Indonesian university students and faculty members taking the online training program at ITS University in Indonesia. (Image provided by KOTRA)
SEJONG, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) –Opportunities to take the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) overseas are set to double starting next year. The Ministry of Education unveiled its 2024 TOPIK implementation plan on Wednesday, outlining the administration of the test and providing a detailed schedule.
The most significant change in next year’s plan is the expansion of overseas testing locations. The number of overseas test opportunities will increase from four this year to as many as eight next year.
This expansion is a direct response to the “Plan to Enhance Competitiveness of Education for International Students” introduced by the Ministry of Education in August. It reflects the surging demand for Korean language proficiency assessments and the need for more overseas testing options.
Additionally, the ministry aims to progressively extend the reach of the paper-based test (PBT) to over 90 countries and the internet-based test (IBT) to 10 countries in the coming year.
In 2024, the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK I and II) will be offered nine times, with six occasions for PBT and three for IBT. The speaking test, introduced in 2022 to enhance the evaluation of Korean communication skills, will be conducted three times through IBT.
The Korean Language Proficiency Test has been in existence since 1997, serving as an essential tool for assessing Korean language proficiency among overseas Koreans and foreigners. This year saw a record-breaking number of applicants, surpassing 400,000 for the first time, driven by growing interest in Korea and the Korean language.
An official from the Ministry of Education stated, “We are committed to significantly expanding overseas testing opportunities, especially in countries with rising demand for studying abroad, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, to ensure that students aspiring to study in Korea face no obstacles in gaining admission to Korean universities.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
