The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Kenya has announced the implementation of the 105th Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), scheduled to take place in April 2026. The Test of Proficiency in Korean is an internationally recognized examination designed to assess non-native speakers’ ability to understand and use the Korean language in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. It is widely used by educational institutions, scholarship providers, and organizations in the Republic of Korea and abroad as a standardized measure of Korean language competence.
This announcement serves as an official notice to prospective candidates who wish to sit for the 105th TOPIK examination in Kenya. The examination is particularly relevant to individuals intending to apply for the Korean Government Scholarship Program, other scholarship opportunities, academic studies in Korea, or professional engagements that require proof of Korean language proficiency. The following article provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, examination structure, timelines, fees, test administration details, and important instructions for applicants.
This article is intended for publication on a third-party job or opportunity board and is presented in a neutral, third-person tone. It is structured to ensure clarity, ease of reading, and completeness of information for all interested applicants.
Overview of the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
The Test of Proficiency in Korean is administered by authorized institutions worldwide under the supervision of the National Institute for International Education of the Republic of Korea. The examination evaluates Korean language skills across listening, reading, and, for higher levels, writing. TOPIK is divided into two main categories: TOPIK I and TOPIK II. Each category is designed to assess different levels of language proficiency.
TOPIK I is aimed at beginner-level learners and focuses on basic listening and reading skills. TOPIK II is intended for intermediate to advanced learners and includes listening, reading, and writing components. Test scores are used to determine the examinee’s proficiency level and are valid for a specified period, as determined by TOPIK regulations.
The 105th TOPIK examination will be conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, under the coordination of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Candidates are encouraged to review all provided instructions carefully to ensure compliance with application and examination requirements.
Application Period and Process
The application period for the 105th Test of Proficiency in Korean will run from 6th January to 23rd January 2026. Applications will be accepted during official working hours, from 08:00 to 16:00 local time. Applications submitted outside this period or after the stated deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
All applications must be submitted by e-mail only. Applicants are required to send their completed application documents to the designated e-mail address provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya. Group applications are not permitted, and applications submitted by proxy are not allowed, except in cases involving immediate family members of the applicant.
Applicants who require accommodation for disabilities must indicate this clearly at the time of application. Such applicants are required to contact the Embassy in advance and submit one copy of a doctor’s note along with their application. Requests for accommodation submitted after the application period may not be considered.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all application documents are complete, accurate, and legible before submission. Incomplete or incorrectly filled application forms may result in disqualification from the examination.
Application Documentation and Reference Materials
To support applicants during the application process, several reference documents have been made available. These include the official application form in both HWP and DOCX formats, a guide offering tips for filling out the application form, and detailed notes for TOPIK applicants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these materials carefully before submitting their application.
The application form must be completed in accordance with the instructions provided. Errors resulting from the applicant’s own mistakes may not be corrected after submission. Ensuring accuracy at the initial stage is therefore essential.
Test Fee and Payment Instructions
The test fee for the 105th TOPIK examination is set at 1,500 Kenyan Shillings. Payment must be made through the Embassy’s designated Mpesa Paybill number. Applicants are required to follow the payment instructions precisely and retain proof of payment for reference.
Refunds of the test fee, if applicable, will be processed in accordance with the regulations of the application venue. Applicants should note that refund policies are subject to specific conditions, and not all requests for refunds may be approved.
Failure to pay the test fee within the application period may result in the application being deemed incomplete and subsequently rejected.
Announcement of Test Results
The official announcement of the 105th TOPIK examination results is scheduled for 29th May 2026. Applicants will be able to access and print their official transcripts free of charge from the TOPIK website. The transcript serves as the official record of the candidate’s performance and may be used for academic, professional, or scholarship-related purposes.
Applicants are advised to verify their personal information on the transcript upon release. Any requests for corrections must be submitted to the local implementing agency within four weeks from the announcement date of the test results. Corrections related to errors caused by the applicant will not be accepted.
Test Date and Venue
The 105th Test of Proficiency in Korean will be administered on Saturday, 11th April 2026. The designated test venue is Korea Corner, ED201, Education Building, University of Nairobi Main Campus.
In the event of a change in the examination venue, applicants will be notified through the contact information provided in their application. It is therefore essential that applicants provide a valid and reachable contact number and regularly monitor communications from the Embassy.
Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the test venue in advance to avoid delays or confusion on the examination day.
Test Schedule and Structure
The examination will be conducted according to a structured timetable, with separate sessions for TOPIK I and TOPIK II. The schedule is organized to ensure smooth administration and adequate time allocation for each test component.
For TOPIK I, the examination will take place in the morning session. The test includes listening and reading components, with a total test duration of 100 minutes. Candidates will be required to enter the testing room at the specified time and remain seated until the examination begins.
TOPIK II will be conducted in the afternoon session. This category includes listening, writing, and reading components. The total test duration is divided into two parts, with the first part covering listening and writing, followed by a second part focusing on reading. The overall duration allows for a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s language proficiency.
Applicants must adhere strictly to the stated schedule. Late entry into the examination room will not be permitted under any circumstances.
Check-in and Identification Requirements
All test participants are required to be seated in the examination room at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the test. This check-in period is mandatory, and applicants who arrive after the designated time will not be allowed to enter the examination room.
Applicants must bring their test identification slip and a valid form of identification on the examination day. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport or national ID card. The identification document must include a photograph, full name, and date of birth, and must not be expired.
Failure to present the required identification documents may result in denial of entry to the examination.
Changes, Cancellations, and Notifications
In the event of any changes to the test venue or cancellation of the examination, applicants will be informed through the contact details provided in their application. Updates will also be shared through the Embassy’s official communication channels.
Applicants are advised to regularly check for announcements and ensure that their contact information remains accurate throughout the application and examination period.
Important Notes for Applicants
Applicants are responsible for reviewing and understanding all instructions related to the examination. This includes familiarizing themselves with the procedures for handling misconduct, as outlined in the notes to test takers. Any disadvantages resulting from failure to review these instructions will be the responsibility of the applicant.
If the number of applicants for a particular test level, either TOPIK I or TOPIK II, is fewer than ten, the test for that level may be canceled. In such cases, affected applicants will be notified accordingly.
Additional applications will not be accepted after the close of the application period. Applicants are also not permitted to sit for the examination at a test venue different from the one at which they registered.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the provided tips for filling out the application form and the notes for TOPIK applicants before completing their application and attending the test.
Additional Information and Contact Details
For further details regarding the Test of Proficiency in Korean, applicants may visit the official TOPIK website. Inquiries may also be directed to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Kenya through the official telephone contact provided.
This announcement is intended to provide comprehensive guidance to prospective applicants and ensure a transparent and orderly examination process. Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and adhere to all stated guidelines to ensure a smooth application and examination experience.
