TOEFL iBT® Score Requirement for Korea University

"Learn about Korea University’s admission process, scholarships, and language requirements to plan your study in Korea."
Key Highlights
Planning to apply to Korea University as an international student? One of the most important steps is meeting the English language requirement through TOEFL. The university generally requires an overall score of 80 or above, but knowing the recommended section-wise scores can give you a clearer target.
Let’s explore the TOEFL requirements, admission process, visa details, and preparation strategies for Korea University.
TOEFL Score Requirement for Korea University
The minimum TOEFL score required for Korea University is 80 or above. Let’s check the recommended section-wise scores that can help you reach this overall requirement:
Section |
Score |
Total Score |
80+ |
Reading |
20–22 |
Listening |
20–22 |
Speaking |
18–21 |
Writing |
18–21 |
Note: The section-wise score distribution provided here is recommended for balanced preparation and to ensure you reach an overall TOEFL score of 80 or above.
Planning to study in Korea? |
General Admission Requirements for Korea University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Korea University, including academic, language, visa, and scholarship details.
Category |
Details |
Academic Records |
High school diploma & transcripts, notarized or apostilled; some countries need consulate verification. |
English Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT 71–100 (program dependent). |
Korean Proficiency |
Not needed for English-track. For Korean-track: TOPIK Level 4–5 required (before graduation/major declaration). |
Visa |
D-2 Student Visa; need Certificate of Admission, passport, transcript, photo, and proof of funds (~USD 20,000). |
Scholarships |
Global Leader A (100% tuition, GPA ≥3.5), Global Leader B (50% tuition, GPA ≥3.0), Challenge Scholarship (TOPIK 5–6). |
Tuition (per semester, 2025) |
Humanities/Social Sci.: ~KRW 5.3M; Natural Sci.: ~KRW 6.2M; Engineering: ~KRW 7.0M; Arts: ~KRW 7.1M. |
Program Tracks |
Global Open Major Division: English track (5 departments incl. Business, Engineering, Intl. Studies) / Korean track. |
You might find this helpful: Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement for South Korea Student Visa |
Student Visa (D-2) Requirements for Korea University
International students need a D-2 visa to study at Korea University. Below are the main documents and conditions you must prepare for a successful application.
Category |
Details |
Visa Type |
D-2 Student Visa (Undergraduate: D-2-2) |
Application Form |
Visa application form (HiKorea or embassy) |
Passport |
Valid passport + copy of photo page |
Photo |
Passport-size (3.5×4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months) |
Certificate of Admission |
Issued by Korea University International Education Team |
KU Business Registration |
Copy provided with Certificate of Admission |
Financial Proof |
Bank balance or statement showing ~KRW 20,000,000 (covers tuition + living) |
Academic Records |
Final diploma & transcripts (apostilled or consulate verified; China: official verification report) |
Health Certificate |
TB test if from designated countries |
Application Fee |
~USD 60–90 (KRW 130,000 approx.) |
Additional Documents |
Invitation letter (if NIIED), Korean language course certificate (if applicable) |
Where to Apply |
Korean Embassy/Consulate in home country |
Processing Time |
Apply well before semester start (varies by country) |
After Arrival |
Apply for ARC (Alien Registration Card) within 90 days; mandatory for residence in Korea |
TOEFL Section-wise Scores and Strategies for Korea University
To reach an overall TOEFL score of 80 or above, it is important to focus on each section individually. Below are practical strategies with recommended score targets and how they connect to academic life at Korea University.
Reading
- Target a score of 20 or higher by practicing with university-level texts, research papers, and editorials.
Build the habit of skimming for main ideas and scanning for details under time pressure. - After reading, summarize each passage in your own words to improve retention.
- Strong reading skills are important at Korea University where many majors involve academic research and theory-based study.
Listening
- Aim for 20 or above by listening to English lectures, TED Talks, or academic podcasts.
- Practice note-taking with symbols and abbreviations so you can capture key points quickly.
- Review transcripts after listening to identify words or phrases you missed.
- Good listening is crucial at Korea University since many professors speak quickly during lectures, especially in English-track courses.
Speaking
- Keep your goal around 18–21 by practicing structured responses to common TOEFL prompts.
- Use a clear introduction, 2–3 main points, and a short conclusion in every answer.
- Record and evaluate your own speech to check pronunciation, pace, and clarity.
- At Korea University, active class participation, group discussions, and presentations require confidence in spoken English.
Writing
- Aim for 18–21 by balancing both independent and integrated writing practice.
- Create an essay plan in 2–3 minutes, then write with logical flow and topic sentences.
- Revise for grammar, connectors, and vocabulary variety after finishing.
- Strong writing is essential at Korea University where assignments, essays, and reports are part of nearly every program.
Meeting the TOEFL requirement of 80+ is the first step toward studying at Korea University. With strong section-wise preparation and the right documents for admission and visa, your application can stand out. Stay focused, plan early, and you will be ready to begin your academic journey in Korea with confidence.
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