Families often arrive assuming there is one international school entrance test. There is not. Branksome Hall Asia, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju and Korea International School Jeju administer MAP on campus; Dulwich College Seoul and NLCS Jeju use the CAT4 family; Daegu International School states that it does not use MAP. Below is what 18 international schools in Korea publish about their assessments, required documents and application timelines, reproduced from each school's own guidance.
Last updated: 2026-08-04 · 한국어로 보기
The test names in school guidance describe very different instruments. Some measure academic achievement, some measure cognitive ability, and some exist only to decide whether a student needs English language support. Telling them apart makes school announcements much easier to read.
| Test | Publisher | What it measures | Schools that use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAP Growth | NWEA | A computer-adaptive test: item difficulty adjusts to the student's answers, and results are reported on the grade-independent RIT scale. Available from kindergarten through grade 12 in mathematics, reading, language and science. | Branksome Hall Asia, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju, Korea International School Jeju and Cheongna Dalton administer it on campus (Cheongna Dalton exempts Pre-K applicants). KIS Pangyo, YISS and GSIS accept a recently taken score instead. |
| CAT4 | GL Assessment | A cognitive abilities test covering verbal, quantitative, spatial and non-verbal reasoning rather than subject knowledge. Mainly used by schools running the British curriculum. | Required for all applicants from Year 3 at Dulwich College Seoul, and for Year 10 and Year 12 at NLCS Jeju. |
| PTE · PTM | GL Assessment | Age-referenced attainment tests in English (PTE) and mathematics (PTM), from the same publisher as CAT4 and often used alongside it. NLCS Jeju separately uses the Pearson English Level Test. | Used by NLCS Jeju, varying by year group. |
| ISEE · SSAT | ERB · SSATB | External tests used in US private school admissions. Applicants register and sit them at a designated test centre. | YISS directs applicants without a recent score to the ISEE and publishes its school code (682450). KIS Pangyo likewise points applicants not yet in Korea to the ISEE with its code (571483), and KIS Jeju requires either an SAT or an SSAT score from grade 9-11 applicants. |
| Duolingo English Test | Duolingo | An online English proficiency test, submitted as a score in advance of applying. | Branksome Hall Asia requires it in advance from grade 6-11 applicants. |
| WIDA and EAL screening | School-specific | Screening that determines whether a student whose first language is not English needs language support. It is closer to a placement and support decision than an admission decision. | GSIS uses WIDA where needed, Dulwich College Seoul runs an EAL assessment, and Seoul Foreign School applies the English standard set in its language policy. |
| School-built assessment | School-specific | English and mathematics assessments written by the school, writing tasks, sample lessons, small-group activities and interviews. More schools use this route than use an external test. | Daegu International School, Dwight School Seoul, GSIS, Chadwick, Dulwich College Seoul and KIS (where no score is submitted) run their own assessments. |
Select a school name to jump to its assessment, required documents and application timeline. Every entry reproduces what that school publishes on its own site. Requirements change from year to year, so the announcement current at the time you apply is what counts.
| School | Region | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Chadwick International | Songdo, Incheon | Standardized test (grade 2 and above) · writing sample · individual interview · group activity |
| Dulwich College Seoul | Seocho, Seoul | CAT4 · writing task · EAL assessment · meeting with school leadership |
| Dwight School Seoul | Mapo, Seoul | School-built assessment and interview (1.5-2 hours) |
| Gyeonggi Suwon International School | Yeongtong, Suwon | School English and mathematics assessment · WIDA where needed · may be waived with a standardized score |
| Asia Pacific International School | Nowon, Seoul | School entrance test and interview |
| Korea Kent Foreign School | Gwangjin, Seoul | School test and interview · standardized scores submitted if held |
| Cheongna Dalton School | Cheongna, Incheon | MAP · interview (all applicants Pre-K to grade 10) · document review |
| North London Collegiate School Jeju | Jeju Global Education City | CAT4 or MAP Growth · PTE · PTM · Pearson English · online one-to-one English interview |
| Branksome Hall Asia | Jeju Global Education City | MAP (mathematics and reading) · Duolingo English · one-to-one English interview |
| St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju | Jeju Global Education City | MAP Testing (grades 3-11) · interview for all applicants |
| Korea International School Jeju | Jeju Global Education City | MAP mathematics and reading · writing · interview · TOEFL ITP and either SAT or SSAT from grade 9 |
