Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Ajou language requirements
From the Graduate School international admission page and the undergraduate eligibility page. Each department sets its own type.
| Programme | IELTS | Other routes |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate, Type A departments | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 71; TEPS 600; New TEPS 234; or TOPIK 4 |
| Graduate, Type B departments | Not accepted | TOPIK 4 or higher (higher in some majors) |
| Undergraduate | Not listed | TOPIK 3, Korean Level 3 or Ajou's Korean exam |
Accepted tests and waiver
The Graduate School accepts TOEFL, TEPS or New TEPS and IELTS only, and results must still be valid on the submission date. PTE and Duolingo are not accepted.
Applicants from countries where English is the mother tongue or an official language can instead submit a certificate showing their higher education was taught in English.
Free test: are you at Ajou University's score yet?
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Scholarship levels and how to check
Ajou also ties scholarships to English scores. The graduate scholarship page uses IELTS 5.5 for master's students from non-English-speaking regions and 6.0 from English-speaking regions, and the undergraduate scholarship page lists award levels such as IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 75. These are scholarship thresholds, not admission minimums.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one in the current Ajou application guide for your programme, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Ajou University publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does Ajou University need?+
IELTS 5.5 for graduate admission in Type A departments.
Can I use IELTS for undergraduate admission at Ajou?+
The undergraduate eligibility page lists Korean routes only. English scores appear on the undergraduate scholarship page.
Does Ajou accept PTE or Duolingo?+
No. The Graduate School accepts TOEFL, TEPS or New TEPS and IELTS only.
Can an English-medium degree replace IELTS at Ajou?+
Applicants from countries where English is the mother tongue or an official language can submit a certificate that their higher education was taught in English.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in South Korea accepting IELTS 5.5
- IELTS for South Korea
- Inha University IELTS requirement
- Sungkyunkwan University IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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