TOPIK in Australia โ Complete Guide for 2025 and 2026
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the official Korean language proficiency certification, administered in Australia by the Korean Education Centre (KEC) under the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney. Australia has one of the most comprehensive TOPIK testing networks outside Korea โ 13 test sites across 6 states โ reflecting the large and growing Korean-Australian community and the surging interest in Korean language driven by K-pop, K-drama and Korean culture. This guide covers everything Australian learners need to know.
๐ TOPIK Australia 2025/2026 Key Dates
| Session | Test Date | Application Period | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102nd TOPIK (2025) | Saturday 18 October 2025 | 17 June โ 26 July 2025 | TOPIK I: AUD $40 TOPIK II: AUD $45 |
| 105th TOPIK (2026) | Saturday 11 April 2026 | 13โ30 January 2026 | TBC |
| 2026 (later session) | TBC โ typically October | Check auskec.kr | TBC |
Source: Consulate General of Korea in Sydney and Korean Education Centre Australia (auskec.kr)
TOPIK Test Locations in Australia โ 13 Sites Across 6 States
Australia has 13 TOPIK test sites across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. This is one of the largest national testing networks for TOPIK outside Korea. Sites are typically located at Korean cultural organisations, universities and community centres.
For the exact current test site addresses, check auskec.kr when registering. Site allocations can change between sessions.
TOPIK I vs TOPIK II โ Which to Register For
Unlike the JLPT which has five separate levels, TOPIK has two test papers covering different ranges of ability.
TOPIK I โ AUD $40
Covers Levels 1 and 2 (beginner to elementary). Tests listening and reading only. 70 questions, 100 minutes total. This is the right paper if you have studied Korean for under 12 months or are not yet comfortable with extended reading passages.
TOPIK II โ AUD $45
Covers Levels 3โ6 (intermediate to advanced). Tests listening, reading, and writing (short and extended essay responses in Korean). 70 questions plus writing tasks, 130 minutes. Required for university study in Korea and professional Korean roles.
How to Register for TOPIK in Australia
All TOPIK registrations in Australia are managed by the Korean Education Centre (KEC) in Sydney. Online applications only โ no paper or postal applications are accepted. Registration is first-come, first-served and closes once capacity is reached.
- Go to english.auskec.kr and find the current TOPIK registration notice
- Create an account on the TOPIK registration system โ do this before the application period opens, as same-day account creation is not always possible
- Log in during the application window and select your level (TOPIK I or TOPIK II) and test city
- Pay the registration fee online โ TOPIK I: AUD $40, TOPIK II: AUD $45
- Download and save your registration confirmation
- Bring photo ID on test day โ a passport is the most reliable form of ID for TOPIK
What to Bring on Test Day
Bring your registration confirmation printout or screenshot and a valid passport (strongly recommended over a driver's licence for TOPIK โ Korean authorities prefer passport as ID). A pencil and eraser for TOPIK I. For TOPIK II you will also need a pen for the writing sections โ black or blue ballpoint. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the session starts.
TOPIK Levels and Passing Scores
TOPIK results are scored out of 300 points for TOPIK I and 300 points for TOPIK II. The level awarded depends on your total score:
| Level | Paper | Score Required | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | TOPIK I | 80โ139 / 200 | Basic survival Korean |
| Level 2 | TOPIK I | 140โ200 / 200 | Elementary daily conversation |
| Level 3 | TOPIK II | 120โ149 / 300 | Intermediate โ daily life topics |
| Level 4 | TOPIK II | 150โ189 / 300 | Upper intermediate โ social topics |
| Level 5 | TOPIK II | 190โ229 / 300 | Advanced โ professional Korean |
| Level 6 | TOPIK II | 230+ / 300 | Near-native proficiency |
Why Take TOPIK as an Australian Learner?
For Australian learners, TOPIK certification opens several practical doors. TOPIK Level 4 and above is required for undergraduate admission at most Korean universities under the Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS). TOPIK Level 5โ6 is required for graduate programs. For Australians working for Korean companies โ Samsung, LG, POSCO, Hyundai and others all have significant Australian operations โ TOPIK Level 3+ is increasingly recognised as a meaningful credential. For Korean-Australians seeking to document their heritage language proficiency, TOPIK provides an internationally standardised benchmark.
Even without professional goals, many Australian learners find that working toward a TOPIK goal dramatically improves study motivation and focus โ having a test date on the calendar creates productive urgency.
Preparing for TOPIK as an Australian Learner
For TOPIK I (Levels 1โ2): TTMIK (Talk To Me In Korean) Levels 1โ3 provides excellent coverage for TOPIK I content. Supplement with daily vocabulary using our Korean flashcard sets and take our free TOPIK I practice test to measure your readiness.
For TOPIK II (Levels 3โ6): Focus on the writing section early โ it is the most challenging component for Australian learners and requires practice producing extended Korean text. TTMIK's Intermediate and Upper Intermediate series, combined with the TOPIK GUIDE website (free mock tests), forms an effective preparation combination. Take our TOPIK II practice test for intermediate vocabulary and grammar exposure.
For the full TOPIK exam overview including level descriptions and study strategies, see our TOPIK Exams guide. For Korean learning resources, see our Korean Resources guide.
Contact โ TOPIK Administration in Australia
All TOPIK enquiries for Australian candidates should be directed to the Korean Education Centre:
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney
Suite 601, 287 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9261-8033
Email: consyd7@mofa.go.kr
Website: english.auskec.kr