Language & Tests
Language & English Tests for Asia In Depth
The language tests that open Asian universities — JLPT, TOPIK, HSK and TOCFL — and where English-taught study is possible.
Last updated
Tests this hub covers
What this hub covers
- JLPT Levels N5 to N1 and How to PrepareWhat the JLPT Measures — and Why Level Choice Matters · The Five Levels at a Glance: N5 to N1 · How Each Level Is Tested: Vocabulary, Kanji, Grammar, Reading, Listening
- TOPIK Levels and How to Prepare: A Study RoadmapTOPIK I vs TOPIK II: How the Levels Work · Paper-Based TOPIK and the Internet-Based Test (IBT) · What Each Level Signals — and What Universities Expect
- HSK Levels and How to Prepare, Including the New HSK 3.0Two Systems in Transition: Six-Level HSK and Nine-Level HSK 3.0 · What Each Level Expects: Vocabulary and Characters · The Spoken Test: HSKK
- TOCFL: Taiwan's Chinese Proficiency Test ExplainedWhat TOCFL Is and Who Runs It · The Band and Level Structure (Novice to Band C, CEFR-Mapped) · Test Components: Listening and Reading, Plus Speaking and Writing
- Duolingo English Test for Asian Universities: Where It's AcceptedWhat the Duolingo English Test Is · The Big Caveat: Acceptance Varies by University and by Program · Where the DET Is Commonly Accepted in Asia
- English-Taught Degree Programs in TaiwanEnglish-Medium Instruction in Taiwan: The Big Picture · Where to Find Fully English-Taught Degrees · Bachelor's vs Master's: What's Available in English
- Japanese Language School Pathway to University in JapanWhat the Language School Route Is — and Who It Suits · How Long It Takes and the Student Visa · Starting Level and How Far You Can Get
Guides for East & Southeast Asia
7 of 7 guides in this hub are for East & Southeast Asia.
JLPT Levels N5 to N1 and How to Prepare
What JLPT levels N5 to N1 actually test — vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading and listening — which level degrees and scholarships expect, and how to prepare.
Read guideTOPIK Levels and How to Prepare: A Study Roadmap
How TOPIK I and TOPIK II levels 1 to 6 map to what Korean universities and GKS scholarships expect, the IBT and paper formats, and a level-by-level roadmap.
Read guideHSK Levels and How to Prepare, Including the New HSK 3.0
How the six-level HSK, the new nine-level HSK 3.0, and the spoken HSKK work, which level Chinese-taught degrees and scholarships expect, and how to prepare.
Read guideTOCFL: Taiwan's Chinese Proficiency Test Explained
What Taiwan's TOCFL is, its Novice and Band A/B/C levels mapped to CEFR, how it differs from HSK, and when Taiwan universities and scholarships accept it.
Read guideEnglish-Taught Degree Programs in Taiwan
How to find fully English-taught (EMI) bachelor's and master's degrees in Taiwan, whether you still need Mandarin, and the English proof programs expect.
Read guideJapanese Language School Pathway to University in Japan
How Japan's nihongo gakko (language school) route works: study Japanese in Japan before a Japanese-taught university, and how to choose an accredited school.
Read guideStudying in East & Southeast Asia
Continue exploring East & Southeast Asia
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for East & Southeast Asia — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
Not sure where to start?
Ask GSB for guidance tailored to your situation.
Ask GSB →