Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Kookmin International College requirement
From Kookmin's Spring 2027 freshman admission notice and the English admission guide. The International College contains the KMU International Business School and KMU International Engineering School.
| Programme | IELTS | Other ways to qualify |
|---|---|---|
| International College (taught entirely in English) | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 80 (CBT 210, PBT 550); nationality of an English-official country; a high school taught entirely in English; a reference letter from the head of a governmental or international organisation |
| Other majors | Not required | Korean routes |
Scholarships by IELTS score
For departments taught entirely in English, IELTS 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0 earn scholarships of 30, 50, 70 and 100 per cent of tuition. The guide says only test scores within valid dates are accepted.
Korean as a Global Language, Global Business Administration and Sport-Specific Admissions have no language requirement. PTE and Duolingo are not listed.
Free test: are you at Kookmin University's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Graduate study and how to check
The Spring 2027 general graduate guide does not state an IELTS figure, so this guide covers freshman admission only.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one in the current Kookmin application guide for your programme, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Kookmin 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 Kookmin University need?+
IELTS 5.5 for the International College, which teaches entirely in English.
Does Kookmin give scholarships for IELTS?+
Yes. In departments taught entirely in English, IELTS 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0 earn 30, 50, 70 and 100 per cent tuition scholarships.
Can I apply to Kookmin without IELTS?+
For the International College, yes if you are a national of an English-official country or completed a high school taught entirely in English.
What TOEFL does Kookmin need?+
TOEFL iBT 80, CBT 210 or PBT 550.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in South Korea accepting IELTS 5.5
- IELTS for South Korea
- Hankuk University of Foreign Studies IELTS requirement
- Hanyang University IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- 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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