Free tool
What does my TOPIK level unlock?
Pick your level or enter your composite score. See exactly which visas, universities, jobs, and programs open up.
Your level
Level 4 (4급)
F-2-7 points
15 / 20
Professional working proficiency: meetings, reports, complex topics. Roughly CEFR B2.
F-2-7 residence visa
15 of 20 possible language points (80-point threshold to qualify).
University admission
Graduation requirement at most top-tier Korean universities (SNU, KU, etc.). Common floor for Korean-taught graduate programs.
Korean job market
Office jobs at Korean firms become realistic. Bilingual professional roles. Most Korean employers treat Level 4 as the working-proficiency mark.
F-4 heritage visa
Comfortably above the F-4 language threshold.
KIIP placement
Places you into KIIP Level 5, the final stage. Pair with KIIP Level 5 completion for max F-2-7 returns.
Scholarships
Standard threshold for GKS graduate scholarships. Strong scholarship candidate at this level.
Watch out for
- F-2-7 jumps from 10 to 15 points at this level. Often the highest-leverage TOPIK target for visa points.
- Reach Level 5 to max out at 20 language points.
How the F-2-7 point system uses TOPIK
The F-2-7 residence visa (점수제 우수인력 거주 비자) requires a minimum of 80 points across age, education, Korean language, and annual income. The Korean language category contributes up to 20 of those points. TOPIK is one accepted credential; KIIP (사회통합프로그램) is the other.
The language-points table
| TOPIK level | F-2-7 language points |
|---|---|
| Level 6 | 20 |
| Level 5 | 20 |
| Level 4 | 15 |
| Level 3 | 10 |
| Level 2 | 5 |
| Level 1 | 3 |
Level 3 is the practical floor for anyone targeting F-2-7 primarily through language investment. Below Level 3, the return drops sharply (5 points at Level 2, 3 points at Level 1). Level 4 jumps the return to 15 points: often the highest-leverage TOPIK target for visa-focused candidates. Level 5 caps the language category at 20 points; Level 6 adds nothing further.
Why TOPIK is not the F-5 path
TOPIK has not been accepted for the F-5 permanent residency language requirement since March 31, 2019. F-5 applicants must complete KIIP Level 5 and pass the 종합평가 with a score of 60+, or pass the 영주용 종합평가 (permanent residence comprehensive evaluation) directly with 60+, which is available to applicants who score 85+ on the KIIP pre-evaluation (사전평가).
If your goal is F-5, factor KIIP into your timeline early. Using TOPIK Level 3 to place into KIIP Level 4 (skipping Levels 0 to 3) is the most efficient sequential path for F-2-7 holders targeting F-5-16.
University admission thresholds
For Korean-taught undergraduate programs, Level 3 is the standard minimum. For graduate programs, Level 4 is the common floor. Conditional admission is sometimes available at one level below, with a graduation requirement at the target level. Always verify against the specific university's international admissions office.
F-4 heritage visa and TOPIK
F-4 eligibility is based on Korean lineage, not language. But providing language proof (TOPIK Level 1 or higher, Sejong Institute Elementary 1B+, KIIP pre-evaluation 21+, or KIIP Level 1+ completion) at application time unlocks a 2-year multiple-entry visa with a 3-year residence period. Without proof, residence is capped at 1 year. The rule took effect September 2, 2019; exemptions apply to former ROK citizens, applicants aged 60+ or 13 and under, and F-4 holders with 3+ years of continuous residence.
FAQ
How many F-2-7 visa points is each TOPIK level worth?▾
Level 1 = 3 points. Level 2 = 5 points. Level 3 = 10 points. Level 4 = 15 points. Level 5 or higher = 20 points (the cap). The F-2-7 residence visa requires 80 points across all categories; the Korean language category contributes up to 20 of those 80.
Can a high TOPIK score replace KIIP for F-5 permanent residency?▾
No. As of March 2019, TOPIK is not accepted for the F-5 Korean language requirement at any level. F-5 requires KIIP Level 5 completion plus a passing 종합평가 (60+), or 60+ on the 영주용 종합평가 direct route. A TOPIK Level 6 score does not substitute.
What TOPIK level do I need for university admission in Korea?▾
Level 3 is the standard minimum for Korean-taught undergraduate admission at most Korean universities. Top-tier schools (SNU, KU) often accept Level 3 for admission but require Level 4 to graduate. Yonsei typically requires Level 4 for admission. For Korean-taught graduate programs, Level 4 is the common floor.
Does Level 6 give more visa points than Level 5?▾
No. Both Level 5 and Level 6 award the maximum 20 F-2-7 language points. Level 6 is meaningful for translation work, academic research, or personal achievement, but it produces no additional immigration return over Level 5.
Does TOPIK help with the F-4 heritage visa?▾
Not for eligibility. F-4 is granted based on Korean lineage, not language ability. However, providing TOPIK Level 1+ as language-ability proof when applying changes your residence period from a 1-year cap to a 3-year period under the September 2019 regulation.