Undergraduate: Korean or English proof
KU's spring 2027 freshman application guide, linked from its admission guide page, asks for one language document, with test results no older than two years at submission. English proof is a TOEFL iBT (Home Edition and Enhancement accepted) or IELTS Academic score report; TOEFL MyBest, TOEFL Essentials and IELTS Indicator are not accepted. You can also submit a transcript and school letter if your entire secondary education was taught in English. The guide sets no minimum English score for admission.
English proof is mandatory for the International Studies major (English track). Global Open Major students are assigned a major after year one, and need TOPIK level 5, IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100 (5 on the new scale) to get the major they applied for. Students admitted with TOPIK level 4 or lower face Korean training and limits on major courses, though some departments exempt students with high English proficiency.
Graduate language requirement
KU's graduate eligibility page asks for one or more of the following:
| Option | KU graduate minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 (IELTS Indicator not accepted) |
| TOEFL iBT, from 21 Jan 2026 | 3.5 (Home Edition accepted, MyBest not) |
| TOEFL iBT, before 21 Jan 2026 | 71 |
| New TEPS | 326 |
| CEFR | B2 or higher |
| TOPIK (Korean instead) | Level 3; some programmes need 5 or 6 |
| PTE Academic / Duolingo | Not listed |
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Graduate exemptions, including India
You need no test if you are a native English speaker from KU's list of exempt countries, which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, the UK and the USA, or if you completed a degree in an English-speaking country, in Korea, or 100% in English, majored in Korean overseas, or have a department recommendation.
English proof is mandatory for several Business Administration majors (including Management, Finance, Marketing and Accounting), and Economics applicants must submit both Korean and English scores. KU Scholarship applicants must submit a test score even if exempt. The eligibility page does not state a validity period.
Korea University's English pages we read do not set a separate English score for the student visa or permit. Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Korea University programme page and in your admission decision, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Korea University accept PTE?+
PTE Academic is not listed. KU's English options are TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic, plus New TEPS and CEFR B2 for graduate entry.
Does Korea University accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not listed in the spring 2027 freshman guide or on the graduate eligibility page.
Are Indian applicants exempt from IELTS at Korea University?+
For graduate entry, India is on KU's list of countries exempt from the English requirement. Undergraduates need a test or an English-medium school letter.
What IELTS do I need for Korea University undergraduate?+
The guide sets no admission minimum, but Global Open Major students need IELTS 7.0 to be assigned their chosen English-based major.
Is IELTS 5.5 enough for a Korea University master's?+
It meets the general graduate minimum, but some Business Administration majors require English proof and some programmes require TOPIK.
Keep reading
Related
- Yonsei University IELTS requirement
- Seoul National University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for South Korea
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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