_{TOPIK Exam Qatar 2026: First Official Korean Proficiency Test in Doha, Dates and How to Register}

If you have been learning Korean in Qatar and wondering when you could finally get officially certified without flying to another country, this is the news you have been waiting for. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Qatar has announced the 108th Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) will be held in Doha on October 17, 2026. It is the first time TOPIK has ever been administered in Qatar.

Whether you are a K-drama enthusiast who took Korean seriously, a student planning to study in Korea, someone targeting a Korean company job, or simply someone who wants to know where they stand officially, this exam is your moment. Registration opens July 28 and closes August 10, 2026. That is a two-week window only, so read this, register, and do not miss it.

What Is TOPIK?

TOPIK stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean. It is the globally recognised official Korean language certification exam, administered by the National Institute for International Education under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. TOPIK certificates are accepted for university admission in Korea, Korean visa applications, employment at Korean companies, immigration programmes and academic research purposes.

There are two levels. TOPIK I covers beginner to intermediate learners and is graded at Level 1 and Level 2. TOPIK II covers intermediate to advanced learners and is graded at Levels 3 through 6. You can register for one or both levels.

TOPIK Qatar 2026: Key Details

Exam: 108th Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), Paper-Based Test
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Venue: Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
Organiser: Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Qatar
Official TOPIK website: topik.go.kr

Exam Timings:
TOPIK I: 9:40 AM to 12:20 PM
TOPIK II: 12:50 PM to 4:20 PM

Important: Entry closes 30 minutes before the exam starts. For TOPIK I, you must be inside the venue by 9:10 AM. For TOPIK II, entry closes at 12:20 PM.

Registration Period: July 28, 2026 to August 10, 2026 (two weeks only)

To register – CLICK HERE

Fees:
TOPIK I: QAR 350
TOPIK II: QAR 400
You can register for both TOPIK I and TOPIK II in the same sitting.

Contact: +974 4483 2238
Directions: Search Hamad bin Khalifa University on Google Maps or use the official directions link.

How to Register for TOPIK Qatar 2026

Registration is done through a Google Form provided by the Korean Embassy in Qatar. The form is available through the official event listing and must be completed in full before August 10, 2026.

Here is what you need to fill in:

Your test level choice: TOPIK I, TOPIK II, or both. Your full name in English exactly as it appears on your ID. Your name in Korean characters, or your name written phonetically in Korean if you do not have a Korean name. Your date of birth in YYYY/MM/DD format. Your gender. Your nationality. Your mother tongue. Your occupation from the listed categories including student, civil servant, company employee, self-employed, homemaker, teacher, unemployed or other. Your address and postal code in Qatar. Your contact number in international format starting with +974. Your email address, which is critical because all exam-related information will be sent to this address only.

You will also be asked how you heard about TOPIK and your reason for taking the exam, which includes options like study abroad, employment, research, understanding Korean culture, visa application, school credit, and the Korea Immigration and Integration Programme.

Make sure every detail exactly matches your official ID document. Any discrepancy can cause issues on exam day.

To register – CLICK HERE

Why This Matters for Korean Learners in Qatar

Korea is one of Qatar’s top trading and diplomatic partners, and Qatar’s Korean community has been growing consistently. Beyond the expat community, there is a significant and growing number of Qatari and non-Korean residents who are learning the Korean language through private academies, self-study, online platforms and cultural interest driven by K-drama, K-pop and Korean content.

Until now, anyone in Qatar who wanted an official TOPIK certification had to travel, most commonly to a neighbouring country that hosts the exam. Having the test administered locally for the first time removes that barrier entirely and signals that the Korean Embassy recognises the size and seriousness of the Korean learning community in Doha.

A TOPIK certificate opens doors in a very practical sense. For students, it can support admission applications to Korean universities. For job seekers, it is often a requirement or significant advantage when applying to Korean companies operating in Qatar and the region. For visa and immigration purposes, it provides an officially certified record of language ability that many processes require.

Tips for Exam Day

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your session. Entry for TOPIK I closes at 9:10 AM and entry for TOPIK II closes at 12:20 PM. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name you registered with exactly. This is typically a passport or Qatar ID. No electronic devices are permitted inside the exam hall. The exam is paper-based, so bring appropriate stationery. For TOPIK II, the exam runs for several hours including listening, reading and writing components, so prepare accordingly for a long sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the TOPIK exam in Qatar 2026?
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha.

How much does TOPIK cost in Qatar?
TOPIK I costs QAR 350 and TOPIK II costs QAR 400. You can register for both.

When does TOPIK registration close in Qatar?
Registration opens July 28 and closes August 10, 2026. Only two weeks to register.

Is this the first time TOPIK is held in Qatar?
Yes. The 108th TOPIK is the first official administration of the exam in Qatar.

Who can take TOPIK in Qatar?
Anyone learning Korean regardless of nationality can register. The exam is open to all non-native Korean speakers.

What ID do I need for TOPIK?
A valid photo ID that exactly matches the name used during registration, typically a passport or national ID.

