i What is IELTS?

IELTS is the world's most popular English proficiency test for higher education and migration, jointly managed by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge. It measures your ability in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and is accepted by universities in Australia, the UK, Canada, and increasingly for English-taught programs in Korea.

1 Test Types

• IELTS Academic — for university admission (Korea English-track, Australia). Most students take this.
• IELTS General Training — for migration and work, not usually for degree study.
• Computer-delivered & Paper-based — same content; computer gives faster results (3–5 days).
• IELTS One Skill Retake — retake just one section if you missed your target in one area.

2 Test Format (Academic)

• Listening — 30 min, 4 sections, 40 questions.
• Reading — 60 min, 3 long passages, 40 questions.
• Writing — 60 min: Task 1 (describe a graph/chart, 150 words) + Task 2 (essay, 250 words).
• Speaking — 11–14 min face-to-face interview in 3 parts.

Total time is about 2 hours 45 minutes. Listening, Reading and Writing are completed in one sitting; Speaking may be the same day or within 7 days.

3 Band Scores (0–9)

Each section is scored 0–9 in half-band increments, and the four are averaged into an Overall Band Score.

4 Scores You Typically Need

Requirements vary by course and year — always confirm with the specific university.

5 Fees & Validity

• Validity: IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
• Fee in Bangladesh: approximately BDT 22,500 (set by British Council / IDP; check current fee).
• Results: 3–5 days (computer) or 13 days (paper).
• Where: British Council and IDP test centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and more.

6 Preparation Tips

• Take a timed mock test first to find your weak section.
• Listening & Reading: practise daily with real test materials; learn to skim and scan.
• Writing: master Task 1 chart/graph language and Task 2 essay structure (intro–body–conclusion).
• Speaking: practise speaking English aloud daily; record yourself; learn part-2 cue-card strategies.
• Build academic vocabulary and review grammar accuracy.

i What is TOPIK?

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean-language exam run by Korea's NIIED. It is required for Korean-taught degree programs, boosts scholarship eligibility (including the Global Korea Scholarship), and is often needed for graduation and the D-2 student visa pathway.

1 TOPIK I vs TOPIK II

• TOPIK I — beginner test covering Levels 1–2 (Listening + Reading only).
• TOPIK II — intermediate/advanced test covering Levels 3–6 (Listening + Reading + Writing).
• There is also IBT TOPIK (internet-based) now available in many countries.

2 The 6 Levels

Your level is decided automatically by your total score — you don't choose it. Higher scores in TOPIK II award higher levels.

3 Test Format

• TOPIK I — Listening (30 Q, 40 min) + Reading (40 Q, 60 min). Total 200 marks.
• TOPIK II — Listening (50 Q) + Writing (4 questions incl. an essay) + Reading (50 Q). Total 300 marks, ~180 min.
• Writing in TOPIK II includes short answers and a 600–700 character essay.

4 Levels You Typically Need

English-taught programs may waive TOPIK and accept IELTS/TOEFL instead.

5 Fees, Dates & Validity

• Validity: TOPIK results are valid for 2 years.
• Frequency: held several times a year; overseas (incl. Bangladesh) typically a few sittings annually.
• Fee: relatively low (varies by country/centre — confirm with the local test centre).
• Results: announced online about a month after the test on the official TOPIK website.

6 Preparation Tips

• Master Hangul (the Korean alphabet) first — it's quick to learn and essential.
• Build vocabulary by themes and study high-frequency grammar patterns.
• Practise with past TOPIK papers (freely available online) under timed conditions.
• For TOPIK II, practise the essay regularly and get feedback.
• Use listening practice daily — K-dramas and Korean news help train your ear.