Common Admissions Questions

For Semester 2 Entry (Spring Entry):

Round 1

• Application Period: September 1–18, 2026
• Testing & Document Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026
• Decisions Released to Families: Late October 2026

Round 2 – If Space Is Available

• Application Period: September 19–October 15, 2026
• Testing & Document Submission Deadline: October 26, 2026
• Decisions Released to Families: Mid-November 2026

* Round 2 will only remain open for grade levels with space available after Round 1.
** Applications for Fall 2027 entry (2027–2028 school year) will open on November 1, 2026.

Currently:
* Elementary: Grades 3–5
* Secondary: Grades 6, 8, 9, and 10

Applications are generally not open for K1–Grade 2 and Grade 7 due to limited space. Families
with exceptional circumstances, such as international or overseas-returning families with limited
local schooling options, may contact the Admissions Office for case-by-case consideration.

Grades 11–12 are not available for mid-year entry because students must complete the two-
year IB Diploma Programme sequence.

All applicants will receive an admissions decision regardless of the outcome.

For January 2027 entry:

• Round 1: Late October 2026
• Round 2: Mid-November 2026

Decision letters will be communicated through email and OpenApply.

Families apply through the TCIS website using the OpenApply admissions portal.

Once applications open and the application is submitted, families will receive a personalized checklist showing:

• Required documents
• Application fee
• Teacher/school recommendations
• Admissions testing
• Submission deadlines
• Other required application items

We recommend that families schedule admissions testing as soon as possible after submitting the application to secure an available testing slot.

After submitting the application, families can select an available testing session through OpenApply.

Testing spaces are limited, so we strongly recommend booking a testing appointment soon after submitting the application.

• Applicants currently residing in Korea are required to complete admissions testing in person on campus.
• Applicants currently residing overseas may select an available Zoom testing option when scheduling.

Testing requirements vary by grade level. Applicants may complete assessments in:

• English 
• Math
• Writing 

For example, Grade 5 applicants complete MAP Testing and a Writing Assessment.

After reviewing the application and initial assessment results, TCIS may request additional testing or an interview if further evaluation is needed.

No. Admissions interviews are not required for every applicant.

TCIS may request an additional student or family interview when further information is needed during the application review.

Students applying for Residence/boarding will complete a separate Residence interview process.

Please review your personalized OpenApply checklist.

All required checklist items must be submitted by the applicable deadline. Optional items do not need to be completed unless specifically requested by the Admissions Office.

If additional information or documentation is needed, Admissions will contact the family directly.

Please first confirm that all required items have been completed.

Some optional checklist items may remain unchecked without affecting the completeness of the application.

No. Families can monitor their application progress directly through OpenApply.

If all required items have been submitted, no additional status inquiry is necessary. Admissions will contact you if additional information is needed.
 

Yes. All applicants receive a decision, regardless of the outcome.

Possible decisions may include admission, waiting pool, or non-admission.

Recommendation forms are submitted directly by the teacher or school representative through OpenApply.

Once the application process opens, parents enter the teacher’s school email address in OpenApply. The system then sends the teacher a secure link to complete and submit the recommendation online.

Parents can see whether the recommendation has been submitted but cannot view the content of the recommendation.

Recommendations cannot be collected by parents in advance and uploaded on the teacher’s behalf.

For Elementary applicants, required forms generally include:

• Homeroom Teacher Recommendation

For Secondary applicants, required forms generally include:

• School Profile Report
• Math Teacher Recommendation
• English Teacher Recommendation

Recommendations must be completed by a teacher or school representative from the student’s current or previous school. Hagwon teachers, private tutors, or other outside instructors cannot submit recommendation forms.

For students who have recently changed grades or teachers, a teacher from the previous school year who knows the student well may be appropriate.
 

Families should submit the student’s most recent three years of school records/report cards, where applicable.

If the original records are not in English, families must provide an English translation with appropriate translation certification or notarization.

For Kindergarten and Grade 1, grade placement is primarily based on the student’s age:

• Kindergarten : Students must be at least 5 years old by July 31 of the school year they are entering.
• Grade 1: Students must be at least 6 years old by July 31 of the school year they are entering.

For Grade 2 and above, students must provide previous school records. Grade placement is determined based on the student’s current grade, completed academic years, and official school records.

Students cannot skip an unfinished semester or grade level when transferring between school systems. If a student has not completed the current grade, they will need to continue or extend that grade level at TCIS before advancing to the next grade.

TCIS reviews each student’s academic history and school records to determine the appropriate grade placement.

TCIS generally admits students at the beginning of a semester:

• August – Semester 1
• January – Semester 2

Mid-semester entry is generally not available.

Semester 2 availability also depends on the grade level and remaining space.
 

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

* School hours are subject to change.

Current tuition and fee information is available on the TCIS website.

Families may also request a personalized Cost Estimate based on grade level and applicable services.

Yes. When siblings are enrolled at TCIS at the same time, a 20% tuition discount applies beginning with the second child.

Yes. TCIS provides school bus transportation to several areas, including Daejeon, Sejong, and Cheongju.

Routes, stops, and capacity may change each year depending on student locations and enrollment.

Some routes may have limited capacity or waiting lists, so transportation availability cannot be guaranteed until confirmed.

Residence is available beginning in Grade 6, subject to space and approval.

School admission and Residence admission are separate processes. Residence applicants are required to complete a Residence interview.

Students in Grades 9–12 may reside in Residence without a parent or guardian living in Korea. However, TCIS cannot serve as the student’s official legal guardian, and a parent or guardian may need to travel to Korea if circumstances require their presence.

If you experience a technical issue, please contact Admissions by email or through OpenApply.

Including a screenshot of the issue will help us assist you more efficiently.

Due to admissions testing and the high volume of telephone inquiries, email is often the fastest and most reliable way to reach us.

Admissions Email: admissions@tcis.or.kr

For the most current admissions information, please visit the TCIS admissions website.

23. Question:  Does TCIS offer scholarships to incoming students?