CSAT Application Submission Starts from the 3rd... Proxy Submission Allowed for Confirmed Cases

December 3rd Scheduled for 12 Days Until the 18th
Applications Accepted at 86 Education Support Offices and High Schools Nationwide
Subject Changes Allowed During Application Period

On the morning of June 18, when the National Joint Academic Achievement Test organized by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation was conducted, third-year students were preparing for the exam at Sangam High School in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The application period for the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), scheduled for December 3, begins on the 3rd.

The Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation announced on the 1st that applications will be accepted at 86 district education offices and high schools nationwide from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 12 days, excluding Saturdays and holidays, until the 18th.

It is a principle that the examinee must submit the application in person. Proxy submission is allowed only for high school graduates who are disabled, incarcerated, in military service, hospitalized, residing overseas as of the application date, or in other unavoidable circumstances as determined by the provincial superintendent of education. This year, those in self-quarantine or confirmed COVID-19 cases can also submit applications via proxy.

During the application period, examinees may change the test areas and subjects or cancel their application even after submission. Changes are not allowed after the deadline, so all modifications must be completed within the period.

Current high school seniors can submit applications collectively through their schools. High school graduates may apply at their alma mater or, if their current address and the location of their alma mater differ, at the district education office responsible for their current address. Those who passed the high school equivalency exam or have other recognized academic qualifications can apply at the district education office responsible for their current address.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education will operate a separate application center at the Seoul Seongdong-Gwangjin Education Support Office on the 17th and 18th to facilitate examinees who graduated from high schools in Jeju or have their registered address in Jeju but are preparing for the exam outside Jeju.

Prepare Passport-Style Photos and Identification

Additional Documents Required for Proxy Submission

Accommodations Available for Disabled Examinees Including Braille Test Papers

All examinees must prepare two passport-sized photos (3.5 cm wide x 4.5 cm high), the application fee, and an ID with a photo attached when submitting the application. For proxy submissions, documents verifying the relationship with the applicant such as a family relation certificate, resident registration copy, proxy submission pledge, and COVID-19 related documents like self-quarantine notices are required. Graduates submitting at the district education office must additionally prepare one graduation certificate and one resident registration abstract.

If applying for the vocational exploration area, an additional school principal’s certificate proving completion of at least 86 credits in the industry-demand customized and specialized high school specialized subject II curriculum (for those who graduated before March 1, 2020, the vocational specialized subject curriculum) is required (80 credits for those who graduated before March 1, 2016).

On the 25th of last month, 100 days before the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test, believers were praying at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

High school equivalency exam passers must prepare a copy of the certificate of passing (original must be presented) or a certificate of passing, and other foreign academic qualification holders must prepare documents recognizing their academic qualifications. For detailed information, contact the relevant district education office.

Examinees with visual impairments, motor disabilities such as brain lesions, hearing impairments, or other difficulties in taking the exam can receive accommodations such as braille test papers, enlarged test papers, separate testing rooms, and hearing aid use. Relevant supporting documents must be prepared at the time of application submission.

Application Fee Up to 47,000 KRW

Refunds Possible for Natural Disasters, Illness, etc. if Unable to Take CSAT

Results Notified on December 23

The application fee is 37,000 KRW for up to four test areas, 42,000 KRW for five areas, and 47,000 KRW for six areas.

Examinees who do not take the CSAT due to natural disasters, illness, final acceptance in early admission, military enlistment, or other reasons may receive a partial refund of the application fee after completing the prescribed procedures. The refund application period is from December 7 to December 11, and applications must be submitted with the required documents to the place where the application was originally submitted.

Scores will be notified to examinees on December 23. For more detailed information, contact the CSAT Operations Department of the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation or the relevant district education office.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.