK I) | 121–235 of 400 (TOPIK I) | 20–49 |
| 2 | 140–200 of 200 (TOPIK I) | 236–400 of 400 (TOPIK I) | 50–89 |
| 3 | 120–149 of 300 (TOPIK II) | 191–290 of 600 (TOPIK II) | 90–109 |
| 4 | 150–189 of 300 (TOPIK II) | 291–360 of 600 (TOPIK II) | 110–129 |
| 5 | 190–229 of 300 (TOPIK II) | 361–430 of 600 (TOPIK II) | 130–159 |
| 6 | 230–300 of 300 (TOPIK II) | 431–600 of 600 (TOPIK II) | 160–200 |

TOPIK I can never give you level 3, however high you score. If you need a Korean-taught degree, register for TOPIK II. Below 120 points on the paper TOPIK II, no level is awarded.

There is no official mapping between TOPIK and the CEFR scale. Admissions offices look at the TOPIK level number.

## 2026 test calendar and what we know about 2027 {#section-4}

The dates below are the Korean dates from the Ministry of Education notice. Overseas sessions fall on the same weekends, but local centres set their own registration windows.

Paper-based test (PBT)

| Round | Test date | Results |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 104th | 11 January (Korea only) | 12 February |
| 105th | 11–12 April | 29 May |
| 106th | 17 May | 25 June |
| 107th | 4–5 July | 13 August |
| 108th | 17–18 October | 10 December |
| 109th | 15 November | 22 December |

Internet-based test (IBT)

| Round | Test date | Results |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 11th | 28 February (Korea only) | 20 March |
| 12th | 21 March | 10 April |
| 13th | 13 June | 3 July |
| 14th | 12 September | 2 October |
| 15th | 24 October | 13 November |
| 16th | 28 November | 18 December |

The speaking test in 2026 runs on 21 March, 13 June and 24 October, in Korea only.

In 2026, paper results came out 32–53 days after the test and computer results after 20 days, at 15:00 Korean time on topik.go.kr.

2027. As of 23 September 2026 no official 2027 calendar has been published. The 2026 plan was issued by a Ministry of Education notice dated 10 October 2025, so expect the 2027 schedule in autumn 2026. Until then, plan backwards from your application deadline and keep one session in reserve.

## Where to sit TOPIK: Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and neighbours {#section-5}

Most overseas centres offer the paper test only. In 2026 the computer version was available abroad in a limited list of countries, including Mongolia and, in two rounds, Uzbekistan.

Russia. Paper test only, in different cities per round, according to NIIED's list of overseas venues as of 1 September 2026:

| 2026 round | Cities |
| --- | --- |
| 105th, 11–12 April | St Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don; Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin |
| 106th, 17 May | Irkutsk, Yakutsk |
| 107th, 4–5 July | St Petersburg; Vladivostok |
| 108th, 17–18 October | St Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Moscow; Vladivostok, Khabarovsk |
| 109th, 15 November | Ulan-Ude |

St Petersburg State University's testing centre runs three rounds a year. In 2026 it charged $24 (RUB 2,000) for TOPIK I and $30 (RUB 2,500) for TOPIK II, paid in roubles under a contract after your documents are checked. Places are limited: in July 2026 TOPIK II applications received after noon on the first day went to a waiting list. The Korean Education Centre in Rostov-on-Don handles both the Rostov venue (in person) and the Moscow venue (online, announced by the Korean Embassy in Moscow). Vladivostok and Khabarovsk accept applications by email; Irkutsk State University and the King Sejong Institute in Ulan-Ude host their cities.

Kazakhstan. Paper test in Almaty (Korean Education Centre) and Astana (Korean Cultural Centre): 12 April and 18 October in both cities, 5 July and 15 November in Almaty. Registration is online on a first-come basis; the fee is paid in person.

Uzbekistan. Paper test in Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, Bukhara, Urgench, Andijan, Jizzakh and Fergana on 12 April, 17 May, 18 October and 15 November; on 5 July only in Tashkent, Samarkand and Fergana. Registration is online, first come first served, with the fee paid in person at the Tashkent Korean Education Centre. The computer test ran in the 13th and 14th rounds of 2026; Uzbekistan is not on the list for the 15th and 16th.