| Korea International School (Pangyo) | Bundang, Seongnam | Standardized score submitted (grades 3-12) or on-campus assessment · interview |
| Seoul International School | Sujeong, Seongnam | Standardized score submitted if taken at the current school · assessment format not published |
| Seoul Foreign School | Seodaemun, Seoul | School assessment and school records · ELL held to the language policy standard |
| Yongsan International School of Seoul | Yongsan, Seoul | Standardized score from the last 12 months (MAP, ISEE and others) · English proficiency assessment where needed |
| Taejon Christian International School | Yuseong, Daejeon | Academic review · English assessment · interview, depending on grade and programme |
| Daegu International School | Dong-gu, Daegu | School-developed assessment and a sample lesson (about 2 hours) · does not use MAP or WIDA |
| International School of Busan | Gijang, Busan | Review of transcripts and educational assessment reports · test names not published |
Assessment. Standardized test (grade 2 and above) · writing sample · individual interview · group activity
Application timeline
Applications for 2026-27 opened on 3 November 2025 and closed at noon on 20 January 2026. The school published 6 February for first-round results and 25 March for final decisions.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school states that Korean-national students must take Korean language and social studies (or history) for two hours a week each in order to have their studies recognized under Korean law.
School guidance: Chadwick International 입학 안내 · Chadwick International 입학 FAQ · Chadwick International 입학 일정
Coding and AI guidance for Chadwick International students →
Assessment. CAT4 · writing task · EAL assessment · meeting with school leadership
Application timeline
Applications are accepted year-round and the school reports the outcome within 7-10 days of assessment. Year 11 is reviewed case by case, and the school states that mid-year entry into Year 13 is considered only in exceptional circumstances.
Worth noting on eligibility
For applicants living overseas, the school states that a teacher at the student's current school may administer the assessment on its behalf.
School guidance: Dulwich College Seoul Admissions
Assessment. School-built assessment and interview (1.5-2 hours)
Application timeline
The school does not publish fixed deadlines. Entry points run from Preschool 2 through grade 12.
Worth noting on eligibility
Eligibility is set out in three branches according to the parents' passports; where both parents hold Korean passports, the school verifies 1,095 days or more abroad through an immigration record.
School guidance: Dwight School Seoul 입학 절차
Assessment. School English and mathematics assessment · WIDA where needed · may be waived with a standardized score
Application timeline
The school asks applicants to complete the process between February and April for August entry, and between September and October for January entry.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school publishes a cap of 30% Korean-national students per grade level.
School guidance: GSIS Admissions
Coding and AI guidance for Gyeonggi Suwon International School students →
Assessment. School entrance test and interview
Application timeline
The school states that decisions are issued within 7-10 business days. For 2026-27 it admits students from K3 through grade 12.
Worth noting on eligibility
Eligibility is set out in five branches, including at least one parent holding a foreign passport, and Korean nationals having lived abroad for three years (1,095 days) or more.
School guidance: APIS Applying to APIS
Coding and AI guidance for Asia Pacific International School students →
Assessment. School test and interview · standardized scores submitted if held
Application timeline
The school states that decisions are issued within 5-10 business days of the test and interview.
Worth noting on eligibility
Eligibility is evidenced by one of: three years abroad, a parent of foreign nationality, current enrolment at an accredited international school in Korea, or six semesters completed abroad.
School guidance: Korea Kent Foreign School Admission Requirements
Coding and AI guidance for Korea Kent Foreign School students →
Assessment. MAP · interview (all applicants Pre-K to grade 10) · document review
Application timeline
Admission runs by quarter. In the guideline for January 2026 entry (Q3): applications 4-29 August 2025, documents due 5 September, MAP 25 August to 19 September, interviews 22 September to 24 October, decisions 3 November, enrolment by 24 November, and first day of school 26 January 2026. The school notes that applications for a grade level may close early once applicants exceed 1.5 times the places available.
Worth noting on eligibility
An applicant qualifies if at least one parent is a foreign national, or through three years (1,095 days) abroad, or three school years completed abroad; the periods need not be consecutive. A dual national who also holds Korean nationality is treated as a Korean national. Students currently enrolled at a school without accreditation from a recognized domestic or foreign body may not apply, and a separate birth-month table sets grade placement.
