University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Yonsei University?

Yonsei University's Graduate School sets TOEFL iBT minimums by department: most ask for 3.5 on the new scale, or 59 for tests taken before 21 January 2026, and some ask for 4.0, or 72. A few departments do not accept TOEFL at all. Underwood International College, Yonsei's English-taught undergraduate college, asks for proof of English but sets no minimum score.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

Yonsei TOEFL iBT minimums

From the Graduate School's Spring 2027 application guide for international students, which lists a minimum for each department, and the Underwood International College admissions page. The figure in brackets is the minimum for tests taken before 21 January 2026.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Underwood International College (undergraduate)No minimum scoreProof of English required unless exempt
Graduate School: most departments (for example Economics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering)3.5 (59)IELTS 5.5 in the same rows
Graduate School: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Theology, Medical Sciences (BK21)4.0 (72)IELTS 6.0 in the same rows
Graduate School: Linguistics and Informatics, Area Studies4.0 (72)IELTS 5.5 in the same rows
Graduate School: Korean Language and Literature, Business AdministrationNot acceptedKorean (TOPIK) route only

Test rules at Yonsei

The graduate guide says TOEFL scores must come from tests taken on or after 4 December 2024. The Home Edition and MyBest scores are accepted within that period, but TOEFL ITP and TOEFL Essentials are treated as not submitted, except ITP tests run by Yonsei itself. You upload a PDF of the online score printout with your application; the guide says score reporting is not accepted, and a score below the department minimum counts as not submitted.

Underwood International College gives ETS institution code 9893 for scores sent directly to Yonsei, and asks applicants who do so to email the admissions office with their name and test date.

In the same graduate guide, most departments list IELTS 5.5, and some list 6.0.

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If your TOEFL score falls short

The graduate guide accepts substitute documents in departments that allow them: nationality of the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, or completion of a whole school or degree programme in one of those countries, or a full degree taught in English elsewhere with an official letter. Applicants can also apply through the Korean route with the TOPIK level their department sets.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Yonsei Graduate School need?+

Most departments ask for 3.5, or 59 for tests before 21 January 2026. Some, such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering, ask for 4.0, or 72.

Does Underwood International College have a TOEFL minimum?+

No. UIC asks for proof of English, such as TOEFL, but states no minimum score.

Does Yonsei accept TOEFL MyBest and Home Edition?+

Yes, for the Graduate School, if the tests were taken on or after 4 December 2024.

What is Yonsei's TOEFL code?+

UIC gives ETS institution code 9893.

Keep reading

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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