JLPT vs TOPIK (Singapore) 2026: What They’re For, When to Take Them, and What They Actually Unlock
TL;DR
A Singapore-student friendly guide to JLPT and TOPIK planning: what each test is for, how to plan around IP/JC/poly timelines, and how to avoid chasing a certificate that doesn’t help your actual admissions or scholarship route.
20 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
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> **Q:** Should I take JLPT or TOPIK if I’m an IP/JC student in Singapore thinking about Japan/Korea?
> \
> **A:** Maybe — but only if it helps a real route you’re taking (programme requirements, scholarship requirements, placement, or proof of readiness). Don’t “collect” tests. Pick one route, then pick the test that actually unlocks something.
> **TL;DR (60 seconds)**
> - JLPT and TOPIK are **different** tests for **different** languages — and they’re used differently by different schools/scholarships.
> - Before you register, ask: “What does this score unlock for my exact route?”
> - If you’re applying for scholarships (MEXT/GKS), start with the official scholarship pages and the guideline PDFs — then decide if a test score matters for your route.
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*Status:* Last reviewed 2026-01-20. Test dates, score use, and programme requirements change. Always verify requirements on the official programme/scholarship page for your target route.
---
## 1) What these tests are (official starting points)
### JLPT (Japanese)
Official site:
* https://www.jlpt.jp/e/
### TOPIK (Korean)
Official site:
* https://www.topik.go.kr/
This guide won’t claim “you must take X to study in Y” because that changes by programme. Instead, it helps you choose a test *only if it helps your plan*.
---
## 2) The question that makes this simple: “what does it unlock?”
Before you register, pick one route and answer this:
*What does a test score change for me?*
Common “unlocks” include:
* meeting a programme’s language requirement
* proving readiness for a scholarship/language year progression (where stated)
* placement level for language programmes
* reducing uncertainty for admissions/interviews (as supporting evidence)
If the answer is “nothing concrete,” don’t rush to take it. Put that time into:
* your shortlist of universities/programmes,
* your documents (certified copies, translations, etc.), and
* your written application components.
Singapore document workflow (useful if you’re applying overseas):
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Singapore-Overseas-Scholarship-Document-Pack-Playbook
---
## 3) Singapore student timelines (IP/JC/poly): realistic planning beats hype
Here’s a practical lens that works for many students — adapt it to your schedule.
### If you’re in IP Year 3–4
* Treat language as a long runway: consistency matters more than “one big sprint.”
* Use school holidays as “intensity windows” (but don’t burn out).
### If you’re in JC1
* Don’t let language prep destroy your core grades.
* Use this year to decide your route (Japan vs Korea; degree vs language-first).
### If you’re in JC2
* Be careful: “stacking” too many high-stakes things (A-Levels + scholarship apps + language test) is a stress trap.
* If you’re applying for scholarships, prioritise the required documents and timelines first.
### If you’re in poly / uni / NS
* You often have more flexibility to schedule a test window.
* Use the test only if it directly strengthens an application you’re actively making.
---
## 4) How this interacts with scholarships (MEXT / GKS)
### Japan (MEXT and other scholarships)
Start from official scholarship pages:
* Study in Japan scholarships landing: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/
For MEXT specifically:
* MEXT profile (plain-English overview): https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japanese-Government-MEXT-Scholarship-2026-Profile
Important note: some Japan routes are English-taught degree routes, some are Japanese-language routes, and scholarship requirements vary by type and by embassy/university route. Don’t assume “JLPT is required” unless your programme/scholarship explicitly says so.
### South Korea (GKS and other scholarships)
Start from official scholarship pages:
* Study in Korea scholarships: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/plan/scholarship.do
For GKS specifically, always read the official guideline PDF for the year you’re targeting (this is where language year requirements and TOPIK-related conditions are described):
* https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/cmm/fms/FileDown.do?atchFileId=FILE_000000000492848&fileSn=1
And use our Singapore execution guides if you’re applying locally:
* GKS-U 2026 profile: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Global-Korea-Scholarship-GKS-Undergraduate-2026-Profile
* GKS-U 2026 (Singapore) embassy guide: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/GKS-Scholarship-Singapore-Embassy-Guide-2026
---
## 5) Suggested “next action” (today)
Pick the one that matches you:
* If you’re undecided: do the Japan vs Korea planning checklist first: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
* If you already chose Japan or Korea:
- open the official programme/scholarship page,
- find the exact language requirement line,
- then decide whether JLPT/TOPIK is worth your time.
If you’re also comparing Singapore scholarships while thinking about overseas options:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/matcher
