TOPIK 2026 Schedule: All Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines

PBT Schedule 2026

PBT (Paper-Based Test) is the traditional TOPIK format where you answer on a paper OMR sheet. This is the primary format for test-takers outside Korea — PBT sessions are available at test centers in 90+ countries. Below is the complete schedule for all six PBT sessions in 2026.

Note: dates may be adjusted by NIIED. The most up-to-date schedule is always available on topik.go.kr. Not all sessions are available at every international test center — the specific dates depend on your country and center. Check availability during registration.

PBT results are typically published 5–6 weeks after the exam date. This is because paper answer sheets (OMR) are scanned and processed centrally, and TOPIK II writing tasks are graded by two independent raters. If you need faster results, consider the IBT format.

IBT Schedule 2026

IBT (Internet-Based Test) is the computer-based TOPIK format launched in 2023. Questions appear on screen, answers are submitted through the interface, and essays are typed on a keyboard. Key advantages: faster result publication (2–3 weeks instead of 5) and easier essay writing on a keyboard. Below is the schedule for all six IBT sessions in 2026.

Important: IBT is primarily offered in Korea. International IBT availability is limited but expanding — NIIED adds new countries and centers each year. If you're outside Korea, check whether IBT sessions are available in your region on topik.go.kr during registration.

The exam content is identical in PBT and IBT: same sections, same number of questions, same passing scores. A certificate earned through IBT is no different from a PBT certificate. The choice between formats is about convenience and availability, not difficulty.

Schedule by Country

Not all PBT sessions are available in every country. Below are the sessions offered in popular countries. Local registration dates may differ from the Korean schedule — check with your local organizer.

How to Register for TOPIK

Registration for the TOPIK exam is handled online through the official website topik.go.kr. The process is the same for PBT and IBT — only the available dates and centers differ. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Create an account on topik.go.kr. You'll need a valid email address. The website is available in Korean and English. We recommend using the English version if you're not comfortable reading Korean yet.
2. Select your date, format (PBT or IBT), and test center. The system will show available dates and remaining spots for each center. Note: not all centers offer every session. International centers typically offer 2–4 PBT sessions per year.
3. Upload a passport-style photo. The photo should be 3x4 cm on a white background, without headwear. This photo will be printed on your registration confirmation and used for ID verification on exam day.
4. Pay the registration fee. Payment methods vary by country — credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and bank transfers are commonly accepted. Keep your payment receipt until you receive your results.
5. Print your registration confirmation. The confirmation with your examinee number, date, and center address must be brought on exam day along with your passport or ID.

If you registered but can't attend, cancellation is possible within certain deadlines — usually no later than 2 weeks before the exam date. Full or partial refunds depend on the specific session rules. Details are available in your account on topik.go.kr.

Exam Fees

TOPIK fees depend on the level (TOPIK I or II) and the country where you take the exam. In Korea, prices are fixed by NIIED. International fees are set by local organizers and may include additional charges.

International fees vary from $30 to $60 depending on the center. Some countries (Japan, USA, Europe) may charge more due to venue rental and logistics costs. The exact fee is displayed during registration when you select your center.

Payment methods: in Korea — credit card or internet banking. Internationally — credit card (Visa, MasterCard) is most common, sometimes bank transfer is available.

Refunds: if you cancel before the deadline (usually 2 weeks before the exam), you receive a full refund. Late cancellations may result in partial or no refund. If the exam is cancelled by the organizer (e.g., due to force majeure), you receive a full refund.

Test Centers Worldwide

TOPIK is offered in more than 90 countries. The number of centers and exam frequency vary by region. In South Korea, all 12 sessions (6 PBT + 6 IBT) are available across dozens of cities. Internationally, the selection is typically limited to 2–4 PBT sessions per year.

Major Regions

• East Asia: Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong — the largest number of international test-takers. Multiple centers per country, 3–6 sessions per year in major cities.
• Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia — TOPIK is widely available due to strong demand from workers and students heading to Korea.
• Americas: USA (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities), Canada, Brazil, Mexico — typically 2–4 PBT sessions per year.
• Europe: Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Russia — test centers are usually at Korean cultural centers or partner universities. 2–3 PBT sessions per year in most countries.
• Central Asia & CIS: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan — growing availability due to Korean language education programs.
• Middle East & Africa: Limited but expanding. Centers in UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and others.

Each country's test center is managed by an authorized institution — typically a Korean embassy, cultural center, or NIIED partner university. The current list of centers and available dates is shown on topik.go.kr when registration opens.

After taking the exam, learn how TOPIK scoring works — we break down passing scores for every level, from Level 1 to Level 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a year is TOPIK offered?

In 2026, TOPIK is offered 12 times: 6 PBT (paper-based) sessions and 6 IBT (internet-based) sessions. International test centers typically offer 2–4 PBT sessions per year. The number of available sessions depends on your country and specific center.

Can I take TOPIK outside Korea?

Yes. TOPIK is available in over 90 countries through authorized test centers — Korean cultural centers, embassies, or partner universities. Available dates vary by location. Check topik.go.kr during registration to see which sessions and centers are available near you.

How much does TOPIK cost?

In Korea: 40,000 KRW (~$30) for TOPIK I and 55,000 KRW (~$40) for TOPIK II. International fees vary by country and center — typically $30 to $60. The exact amount is shown during registration on topik.go.kr. Payment is usually by credit card.

When are TOPIK results released?

PBT results are published approximately 5 weeks after the exam. IBT results come within 2–3 weeks. Check your results on topik.go.kr under "Results" (성적확인). Digital certificates are available for download immediately after results are published.

What happens if I miss the registration window?

Registration typically lasts only 3–5 days and cannot be extended. If you miss it, you'll have to wait for the next session. Set a reminder 1–2 days before registration opens — popular centers (Seoul, Tokyo, New York) fill up within hours.