TOPIK Level Criteria for S. Korea Student Visa for Nepali Students: September Admission

South Korea is emerging as a more favored destination for Nepali students in search of quality education and cultural experiences. Nonetheless, a vital requirement for obtaining a student visa (D-2) or D-4 is achieving the necessary proficiency in the Korean language, as assessed by the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Here’s all that Nepali students should understand about the TOPIK level criteria for the September admission.

What is a D-2 Visa?

The D-2 visa is a student visa permitting international students to pursue their studies at universities in South Korea. This visa is issued to individuals pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or research studies. For Nepali students, fulfilling the language criteria is a vital component of the application procedure.

TOPIK Level Criteria for Nepali Students

The required TOPIK level for a student visa differs based on the language of teaching and the particular university course. Here is an overview:

Undergraduate Courses (Bachelor’s Degree)

For courses delivered in Korean, a minimum of TOPIK Level 3 is usually necessary. Certain universities might admit students with TOPIK Level 2, provided they undergo extra language training prior to commencing their studies.

For courses conducted in English, TOPIK scores might not be required. Instead, students are required to submit evidence of English proficiency, like an IELTS score of 5.5 or above.

Postgraduate Programs (Master’s and Doctoral Degrees):

Programs taught in Korean typically necessitate TOPIK Level 4 or 5, based on the difficulty of the classes.

Programs taught in English exempt students from the TOPIK requirement but require valid scores from English proficiency tests, like IELTS (with a minimum score of 6.0).

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP):

Students participating in the KGSP in Korean Language are anticipated to reach a minimum of TOPIK Level 3 following a year of rigorous Korean language instruction. Researchers who attain TOPIK Level 5 or 6 can commence their degree programs sooner.

Why is TOPIK Important?

The TOPIK exam assesses a student’s capability to understand and communicate in Korean, confirming their ability to engage effectively in academic courses delivered in Korean. For Nepali students, achieving a high TOPIK score enhances their visa application and facilitates a smoother transition to life in South Korea.

Advice for Nepali Students Preparing for TOPIK

Initiate Preparation: Start getting ready a minimum of six months prior to your application due date.

Sign up for Language Courses: Participate in a reputable Korean language school in Nepal. Join ETEC for TOPIK preparation. 

Engage Consistently: Set aside time each day for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Korean.

Utilize TOPIK Study Resources: Make use of official TOPIK exam practice papers and study materials.

Participate in Study Groups: Work together with fellow students studying for TOPIK to improve 

Attend TOPIK Exam at BiswoBhasa Center: Register for Topik Exam scheduled for April 2025. Get more information about Topik Exam Here