Nearby venues also operate in Bishkek and Osh, Dushanbe, Baku, Minsk, Yerevan and Tbilisi.

## Taking TOPIK in Korea {#section-6}

Language-course students often sit TOPIK in Korea. Registration is only on topik.go.kr and each window lasts seven days. For the 16th IBT, applications were accepted 10:00–16:00, card payments were due by 16:00 on the day of application and virtual-account transfers by 23:59; overseas cards and overseas transfers were not accepted.

| Test | Fee in Korea |
| --- | --- |
| TOPIK I, paper | $29 (KRW 40,000) |
| TOPIK II, paper | $40 (KRW 55,000) |
| TOPIK I, computer | $51 (KRW 70,000) |
| TOPIK II, computer | $70 (KRW 95,000) |
| TOPIK Speaking | $59 (KRW 80,000) |

Fees abroad are set by each local centre. A venue with 15 or fewer applicants may be cancelled with a full refund. Registrations made with automated scripts are cancelled without refund.

## Registration checklist {#section-7}

1. Passport. Your Latin-script name must match the passport exactly; it cannot be corrected on test day.
2. Photo. Colour, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, taken within six months before registration opens, plain background, eyes and forehead visible.
3. Test level. TOPIK I and TOPIK II are separate tests with separate fees; you can sit both in one round if your venue offers both.
4. One venue per application. You may only sit at the venue you registered for.
5. Admission ticket. Centres usually send it one to three weeks before the test. If it has not arrived, contact the centre.

## Test day rules and penalties {#section-8}

Bring your original passport and the admission ticket. Phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth earphones and all electronics are handed in before the first sitting.

Under the 2026 notice, copying, communicating with others through devices, or photographing or recording questions voids your result and bars you from TOPIK for two years. Carrying devices with AI translation or writing functions, or forging documents, carries the same two-year ban. Sitting the test for someone else means a four-year ban. If you leave before the end, you get no score.

## Results and certificate {#section-9}

Results appear in your account on topik.go.kr. You download and print the certificate yourself; it is not sent by post, fax or email, although an overseas centre may request one printed copy per candidate. Universities and embassies verify certificates online.

Validity is two years from the results announcement date, not the test date. Example: paper test on 18 October 2026, results on 10 December 2026, certificate valid until 10 December 2028. The Korean Embassy in Tashkent likewise accepts only certificates issued within the last two years.

## Planning your test around admission {#section-10}

Count back from the university's application deadline, not from the semester start, and keep one round in reserve for a retake.

| Semester start | Typical application window | Last realistic TOPIK |
| --- | --- | --- |
| March 2027 | Autumn 2026 (often September–November) | For most universities, rounds already held in 2026; if late submission is allowed, the October paper round or the October and November computer rounds |
| September 2027 | Spring 2027 (often March–May) | Autumn 2026 rounds or the first 2027 rounds, depending on the deadline |
| March 2028 | Autumn 2027 | Spring and summer 2027 rounds |

Windows in the table are typical rather than official; check your programme's own dates. Programmes with a compulsory Korean language year often do not require TOPIK at application but do require it to start the degree.

Free official preparation materials on topik.go.kr include past papers with audio, an IBT practice environment, the daily "Today's TOPIK" set and beginner video lessons.

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Registering for TOPIK I and expecting level 3.
- Taking the test too early and arriving at the visa or graduation stage with an expired certificate.
- Following Korean registration windows when testing abroad.
- Entering your name differently from your passport.
- Planning an IBT in a country without an IBT venue.
- Paying an intermediary to reserve a test seat for you: registration and payment go directly through the centre.
- Wearing a smartwatch or earbuds on test day.

## FAQ {#faq}

### How long is a TOPIK certificate valid?

Two years from the results announcement date, as stated in the Ministry of Education notice and on topik.go.kr. Check validity against your application deadline, not your start date.

### Can I take TOPIK online from home?

No. The paper and computer tests are taken only at a test centre. Only the free TOPIK Basic can be done at home, and it has no legal standing.

### Which TOPIK level do I need for a bachelor's degree in Korea?

Usually level 3 for admission to a Korean-taught programme and level 4 to graduate, but each university and department decides. For citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and several other countries applying to universities under strengthened visa screening, immigration rules require level 4 for the visa itself.

