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The bigger plan
From language school to university
Most Korean-taught degrees ask for TOPIK 3 or 4. Starting from zero, a year of full-time Korean usually gets you there, and some universities accept their own language program's level instead of a TOPIK score.
How long does it take?
Programs have six levels and you usually move up one level per 10-week term if you pass. From zero, level 3 takes about three terms and level 4 about a year. You can sit TOPIK in Korea during your program; check the official TOPIK schedule for dates.
Where a language level counts
| University | What counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sungkyunkwan (SKKU) | Korean study certificates (SKKU or other universities) as an equivalent of TOPIK 3 when you apply; SLI level 4 instead of TOPIK 4 after a deferred offer | Deferred offers go to strong applicants, who reapply within two years; scholarships of 25–100% for SLI levels 4–6 |
| Chung-Ang | Level 4 at CAU's Korean program, or level 5 at another certified university | To start classes; apply first with no score for most majors |
| HUFS | Level 3 at HUFS or another certified university's Korean center | Counts as your language score (TOPIK 3 is optional); without a score you're interviewed |
| Kyungpook | No formal waiver | Over 90% of KNU language graduates continue to KNU degrees |
| Sogang | Partial admission fee exemption | For afternoon (KAP) program students entering Sogang |
Degree rules from each university's own guideline; see our university guides for details and dates. Chung-Ang's rule is from its March 2026 guide and may change for 2027.
The visa switch
When you're admitted, you change from D-4 to D-2 inside Korea, with the admission letter and your attendance and grade records. At the same university the financial requirement is halved. See the D-4 visa.
A typical plan
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Mar 2027 | Start level 1 |
| Mid-2027 | Level 2–3; sit TOPIK |
| Sep 2027 | Apply for Spring 2028 degree admission (many rounds run Sep–Nov) |
| Early 2028 | Level 4; final TOPIK if needed; change to D-2 |
| Mar 2028 | Start your degree |
What this really means
Choose your language program with the degree in mind. Studying at the university you want to enter, or one whose level it accepts, can save you a TOPIK sitting and sometimes earns a scholarship.
Keep reading
How it works
Ten steps from choosing a program to your first class, and how long each takes.
Documents
What to prepare, how to certify it, and the extra papers for some countries.
Costs
Tuition, housing, the bank balance you need and what a first year really costs.
D-4 visa
Who qualifies, how to apply, part-time work, attendance and extensions.
Before you apply
The mistakes that cost students their visa or their money.
From language school to university
How a year of Korean leads into a degree, and which universities reward it.
Compare institutes
Nine university language institutes side by side, with 2027 dates and fees.
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From Uzbekistan
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Sources and verification
SKKU from Sungkyun Language Institute's undergraduate admission page; Chung-Ang and HUFS from their official admission guidelines (see our university guides); Kyungpook from its Korean Language Program page; Sogang from its 2026 brochure. Visa change from Ministry of Justice guidelines. Last verified Oct 14, 2026.
K-Admission is independent and not affiliated with any university or language institute. Rules change every term; always confirm in the institute's official guide before you apply.