Korean SAT 2025: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility & Difficulty

The Korean CSAT is officially called the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) or Suneung. It is a nationwide standardised exam that decides admission to most universities in South Korea. It is administered by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) and follows a fixed annual schedule. 

Most students take the CSAT in their final year of high school, right after completing Grade 12. Graduates and repeat test-takers can also sit for it. The CSAT score is often the single most important factor in university selection, which makes it a high-pressure test for students.

The Korean CSAT determines admission for most universities in South Korea. In 2024, about 522,670 students registered to take it, including those still in high school and graduates. 

Universities use the test scores as a key part of deciding who to admit. A higher score helps students access more competitive programs and scholarships. Students often prepare for many years to reach a strong result.

The Korean CSAT is mainly for high school seniors and graduates who want to apply to most universities in South Korea. Foreigners can also take the test if they meet specific residency and schooling requirements.

Let’s check who takes it and the eligibility criteria for Korean CSAT:

Korean High School Seniors

Students in their final year of high school (Grade 12) can take the CSAT in November. Schools often prepare timetables and study support for these students before the exam.

Korean High School Graduates

Graduates who have completed high school can take the exam again to improve their scores. There is no limit to how many times a graduate can reattempt the CSAT.

Age Criteria

There is no fixed upper age limit for the CSAT. But it is mainly designed for students completing or who have recently completed secondary education.

Eligibility for Foreign Students

Foreigners must have legal residency in South Korea to sit for the CSAT. They also need a strong command of Korean to understand the exam and its instructions.

Application for All Test-Takers

All applicants need to fill out the official application form, submit identification and photos, and pay the application fee. Some students may also need to provide a vocational inquiry certificate, depending on their academic track.

The Korean CSAT is a national university entrance exam in South Korea, while the SAT in the USA is a standardised test mainly used for college admissions in the United States. 

Here is the table comparing the Korean CSAT and SAT in the USA based on key factors: 

The Korean CSAT follows a fixed format with specific subjects, timing, and question types. Here is the table showing the Korean CSAT exam format in detail: 

The Korean CSAT tests several subject areas chosen to match students’ academic plans, such as English, Korean, Mathematics, and many others. Here is a detailed breakdown of each subject area to help you understand what each involves:

Korean Language

This section has three main parts that include reading comprehension, literature, and grammar. Students must also choose one elective, either Speech and Writing or Language and Media. 

Literature questions can be tricky because they need careful reading and interpretation. Grammar tests rules and sentence patterns. Many students prepare with past CSAT papers and EBS-linked textbooks. This subject has a high impact on the overall score.

Mathematics

Math includes two compulsory parts, Math I and Math II. Students also choose one elective from Probability and Statistics, Calculus, or Geometry. Probability and Statistics focus on data and analysis. Calculus needs a strong understanding of functions and limits. Geometry tests spatial reasoning and shapes. 

Students aiming for science, technology, or engineering majors often pick harder electives like Calculus or Geometry. Preparation involves months of practice using official question banks and prep books. Math scores play a big role in STEM-related admissions.

English

This section checks listening and reading comprehension. Listening tasks require focus to catch details in spoken English. Reading tasks check vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of longer texts. 

Many students find listening harder because there is no chance to replay the audio. Preparation includes daily listening drills, vocabulary flashcards, and timed reading practice.

Korean History

Korean History is a compulsory subject for all students. It covers events from ancient to modern times. Questions often test knowledge of historical periods, key people, and major cultural changes. 

Students prepare by memorising timelines and studying official history textbooks. This subject is important because a pass is required for university admission, even if it does not weigh as much as other sections in the final score.

Elective Section: Social Studies, Science, or Vocational Education

Students can take up to two subjects from these categories. Here is a breakdown of this section for Korean CSAT: 

• Social Studies has options like Ethics, Law and Politics, Economics, World History, and Geography. It often needs strong memory skills to remember facts and concepts.
• Science has options like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science. These require an understanding of theories, formulas, and practical applications.
• Vocational Education is for students from technical high schools. Options include Commercial Economy, Agriculture, Industry, and more.

Second Foreign Language or Classical Chinese

This section offers languages such as German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and Classical Chinese. Students usually pick one they studied in school or find easier to learn. 

This section can help boost scores if prepared well. Preparation involves vocabulary building, grammar practice, and solving past questions.

