How to register for TOPIK, and what it costs

The TOPIK site’s application guide lists eight steps: open the registration system, log in with a member account, choose the test and level, enter basic information, choose a test site, upload a photo and enter details, pay, and finish. At the test step, TOPIK II is the test for levels 3 to 6; level 2 is a TOPIK I result. NIIED’s operating rules require a photo in the set format at registration.

The Ministry of Education’s 2027 plan gives each sitting in Korea one 7-day registration window, Tuesday to Monday, and says dates can change; see the TOPIK schedule. In Korea, NIIED’s fee rules allow payment by virtual bank account or a Korean-issued credit card. Under NIIED’s fee rules, refunds in Korea are full until 10:00 on the closing day, 50% until 7 days after closing and 40% until 13:00 on the day before the test, with none for no-shows.

Fees outside Korea differ by country. NIIED’s operating rules say the president of NIIED sets each country’s fee, based on the Korean fee, the country’s income level and the fees of other language tests. NIIED’s fee rules add that fees and refunds outside Korea follow local rules, so the amount comes from your local test institution.

A photo in the set format is required at registration abroad, as in Korea. On test day outside Korea, the local institution’s ID rules apply, and NIIED’s ID rules add that the ID must show your photo, name and date of birth.

A registration window in Korea is not the window abroad: the Ministry of Education’s 2027 plan says windows outside Korea differ by local institution, so ask the test institution in your country.

Anyone may sit TOPIK: NIIED’s operating rules open the test to anyone who wants their Korean ability assessed, set no age, nationality or education limit, and restrict only candidates sanctioned for cheating. TOPIK’s open rule does not apply to EPS-TOPIK, a separate test that HRD Korea runs to assess the Korean of foreign job-seekers under the Employment Permit System; EPS-TOPIK requires applicants to be aged 18 to 39, among other conditions.