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 programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Underwood International College (undergraduate) | No minimum score | Proof 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 Studies | 4.0 (72) | IELTS 5.5 in the same rows |
| Graduate School: Korean Language and Literature, Business Administration | Not accepted | Korean (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.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
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
- Yonsei University IELTS requirement
- Seoul National University TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL fee in South Korea
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale (2026)
- All 5495 guides
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.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy