Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
KNU language routes for freshmen
From KNU's international undergraduate admission page. Applicants must meet one route. No IELTS band minimums are given.
| Route | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 59 |
| CEFR | B2 |
| New TEPS | 202 |
| Korean (TOPIK, KNU or KIIP levels) | TOPIK 3, Korean language institute Level 3, KIIP Level 3 (61 points) or Sejong Institute intermediate 1 |
Native speakers and department rules
Native English speakers can submit proof of completing higher education in the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia or Ireland instead.
Some departments set their own Korean thresholds, for example TOPIK 5 for Media and Communication and TOPIK 4 for Computer Science and Engineering. Transfer applicants have no English route and need TOPIK 4, or 5 for Media and Communication.
Free test: are you at Kyungpook National 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 page does not cover graduate admission. KNU publishes its admission guide in early March and early September with the department details. PTE and Duolingo are not on the list.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one in the current KNU application guide for your programme, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Kyungpook National 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 Kyungpook National University need?+
IELTS Academic 5.5 for international freshman admission through the English route.
Is KNU taught in English?+
Undergraduate teaching is mainly in Korean. The English score is one way to meet the language requirement, and some departments ask for TOPIK.
Can transfer students use IELTS at KNU?+
No. Transfer applicants need TOPIK Level 4, or Level 5 for Media and Communication.
What TOEFL does KNU accept?+
TOEFL iBT 59 or higher.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in South Korea accepting IELTS 5.5
- IELTS for South Korea
- Pusan National University IELTS requirement
- Chonnam National University IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- 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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