### How much does TOPIK cost?

In Korea the paper test costs $29 (KRW 40,000) for TOPIK I or $40 (KRW 55,000) for TOPIK II, and the computer test $51 (KRW 70,000) or $70 (KRW 95,000). Abroad, local centres set the fee; St Petersburg State University charged $24 (RUB 2,000) and $30 (RUB 2,500) in 2026.

### How many times can I retake TOPIK?

There is no limit on attempts. Each retake is a new registration and a new fee. Bans of two or four years apply only after rule violations.

### Do I need TOPIK for an English-taught programme?

Usually not for admission. But without TOPIK level 3 or 4, D-2 students may work only 10 hours a week during term. For English-track students, immigration accepts TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 5.5 or CEFR B2 instead.

### Does StudyU help with TOPIK?

Under a service agreement we help you choose a programme, work out which level you need and by when, and build an application plan around the test calendar. You sit the test at an authorised centre, NIIED issues the result, and universities and immigration set the requirements. For an overview of the destination, see [studying in South Korea](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea).

## Sources {#section-13}

- [Ministry of Education notice No. 2025-317: 2026 TOPIK plan (dates, fees, level cut-offs, rules)](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=132808) and [TOPIK 2026 information sheet](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=132807) — checked 23.09.2026
- [TOPIK: test schedule](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWGUID/TWGUID0020.do) and [overview and validity](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWGUID/TWGUID0010.do) — checked 23.09.2026
- [TOPIK: 2026 overseas PBT venues (as of 01.09.2026)](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=134194), [108th round overseas registration](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=136422), [109th round overseas registration](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=138364) — checked 23.09.2026
- [TOPIK: 16th IBT (timing, cut-offs, fee, payment)](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=139153), [13th IBT overseas centres](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=135791), [16th IBT overseas centres](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=139100) — checked 23.09.2026
- [TOPIK Speaking, 12th round](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=138411) and [TOPIK Basic](https://www.topik.go.kr/TWINFO/TWINFO0011.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR00076&nttId=139225) — checked 23.09.2026
- [St Petersburg State University Testing Centre: TOPIK](https://testingcenter.spbu.ru/ru/ekzameny/topik.html) — checked 23.09.2026
- [Korean Embassy in Russia: 2026 TOPIK schedule](https://ru.mofa.go.kr/ru-ru/brd/m_25801/view.do?seq=761949) — checked 23.09.2026
- [Korean Embassy in Uzbekistan: language and funds criteria for student visas (12.06.2026)](https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/uz-ru/brd/m_8564/view.do?seq=761327) — checked 23.09.2026
- [Study in Korea: language requirements and TOPIK](https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/plan/examAndKoreanStudy.do) — checked 23.09.2026
- [Hi Korea: stay-status manual (revision of 18.09.2026)](https://www.hikorea.go.kr/board/BoardNtcDetailR.pt?BBS_SEQ=1&BBS_GB_CD=BS10&NTCCTT_SEQ=1062&page=1) — language thresholds for part-time work, D-10 and strengthened-screening universities; checked 23.09.2026
- Exchange rate: ECB reference rate of 23.09.2026, EUR 1 = USD 1.1411 = KRW 1,558.00, i.e. USD 1 ≈ KRW 1,365; roubles at the [Bank of Russia official rate of 23.09.2026](https://www.cbr.ru/eng/currency_base/daily/?UniDbQuery.Posted=True&UniDbQuery.To=23.09.2026), USD 1 = RUB 84.0657

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Applying to Korean Universities in 2027: Routes, Deadlines, Documents and Costs](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-korean-universities)
- [Working While Studying in Korea 2026: D-2 Part-Time Hours, Permits and Pay](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-korea)
- [GKS Scholarship Korea: Quotas, Eligibility and Deadlines for 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-gks-scholarship-korea)
- [Korea D-2 Student Visa 2026: Documents, Proof of Funds and How to Apply](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-korea)
- [Studying in South Korea for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-korea)
- [Korean Language Programmes in Korea: University Institutes, Fees and the D-4 Visa for 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-korean-language-programs-in-korea)

Updated: September 2026