Suneung Countdown: Key Dates for Korea's 2027 College Entrance Exam

South Korea's 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test, the suneung, will be held on Thursday 19 November 2026, with scores released on 11 December. Applications closed on 4 September and university early admissions applications ran from 7 to 11 September.

A study desk with a book stand and lamp, set up for long hours of exam revision. Photo: Yuyudevil, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 14 September 2026 · 4-minute read

With early admissions applications just closed, students across South Korea are entering the final two months of preparation for the most important exam of their school years.

Key Dates

Applications: 24 August to 4 September 2026 (closed).
University early admissions applications: 7 to 11 September 2026.
Exam day: Thursday 19 November 2026.
Score release: Friday 11 December 2026.

Why It's Called the 2027 CSAT

The test is named after the academic year it is used for. Students sitting the exam in November 2026 are applying for university places starting in 2027.

What the Suneung Is

The College Scholastic Ability Test is administered by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE). It is a long, single-day exam covering areas such as Korean, mathematics, English, Korean history and elective subjects, and it plays a central role in regular university admissions.

A Nation Supports Its Students

Exam day is famous for how the whole country adapts. In past years, workplaces have delayed start times to keep roads clear, police have helped late students reach test centres, and flights have been rescheduled during the English listening section to avoid noise. Younger students often gather outside schools to cheer candidates on.

Healthy Preparation in the Final Weeks

Practise under exam conditions — time yourself on full past papers.
Review mistakes rather than only doing new questions.
Protect your sleep and shift your routine to match exam-day timing.
Eat regular, familiar meals, especially in the last week.
Keep moving — short walks and stretching help concentration.
Talk to someone if stress feels overwhelming; teachers, family and school counsellors can help.

For Parents

Encouragement matters more than pressure. A calm home, practical help with meals and transport, and reassurance that one exam does not define a young person's future can make a real difference.

On the Day

Check your test centre and route in advance.
Bring your exam admission ticket and ID.
Leave electronic devices as instructed — rules are strict.
Arrive early to settle in.

More From South Korea

Before exam season, families celebrate Chuseok on 25 September. Education is also in focus worldwide after the PISA 2025 results.

Sources

"2027학년도 대학수학능력시험 시행 기본계획," KDI Economic Information and Education Center — eiec.kdi.re.kr
College Scholastic Ability Test, Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation — suneung.re.kr
"2027 수능 일정," Maker School — makerschool.kr

2027 csat date (1)

Korea CSAT 2027 (Suneung): Exam on 19 November and Every Key Date