The Korean CSAT lasts about 8 hours in total, including breaks, lunch, and transition times. The actual test time is around 6 hours 20 minutes, while breaks and lunch add up to about 2 hours 5 minutes, making the full exam day about 8 hours 25 minutes.

Here is the breakdown of the total hours:

The Korean CSAT uses a percentile-based scoring system. Scores show how a student performed compared to others taking the test in the same year. There is no fixed pass mark, but cut-off scores vary by university and program.

Each section is marked separately. Scores are converted into standard scores and percentiles. A higher percentile means a student performed better than most other test-takers. Universities often focus on specific section scores based on the course.

Korean CSAT Pass Marks or Cut-off Trends

There is no official pass mark for the CSAT. Top universities in Seoul often require scores above the 90th percentile. Less competitive universities may accept scores in the 50th to 70th percentile range. Cut-offs can change every year based on test difficulty and the number of applicants. Students aiming for medicine, law, or engineering usually need very high scores in Korean Language, Mathematics, and Science electives.

Students must register for the Korean CSAT several months before the test date. Registration is handled by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) through schools or designated local education offices.

How to Apply for Korean CSAT?

Students currently in high school usually apply through their school. Graduates and other applicants register at local education offices. Application forms require personal details, chosen subjects, identification documents, recent photographs, and the application fee. All documents must be submitted before the deadline.

Registration Period for Korean CSAT

Registration normally opens in late August and stays open for about a week. Late applications are not accepted, so students must plan well.

Exam Day Schedule for Korean CSAT

The CSAT is held once a year, usually on the second or third Thursday of November. The test starts early in the morning, around 8:40 am, and ends in the late afternoon. There are short breaks between sections and a longer lunch break. On exam day, public transportation runs more frequently, and traffic is managed to help students reach the test centres on time.

Applicants must submit key documents to register for the Korean CSAT, such as the application form, ID card or passport, recent photographs, proof of graduation or enrolment, and the application fee receipt. Foreign applicants also need residency-related documents. These papers confirm identity and eligibility for the exam.

Application Form

This is the official form provided by the school or local education office. It records personal details, chosen subjects, and the applicant’s signature.

Recent Passport-Sized Photographs

Photos must meet official size and background requirements. They are used for identification on exam day and in official records.

Government-Issued ID or Student ID

An ID confirms the applicant’s identity during registration and on exam day. It must be valid and show a clear photo.

Application Fee Receipt

This proves that the registration fee has been paid. The application will not be processed without it.

Certificate of Graduation or Proof of Enrolment

Graduates must provide a graduation certificate. Current students provide an enrollment certificate from their school.

Valid Passport (for Foreign Applicants)

Foreign students use a passport as their primary ID. It must be valid on the date of the exam.

Alien Registration Card (for Foreign Applicants)

This confirms legal residence in South Korea. It is required alongside the passport for identity checks.

Proof of Legal Residence (for Foreign Applicants)

This can be a residence permit or a similar document. It ensures the applicant meets residency requirements.

Vocational Inquiry Certificate (if applicable)

Needed only for students applying for vocational subjects. It confirms the applicant’s eligibility for those courses.

Students need a clear study plan, regular practice, and the right study materials to prepare for the Korean CSAT. Consistency and smart exam techniques are more important than last-minute cramming.

Create a Study Timetable

Plan your study months in advance. Divide time between subjects based on difficulty and your personal strengths.

Focus on Weak Areas First

Identify subjects or topics you find hard and give them more study time. Improving weaker areas can raise your total score quickly.

Practice with Past Papers

Solve previous years’ CSAT papers under timed conditions. This builds familiarity with the format and improves time management.

Use Official Study Materials

Rely on textbooks and practice guides recommended by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. These match the real exam style.

Join Study Groups

Working with peers helps in sharing resources and learning new approaches to difficult questions. It also keeps motivation high.

Take Mock Tests Regularly

Schedule full-length mock exams every few weeks. This helps you adjust to the long exam day and improve stamina.

Manage Your Health

Eat well, sleep enough, and take short breaks during study sessions. A healthy body supports better focus and memory.

Preparing for the Korean CSAT can feel overwhelming because of its vast syllabus, high competition, and the pressure of knowing it can determine your university options. Many students struggle with balancing multiple subjects while keeping up with practice tests and mock exams. Small, consistent improvements every week can make a big difference.

With Yocket Premium, you get personalised guidance and expert-led study strategies. Whether you need help with planning or finding the right university options, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to make your preparation journey smoother and more effective.