School guidance: 청라달튼외국인학교 2025-2026 Q3 입학 모집 요강 (PDF) · 청라달튼외국인학교
Coding and AI guidance for Cheongna Dalton School students →
Assessment. CAT4 or MAP Growth · PTE · PTM · Pearson English · online one-to-one English interview
Application timeline
For 2025-26 the school admits from Reception through Year 12 on a rolling basis and states that it does not admit into Year 13.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school states that there is no nationality restriction, and there is a provision for admission outside the enrolment cap for students who have lived in Jeju for three years or more or attended a school in Jeju for two years or more.
School guidance: NLCS Jeju Admissions · NLCS Jeju Assessment
Coding and AI guidance for North London Collegiate School Jeju students →
Assessment. MAP (mathematics and reading) · Duolingo English · one-to-one English interview
Application timeline
Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted at least one week before the assessment date. The school announces Seoul assessment dates and mid-year entry dates separately.
Worth noting on eligibility
The published sequence is online application, application fee, documents, assessment and interview, decision (within three weeks), then enrolment.
School guidance: Branksome Hall Asia Admissions · Branksome Hall Asia Admissions Process
Assessment. MAP Testing (grades 3-11) · interview for all applicants
Application timeline
For 2026-27, the school announced a first regular round on 19 December 2025 for PK3 through grade 11, with rolling admission from the following day until places are filled.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school states that the name on the application must match the English name on the passport.
School guidance: St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju Apply · St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju Checklist
Coding and AI guidance for St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju students →
Assessment. MAP mathematics and reading · writing · interview · TOEFL ITP and either SAT or SSAT from grade 9
Application timeline
The school states that assessment results are communicated within three to four weeks of the test date. Boarding begins in grade 8.
Worth noting on eligibility
Grade placement by date of birth is set out differently for students coming from Korean schools and from international schools.
School guidance: KIS Jeju 2026-27 Admissions Process
Coding and AI guidance for Korea International School Jeju students →
Assessment. Standardized score submitted (grades 3-12) or on-campus assessment · interview
Application timeline
The school states that applications are reviewed within 3-4 business days and an interview is scheduled, with a decision within 5-10 business days after assessment. High school entry typically aligns with the start of a semester.
Worth noting on eligibility
Eligibility is met through one of: at least one parent of foreign nationality, 1,095 days or more of residence abroad, current enrolment at an accredited international school in Korea, or six semesters of transcripts from abroad.
School guidance: Korea International School Admissions Criteria
Coding and AI guidance for Korea International School (Pangyo) students →
Assessment. Standardized score submitted if taken at the current school · assessment format not published
Application timeline
The school announced that applications for 2026-27 open on 9 January 2026.
Worth noting on eligibility
Where both parents are Korean nationals, the student needs either 1,095 days or more abroad or three years of transcripts from schools abroad, evidenced by an immigration record and proof of overseas enrolment.
School guidance: Seoul International School Application Checklist
Coding and AI guidance for Seoul International School students →
Assessment. School assessment and school records · ELL held to the language policy standard
Application timeline
The process begins with an online enquiry form, alongside which the school arranges a campus tour.
Worth noting on eligibility
Eligibility is set out in three branches: one parent holding a foreign passport; where both parents hold Korean passports, 1,095 days or more abroad or six semesters completed abroad; and, for naturalized families, school approval.
School guidance: Seoul Foreign School Admissions Policy
Assessment. Standardized score from the last 12 months (MAP, ISEE and others) · English proficiency assessment where needed
Application timeline
Depending on available places, applicants are either admitted or placed in the Wait Pool.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school states that applicants of any nationality may apply provided they meet Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education criteria, and that priority goes to foreign families residing in Korea.
School guidance: YISS Admissions · YISS Admissions FAQ
Coding and AI guidance for Yongsan International School of Seoul students →
Assessment. Academic review · English assessment · interview, depending on grade and programme
Application timeline
The school published application windows of 1 September to 15 October 2026 for January 2027 entry, and 9 November 2026 to 15 January 2027 for August entry in 2027-28.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school states that, through the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone route, some Korean-national students without experience living abroad may be eligible to apply.