Where do I register for TOPIK Qatar 2026?
Through the Google Form registration link provided by the Korean Embassy in Qatar. Contact +974 4483 2238 for more information. To register – CLICK HERE

Note: The details in this article are sourced from the official announcements by the Korean Embassy in Qatar and the TOPIK official website. Details are subject to change. Please confirm directly with the organiser before making plans.

Snoonu, Qatar’s first homegrown super app for food, groceries, and in demand services, and Spacetoon Go, a comprehensive family entertainment super app in MENAT , have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly provide their audiences with access to premium content and exclusive services.

The partnership reflects a shared vision to enhance everyday digital experiences by combining convenience with high-quality, family-friendly entertainment.

Under the agreement, Snoonu Royal Club Platinum users will receive three-month access to Spacetoon Go, unlocking a rich library of Arabic-dubbed content. This includes globally recognized anime titles such as Detective Conan, Hunter × Hunter, and Naruto, alongside popular children’s shows like Bluey, CoComelon, and Blippi.

The platform also features exclusive original productions, including the latest animation from Abir El-Saghir, as well as premium viewing experiences such as Detective Conan simulcast episodes released in parallel with Japan.

In parallel, Spacetoon Go users in Qatar will be offered three-month access to Snoonu’s S Plus membership, providing a range of lifestyle benefits including discounts, priority services, and exclusive offers across Snoonu’s ecosystem.

Commenting on this partnership, Kamel Weiss, General Manager of Spacetoon Go said that:

Haitham Al-Haidari, General Manager of New Ventures added:

The partnership brings together one of Qatar’s fastest-growing technology platforms with a leading regional entertainment brand, aiming to create a more integrated digital ecosystem that combines everyday convenience with family-focused entertainment.

In a moment many dream of, one phone call changed everything. What began as the announcement of a QAR 1 million prize quickly became something far more meaningful; a story defined not by winning, but by giving.

As part of the eighth draw of Snoonu’s “Be the Next Millionaire” campaign, a Qatari woman was announced as the winner of the grand prize. While the joy of the moment was undeniable, what followed reflected a deeper sense of purpose.

The winner, identified as W.A., shared that her initial reaction went beyond happiness. She felt a profound sense that this opportunity was a blessing entrusted to her; one that could be used to fulfill a long-held aspiration to give back and make a difference.

Without hesitation, she made the remarkable decision to donate the full amount to charitable causes.

Her contribution was allocated to three leading humanitarian organizations in Qatar: Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent, and the Qatar Cancer Society, reflecting a thoughtful and impactful approach to supporting those in need.

The decision was rooted in a strong belief that the value of giving surpasses any personal gain. The ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region, particularly the suffering of the Palestinian people, were also at the forefront of her mind, further inspiring her to ensure that this opportunity could serve a greater purpose.

On a personal level, her choice was met with pride and encouragement from her family, who saw it as a natural reflection of the values she was raised with.

The story has since resonated widely, with many viewing it as a powerful example of the generosity and solidarity that define Qatari society; a reminder that the true impact of opportunity lies in how it is embraced.

Ultimately, this is not just a story about winning a million riyals. It is about how a single decision can transform a personal moment into a lasting contribution, turning fortune into purpose, and opportunity into impact.

As the “Be the Next Millionaire” campaign continues through August, it brings with it not only the promise of more winners, but perhaps more stories of humanity yet to unfold.

In a world of fleeting moments, it is decisions like these that endure, turning chance into meaning, and generosity into a legacy that inspires far beyond the moment itself.

McDonald’s Qatar successfully concluded its annual voluntary blood donation drive under Rahlatuna, its ‘Our Journey’ CSR platform, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation’s Qatar National Blood Donation Center. Held on July 9 at McDonald’s Qatar Old Airport branch, the activation welcomed a total exceeding 190 voluntary donors from the public and McDonald’s Qatar employees from restaurants and head office, resulting in over 135 units of blood collected to support Qatar’s national blood supply.

Throughout the activation, HMC stationed its mobile blood donation truck outside the restaurant, enabling eligible donors to take part in the donation process on site. The initiative brought together members of the public and McDonald’s Qatar employees from restaurants and head office in a shared effort to support voluntary blood donation and community wellbeing.

Following their donation, donors received a Feel-Good Recovery Meal voucher to redeem inside the restaurant. The complimentary meal, made up of a McChicken sandwich, Royal Salad, orange juice and water, was introduced by McDonald’s Qatar as a simple gesture of appreciation for people who gave blood and contributed to a lifesaving cause.

By hosting the drive at its Old Airport branch, McDonald’s Qatar helped make blood donation more visible and accessible in a familiar community setting. The activation reflected the company’s belief that giving back can be both meaningful and human, creating a moment where donors were thanked, supported and recognized immediately after taking part.

The initiative also aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 by supporting public health, encouraging volunteerism and contributing to national healthcare resilience. Delivered under Rahlatuna, it further reinforced McDonald’s Qatar’s long-term commitment to community wellbeing and to initiatives that respond to local priorities.

Sara Abuobeid, Director of Marketing & Communications, McDonald’s Qatar, said:

McDonald’s Qatar is 100% locally owned, managed and operated by Al Mana Restaurants & Food Company W.L.L., and continues to strengthen its role as an active member of the community through meaningful CSR initiatives across the country.