Everything you need to know about the 2026 TOPIK schedule — 6 test dates in Korea, 3 overseas sessions, registration through topik.go.kr, fees, test locations, certificate validity, and how to plan your study timeline.
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the world's most widely recognized Korean language certification. Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under Korea's Ministry of Education, the TOPIK is essential for anyone seeking university admission in Korea, applying for Korean work visas, or proving their Korean language ability for professional and personal goals.
Unlike many language proficiency tests that are offered only once or twice per year, Korea offers the TOPIK 6 times per year domestically, giving test-takers frequent opportunities to sit the exam. Overseas locations typically offer 3 tests per year, aligned with select Korean test dates. This generous schedule makes it easier to plan your studies, retake the test if needed, and maintain a valid certificate.
Whether you're aiming for TOPIK I (Levels 1-2) to demonstrate basic conversational ability or TOPIK II (Levels 3-6) for academic and professional purposes, understanding the test schedule is the first step in your preparation journey. This comprehensive guide covers every 2026 test date, the full registration process, fees, test center locations in Korea and abroad, what to bring on test day, results timelines, and certificate validity rules.
Korea holds 6 TOPIK sessions per year, numbered sequentially. The 2026 schedule includes the 90th through 95th TOPIK administrations. All tests are held on Sundays, with TOPIK I in the morning and TOPIK II in the afternoon.
| Test | Test Date | Registration Period | Results (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th TOPIK | January 11, 2026 | ~November 2025 | ~February 2026 |
| 91st TOPIK | April 12, 2026 | ~February 2026 | ~May 2026 |
| 92nd TOPIK | May 17, 2026 | ~March 2026 | ~June 2026 |
| 93rd TOPIK | July 12, 2026 | ~May 2026 | ~August 2026 |
| 94th TOPIK | October 18, 2026 | ~August 2026 | ~November 2026 |
| 95th TOPIK | November 15, 2026 | ~September 2026 | ~December 2026 |
All dates are Sundays. Registration periods are approximate — check topik.go.kr for exact opening and closing dates. Results are typically posted online about 1 month after the test.
Overseas TOPIK administrations align with 3 of the 6 Korean test dates. If you are taking the TOPIK outside Korea, these are your available dates for 2026:
| Session | Test Date | Levels Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Session 1 | April 12, 2026 | TOPIK I & TOPIK II |
| Overseas Session 2 | July 12, 2026 | TOPIK I & TOPIK II |
| Overseas Session 3 | October 18, 2026 | TOPIK I & TOPIK II |
Not all overseas locations offer every session. Some smaller test sites may only offer 1-2 sessions per year. Contact your local Korean education center or embassy early to confirm availability and registration deadlines.
The registration process differs depending on whether you are taking the test in Korea or overseas. In both cases, registration opens well before the test date and popular test sites can fill up quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended.
Register online through the official TOPIK website:
topik.go.kr (Official TOPIK Registration Site)Registration typically opens approximately 2 months before each test date. You will need a Korean bank account or credit card for payment. The process is available in Korean with some English support.
Fee: ~40,000 KRW (~$35 USD)
Register through your country's local TOPIK organizing institution. Common organizers include:
Overseas registration timelines and procedures vary significantly by country. Some countries use their own online registration platforms, while others require in-person registration. Contact your local organizer well in advance.
Fees: Vary by country, typically $40-80 USD
| Location | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | ~40,000 KRW (~$35 USD) | Same fee for TOPIK I and TOPIK II |
| Overseas | $40-80 USD (varies) | Set by local organizing institutions |
Registration fees are generally non-refundable after the registration deadline has passed. Some countries may charge additional administrative fees. Check with your local test organizer for the exact fee in your currency.
The TOPIK is offered at test centers across Korea and in over 80 countries worldwide. Here are the major test locations:
Korea has dozens of test sites, including universities and education centers in most major cities and provinces.
For a complete list of test sites and to confirm availability for your desired test date, visit topik.go.kr or contact the Korean embassy or Korean Cultural Center in your country.
Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test starts. Latecomers may be refused entry. TOPIK I is typically held in the morning (starting around 10:00 AM) and TOPIK II in the afternoon (starting around 12:30 PM), though exact times may vary. Check your admission ticket for your specific start time and room assignment.
