Studying in English in Korea: Should I Prepare for TOPIK Too?

If you can apply to a Korean university based on your English scores, is it really necessary to prepare for the TOPIK? This is a practical question for students who do not plan to take Korean language classes. To find the answer, you need to look beyond the admission requirements. This is because the usefulness of Korean language scores varies depending on whether you plan to work part-time while studying abroad and which scholarships you intend to apply for.

Study in Korea, the comprehensive study-abroad portal operated by the National Institute for International Education, distinguishes between Korean-language and English-language programs and guides students on how to check admission and graduation requirements by university. The fact that you can begin a degree program in English is a separate issue from which language proficiency certification is required for other aspects of studying abroad. National Institute for International Education Language Proficiency Guide

The Impact of Language Requirements Becomes Apparent When Considering Part-Time Work

According to the guidelines on part-time employment for international students released by the Ministry of Government Legislation, Korean language proficiency serves as the criterion for determining the number of hours one is permitted to work. Based on standard degree programs, the guidance lists TOPIK Level 3 for associate degree students and first- and second-year bachelor’s students, and Level 4 for third- and fourth-year bachelor’s students and master’s and doctoral students. Students in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs who do not meet the Korean language requirements are limited to 10 hours per week, while master’s and doctoral students are limited to 15 hours. For those who meet the criteria, the table lists 25 hours per week on weekdays for undergraduates and 30 for master’s and doctoral students, with no time limit shown for weekends or school breaks. Separate preferential categories are also provided for students enrolled at accredited universities or those with excellent grades or Korean language proficiency. Ministry of Government Legislation Guide on Part-Time Employment

This difference illustrates how studying Korean can be linked to planning for living expenses. If a first-year undergraduate student intends to meet the requirements based solely on Korean language proficiency scores—without other recognized pathways—a TOPIK Level 3 score serves as the benchmark for considering an application to move from the 10-hour bracket to the 25-hour weekday bracket. As students advance to their junior and senior years, the criteria shift to Level 4, so it is necessary to consider the timing of exam preparation in conjunction with their academic progression.

Students in the English track need to confirm with their university’s international student advisor and immigration authorities which language proficiency requirements apply to them. They must determine whether the English scores used for admission are also accepted for part-time employment screening and what additional documentation is required in order to assess how preparing for the TOPIK will impact their living expense plans.

To actually begin working, students must complete the necessary procedures—such as signing an employment contract and obtaining confirmation from a university official—and receive approval from immigration authorities. Holders of D-4-1 and D-4-7 visas (language study) and D-2-8 visas (visiting student) become eligible for part-time work six months after their date of entry or the date of their status change. Living expenses during this period must be covered separately from part-time income. Even after securing the permitted working hours, actual income can only be earned if the class schedule is compatible with the contracted work hours.

Scholarships Can Even Affect When You Start Your Degree

Even students who do not need to secure additional working hours can find value in the TOPIK for scholarship purposes. The 2027 GKS-U Recruitment Guidelines for Government-Invited International Undergraduate Scholars stipulate that successful applicants who have obtained a TOPIK Level 5 or higher are exempt from Korean language training. This is a criterion that affects whether a selected scholar will undergo Korean language training or proceed directly to the degree program. 2027 GKS-U Official Application Guidelines, pp. 21–22

If an applicant expected to receive final acceptance in this round obtains a new TOPIK result at Level 5 or above, they must submit the score report to the National Institute for International Education by December 24, 2026, for recognition of an early start to the degree program. In this case, what matters is not only the high level achieved but also when and through which procedure the score is submitted. When comparing university-specific scholarships, you must also review the score requirements and submission deadlines applicable to your specific admission track.

TOPIK scores are valid for two years from the date of announcement. Achieving a high level now is not always the same as securing a score that can be used for admission or scholarship applications. By working backward from the application period to schedule the exam, you can specifically determine the required level and preparation period.

Future Study Abroad Plans Must Account for Policy Changes

On October 7, 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to strengthen Korean language proficiency as a mandatory requirement for part-time employment and to vary the duration of stay for job seekers based on their Korean language proficiency. As detailed implementation plans are still being developed, the final language proficiency standards and effective dates applicable to students in the English track will be confirmed in subsequent announcements. It is important to distinguish between the currently announced part-time employment criteria and the announced reform direction. Ministry of Justice Strategy for Improving the International Student Visa System · Official Q&A

The plans of students who will complete their studies in English and return home, those who will study while earning a living, and those who will prepare for employment in Korea are not the same. When deciding whether to prepare for the TOPIK, students can start with their own admission process and broaden their considerations to include work permits, scholarships, and post-graduation plans.

The value of the time spent studying Korean becomes clear through these specific choices. For some students, the amount of time available for work is crucial, while for others, the opportunity to begin their degree program without having to complete a language training course is what matters most. By first determining which systems and timelines are necessary, your goal becomes not just vaguely achieving the highest level, but rather obtaining a score that aligns with your specific study abroad plan.