TOPIK vs EPS-TOPIK: Which Korean Test Do You Need?
By Ayesha Rahman, Islamabad Korean Language Course · Published 2026-10-10 · Updated 2026-10-10
The difference between TOPIK (university, scholarship, residency) and EPS-TOPIK (E-9 work visa), who takes which, and where to register in Pakistan.
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) has six levels and is used for university admission, GKS scholarships, E-7 skilled visas and F-2 residency points. In Pakistan it is held at NUML Islamabad.
EPS-TOPIK is a separate pass/fail-ranked test for E-9 non-professional work visas, run by HRD Korea through OEC. It only covers reading and listening.
If you want a factory, farm or construction job: EPS-TOPIK. If you want to study, teach, work in an office or settle long-term: TOPIK. Many students do both over time.
Quick answers
01Can TOPIK replace EPS-TOPIK?
No. EPS requires EPS-TOPIK specifically, though a TOPIK certificate can help later for E-7 visa conversion.
Ready to prepare? See the EPS-TOPIK course or the full Korea jobs guide.