Common Admissions Questions

For the 2026–2027 academic year (Fall entry):

Round 1
Application submitted by: February 20
Testing and documents submitted by: February 28

Round 2
Application submitted by: March 20
Testing and documents submitted by: March 26

Testing and all required documents must be submitted by March 26 to be considered for Fall entry.

Admissions results will be shared with all applicants regardless of the outcome.

• Round 1 results: Mid-April
• Round 2 results: Mid-May

Decision letters will be sent through email as well as the OpenApply portal.

Families apply through the official TCIS website using the OpenApply portal. After submitting the online application, parents will receive a personalized checklist in the OpenApply portal.

This checklist will clearly show:

• What documents must be submitted
• Which items are required
• Submission deadlines

Once the application fee has been submitted and proof of payment is uploaded, families will be able to view and schedule available testing dates directly in the portal. Testing slots are limited, so we strongly recommend scheduling tests as soon as possible.

OpenApply is also available as a mobile app and is easy to navigate, allowing families to conveniently track their application progress and checklist items.

Testing schedules appear in the admissions portal once the application fee has been submitted and proof of payment is uploaded. Families will be able to view and schedule available testing dates directly in the portal. We recommend scheduling as early as possible.

• K1–G11: English and Math
• G3–G11: writing sample

Additional evaluation: After the initial admissions testing, the admissions office may request an interview or an additional English assessment if further evaluation is needed.

No, interviews are not required for all applicants. The admissions office will contact you if an interview is needed.

Students applying for boarding must complete a dormitory interview, which is separate from the admissions interview.

If all required checklist items have been marked as submitted in OpenApply, then your application is complete and under review. Optional checklist items are not required.

If you see any unchecked required items, please upload them as soon as possible. If additional documents are needed, the admissions office will contact you directly.

Sometimes, the system still shows a message if optional items are not submitted. If all required items in the checklist are uploaded, then your application is complete and in the review process.

No. If your checklist items are complete, your application is already under review. The admissions office will contact you if additional information is needed.
 

Yes. All applicants will receive a decision letter regardless of the outcome (acceptance, waiting-pool, or not accepted).

Elementary applicants (Grades K1–G5):
Two recommendation letters are required. Both may be completed by the student’s homeroom teacher:

• School Profile Report
• Homeroom Teacher Recommendation

Secondary School applicants (Grades G6–G11):
Three recommendation letters are required:

• School Profile Report (Homeroom Teacher)
• Math Teacher Recommendation
• English Teacher Recommendation

For students applying to G6 or G7 who are currently in elementary school:
* If the student has only one homeroom teacher, the same teacher may complete more than one recommendation form if appropriate. For example:
** If the homeroom teacher also taught math, they may complete both the School Profile Report and the Math Teacher Recommendation.
*** If a different teacher taught English, that teacher should complete the English Teacher Recommendation.
 

Grade placement for K1 through Grade 1 is determined primarily by the student’s age:

• K1: 4 years old by July 31
• K2: 5 years old by July 31
• Grade 1: 6 years old by July 31

Beginning in Grade 2 and above, grade placement is determined primarily by the student’s previous academic records and prior school enrollment. For example: If a student completes Grade 6 by the end of the current school year, they should apply for Grade 7 for the following academic year.

TCIS accepts applications on a semester basis. Students typically begin either at the start of the Fall semester (August) or the start of the Spring semester (January). Mid-semester transfers are generally not accepted, but exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, for expat families.

Families interested in Spring entry (January) should apply during the summer. Updated timelines will be posted on the TCIS admissions website.

• Classes begin: 8:15 AM
• Classes end: 3:25 PM

* School hours may change in future academic years.

Tuition information is available here on the TCIS website:
https://www.tcis.or.kr/admissions/tuition

Yes. TCIS currently operates 7 bus routes serving Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungju.

Routes are reviewed and adjusted each year based on student locations. The bus manager will contact families who have applied for the bus after enrollment regarding transportation options.

If you experience technical issues, please send us an email or message through OpenApply and include a screenshot if possible.

Due to testing and the volume of telephone calls we receive, email is often the fastest and most reliable way to reach us. Please contact us by email: admissions@tcis.or.kr