Korea to let universities use own language tests for international admissions
Education Ministry will allow IEQAS-certified universities to use their own Korean proficiency exams for international student admissions instead of external tests.
International test takers take the Test of Proficiency in Korean.
CHO MOON-GYU
The Ministry of Education will begin recognizing Korean proficiency exams administered by government-certified universities as part of the college admissions process, the ministry said on Tuesday.
Under the new initiative, universities certified under the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) will be allowed to admit international students without requiring external Korean proficiency test scores, such as the Test of Proficiency in Korean, widely known as the Topik.
More than 180 universities nationwide, including Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University and Ewha Womans University, are certified under the system.
As of now, international students applying to undergraduate programs at Korean universities have generally been required to submit proficiency test scores such as the Topik and Sejong Korean language Assessment. However, in some countries, a shortage of testing centers or limited exam availability has made it difficult for many prospective students to prepare for studying in Korea, according to the ministry.
The ministry said the initiative will allow universities to evaluate applicants based on the characteristics of their intended majors and academic programs, enabling more flexible admissions.
"In particular, students in regions where Korean language institutes or Topik testing centers are scarce will be able to demonstrate their Korean proficiency more easily, significantly improving access to studying in Korea," the ministry said.
To prevent abuse of the system, the government will allow only universities certified under the IEQAS to administer their own Korean proficiency assessments. It also plans to continue bolstering visa screening and the management of international students.
Universities found to have admitted students through inadequate screening or failed to properly manage international students, including cases involving illegal overstays, could lose their certification and face restrictions on student visa issuance.
BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [[email protected]]