TOPIK results are released approximately 1 month after each test. You can check your results online at topik.go.kr.
| Test Date | Expected Results |
|---|---|
| January 11 (90th) | ~February 2026 |
| April 12 (91st) | ~May 2026 |
| May 17 (92nd) | ~June 2026 |
| July 12 (93rd) | ~August 2026 |
| October 18 (94th) | ~November 2026 |
| November 15 (95th) | ~December 2026 |
TOPIK certificates are valid for 2 years from the date of results announcement. This is a critical detail for anyone needing a TOPIK certificate for Korean university admission, visa applications (such as the E-2 or F-2 visa), or employment verification. If your certificate has expired, you must retake the TOPIK to obtain a new one. With 6 test dates per year in Korea, staying current is manageable.
Official score reports can be printed from topik.go.kr, and certified copies can be requested if needed for official submissions. Your score report shows your total score, section scores (listening, reading, and writing for TOPIK II), and your achieved level.
The TOPIK is divided into two separate tests. Understanding which one to register for is important since they cover different levels and have different sections.
Best for those who have studied Korean for less than 1-2 years and want to demonstrate basic conversational ability. Covers approximately 800-2,000 vocabulary words.
Required for university admission, professional certifications, and most visa applications. Includes a writing section with short answers and essays. Review our TOPIK writing guide for preparation tips.
For a detailed breakdown of what each section tests and sample questions, see our complete TOPIK test format guide.
With 6 test dates in Korea and 3 overseas, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your preparation. Here are recommended study timelines based on which test you're targeting:
Available in both Korea and overseas
Available in both Korea and overseas
Available in both Korea and overseas
Consistent daily study is more effective than cramming. Even 30 minutes per day with spaced repetition flashcards can make a significant difference over 2-3 months of preparation.
In 2026, Korea holds 6 TOPIK tests: January 11 (90th), April 12 (91st), May 17 (92nd), July 12 (93rd), October 18 (94th), and November 15 (95th). Overseas locations offer 3 tests: April 12, July 12, and October 18.
In Korea, register through the official TOPIK website at topik.go.kr. Overseas test-takers register through local Korean education centers, Korean embassies/consulates, or authorized institutions in their country. You need to create an account, select your test type (TOPIK I or TOPIK II), choose a test site, upload a photo, and pay the fee.
Registration typically opens about 2 months before each test date in Korea. For example, the 90th TOPIK (January 11) had registration around November 2025, and the 91st TOPIK (April 12) opens around February 2026. Overseas registration deadlines vary by country and may open earlier. Check your local organizer for exact dates.
In Korea, the TOPIK costs approximately 40,000 KRW (about $35 USD). Overseas fees vary by country, typically ranging from $40 to $80 USD. Payment is made during the registration process.
In Korea, the TOPIK is offered in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, and many other cities nationwide. Overseas, the TOPIK is available in over 80 countries including the USA, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and more.
You must bring your test admission ticket (printed from topik.go.kr or your local registration site), a valid photo ID (passport for overseas test-takers, or Korean ID/residence card in Korea), a computer-marking pen or No. 2 pencil, and a correction tape or eraser. Electronic devices, watches, dictionaries, and food/drinks are prohibited in the testing room.
TOPIK results are typically available online approximately 1 month after the test date. You can check your results on topik.go.kr. Official score reports can be printed or requested as certified copies. For example, results for the April 12 test would be available around mid-May 2026.
A TOPIK certificate is valid for 2 years from the date the results are announced. After 2 years, the certificate expires. If you need a current certificate for university admission, employment, or visa applications, you will need to retake the test.
TOPIK I covers Levels 1-2 (beginner) and tests listening and reading only. TOPIK II covers Levels 3-6 (intermediate to advanced) and tests listening, reading, and writing. You choose which test to take based on your target level. Your actual level within that range is determined by your score.
Yes, in Korea it is possible to register for both TOPIK I and TOPIK II on the same test date since they are held at different times. TOPIK I is typically in the morning and TOPIK II in the afternoon. However, this depends on the specific test session and availability at your chosen test site.
If you miss your registered test date, the fee is generally not refundable. You will need to register again for the next available test. Korea offers 6 tests per year, so there are multiple opportunities. Overseas test-takers have 3 chances per year.
As of 2026, the standard TOPIK is an in-person, paper-based test at authorized test sites. However, Korea has been piloting an internet-based TOPIK (IBT) at select locations. Check topik.go.kr for the latest information on IBT availability in your area.