University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Seoul National University?

Seoul National University asks international applicants for TOEFL iBT 80, or 4.0 for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026. The same figure appears in its Spring 2027 undergraduate and graduate admissions guides. SNU accepts MyBest scores and the Home Edition, but not TOEFL ITP, and Korean (TOPIK) is an alternative way to show language proficiency.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026

SNU TOEFL iBT minimums

From SNU's Spring 2027 undergraduate admissions guide and Spring 2027 graduate admissions guide for international students. Both guides ask for proof of Korean or English; TOEFL is one of the English options.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate (Spring 2027)80, or 4.0 for tests on or after 21 Jan 2026TOPIK level 3 is the Korean alternative
Graduate: master's and doctoral (Spring 2027)80, or 4.0 for tests on or after 21 Jan 2026TOPIK level 3 is the Korean alternative

Test rules at SNU

Both guides say scores must be obtained on or after 9 July 2024 and confirmed before the application deadline. MyBest scores and Home Edition scores are accepted, but TOEFL ITP scores are not. For MyBest, the test dates of all four sections must be on or after 9 July 2024.

You upload a scan or a screenshot when you apply, then send the original report or an official score report after the preliminary decision. SNU's institution code for TOEFL score reporting is 7972.

On the same guides, the IELTS Academic minimum is 6.0 overall, and TEPS 269 is also listed.

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If your TOEFL score falls short

The guides list other routes to meet the language requirement instead of a test score: TOPIK level 3, completion of level 4 at a Korean university language centre, or official documents showing your whole high school (for undergraduates) or bachelor's or master's curriculum (for graduates) was taught in Korean or English. Neither guide describes a conditional offer for a lower TOEFL score.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SNU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Seoul National University need?+

TOEFL iBT 80, or 4.0 for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, for both undergraduate and graduate international admission.

Does SNU accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+

Yes. MyBest scores are accepted if all four section test dates are on or after 9 July 2024.

Does SNU accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+

Yes. Home Edition scores are accepted, but TOEFL ITP is not.

What is SNU's TOEFL institution code?+

7972, the same code SNU gives for IELTS score reporting.

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Related

Guide updated on 2 November 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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