Applications Accepted at High Schools and Education Office Until September 5
First Introduction of Online Pre-Entry System to Reduce Waiting Times
Proxy Submission Restricted; Supporting Documents Required
The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 19th that applications for the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) will be accepted from August 21 to September 5.
Applications can be submitted at 68 high schools (including broadcasting and telecommunication high schools), 6 special schools, and the city education office reception center (Hwajeong-dong, Seo-gu). Current third-year high school students and graduates in Gwangju should apply at their current or former high school, while graduates from other regions, GED holders, and those eligible for test accommodations may apply at the city education office reception center.
On the 5th, 100 days before the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test, students are self-studying in a third-year classroom at Suwon Girls' High School in Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News
Applicants must submit their applications in person; proxy submission is generally not allowed. However, inmates, military personnel, hospitalized patients, and those residing overseas as of the application date (excluding overseas travelers) may have a direct family member or spouse submit the application on their behalf with the required supporting documents.
This year, an online pre-entry system is being introduced for the first time. From August 20, applicants can enter their test-related information in advance through the online pre-entry website. This will help reduce waiting times at the reception site and prevent input errors. After completing the pre-entry process and paying the fee via a virtual account, applicants must visit the reception center with their ID to finalize their application.
If the online pre-entry is not completed, applicants must prepare the application form (available at the reception site), two passport-sized photos, the test fee (37,000 KRW for up to four subjects, 42,000 KRW for five, 47,000 KRW for six), and their ID to apply in person. Graduates applying at their former high school can pay in cash, while those applying at the city education office can use a credit card. The application confirmation form requires either a seal or a handwritten signature, and applicants must also verify the entered information.
Applications can only be filled out or modified within the designated period, so applicants must carefully check their selected subjects. As of the application date, recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security Program, those in legally recognized low-income brackets, and single-parent family support recipients are exempt from the application fee if they submit the relevant documents. Those unable to take the test due to natural disasters, illness, final acceptance in rolling admissions, military enlistment, or loss of eligibility may apply for a refund at the reception center from November 17 to 21.
This year's CSAT will be held on November 13, and the results will be announced on December 5. Last year, there were 16,846 applicants from Gwangju (11,684 current students, 4,420 graduates, and 742 others, including GED holders).
The city education office expects the number of current students to increase by more than 1,000 this year, with a slight rise in the number of graduates as well.
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