School guidance: TCIS Admissions · TCIS Eligibility & Requirements · TCIS Apply
Coding and AI guidance for Taejon Christian International School students →
Assessment. School-developed assessment and a sample lesson (about 2 hours) · does not use MAP or WIDA
Application timeline
The school states that applicants of foreign nationality are admitted year-round, while Korean-national applicants are admitted once a year for August entry.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school publishes its enrolment structure as 60% through the foreign-national route and 30% through the Korean-national route.
School guidance: Daegu International School Admissions Process
Coding and AI guidance for Daegu International School students →
Assessment. Review of transcripts and educational assessment reports · test names not published
Application timeline
The school states that, as an international school, it accepts applications year-round. Entry points run from Early Years 1 through grade 12.
Worth noting on eligibility
The school states that a student must live with a parent or a legal guardian it recognizes, and that Korean-national students do not exceed 30% of enrolment.
School guidance: International School of Busan Admissions
Coding and AI guidance for International School of Busan students →
MAP is adaptive: item difficulty adjusts to the student's answers. Schools generally either accept an official score taken within the last 12 months or run the assessment on campus themselves. That puts the focus less on the test itself and more on how well a student reads and reasons at their current grade level.
Read across the published assessment components and the same items repeat: English reading and writing, mathematics, and an interview. Daegu International School names its criteria as English proficiency, academic readiness, and interaction and collaboration; Branksome Hall Asia and Korea International School Jeju run the interview as a separate component. That is a different thing from raising a score inside a short window.
CIT does not run entrance-test preparation and does not handle applications. This page collects what the schools publish. What CIT does is the coding and AI learning that comes after enrolment, designed to carry over when a student changes school or curriculum.
No. Branksome Hall Asia, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju, Korea International School Jeju and Cheongna Dalton administer MAP on campus, while KIS Pangyo, YISS and GSIS accept a recently taken MAP score instead. Dulwich College Seoul and NLCS Jeju use the CAT4 family, and Daegu International School states that it does not use MAP. Many schools, such as Dwight School Seoul and GSIS, assess through their own tests and interviews only. What counts is the school's guidance for the year you apply.
It is a computer-adaptive test from NWEA. Item difficulty adjusts to the student's answers, and results are reported on the grade-independent RIT scale. It covers mathematics, reading, language and science from kindergarten through grade 12.
In most cases the student's current school administers it. It is not a test an individual registers for, which is why schools often provide their own assessment instead for applicants without a score. KIS Pangyo states that it offers an on-campus assessment to applicants in Korea without a score, and GSIS states that standardized results from within the last year can waive its entrance assessment.
Some schools run it remotely. Dulwich College Seoul allows a teacher at the student's current school to administer the assessment on its behalf, Dwight School Seoul uses a video interview with the test proctored at the current school, and Daegu International School notes that applicants overseas may be able to sit online. Conditions differ by school, so ask the admissions office in advance.
There is a separate step for deciding whether English support is needed. GSIS uses a WIDA assessment where needed, Dulwich College Seoul runs an EAL assessment for applicants whose first language is not English, and YISS may require an English proficiency assessment where school records suggest support is needed. Seoul Foreign School states that students needing ELL support must meet the English standard set in its language policy.
It depends on the type of school. Foreign schools work from a baseline of three years of residence abroad in total, while Jeju international schools have no residence requirement. TCIS states that, through the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone route, some Korean-national students without experience living abroad may be eligible. The differences between these regimes are set out against the statutes on our eligibility page (in Korean).
No. CIT does not run entrance-test preparation classes and does not handle applications. This page collects what the schools publish. What CIT does is the coding and AI learning that comes after enrolment.
A great deal. Chadwick runs fixed rounds with published application, assessment and decision dates by grade level, while Dulwich College Seoul and the International School of Busan admit year-round. GSIS sets two application windows aligned to the start of each semester, and TCIS announces its windows in advance. Check the announcement for the year you are applying.
Sources
Every admissions detail on this page is reproduced from the school's own published guidance and is current as of August 2026. Requirements change every year, so check the school's announcement before you apply.
If your child is about to enrol or is changing schools, we can map out how their coding and AI learning continues from where they are now. For the admissions process itself, the school's admissions office is the accurate source.
School names appear on this page to identify which students a piece of guidance is for. CIT is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these schools, and does not speak on their behalf. Each school's name and marks belong to that school. Statutes, enforcement rules and school admissions announcements change every year, so confirm the official guidance from the school, the education office and the awarding body before applying or enrolling. This page is general information, not legal advice.