5 New Changes to EPIK Program 2022 and Onward

5 New Changes to EPIK Program 2022 and Onward

Changes to EPIK Program Starting 2022 Intake


UPDATED 7/28/21 

EPIK (English Program in Korea) is South Korea’s national government program for teachers who want to teach in public schools. For the past few years, there haven’t been any major updates to the application process, and we are sure many of you are somewhat familiar with the process. EPIK, however, has recently announced some major updates to their rules and policies in regards to the application process. Applicants are now required to gather certain documents ahead of time before they can submit their applications, so please take note.

If you plan on applying to the EPIK program for the Spring 2022 intake or beyond, you must be aware of these 5 big policy changes.

1. Criminal Background Check Required Ahead of Time

The first major change EPIK has announced is a scanned copy of your Criminal Background Check, apostilled or non apostilled, MUST be attached with the online application. It used to be that applicants were to submit the document AFTER passing the interview with EPIK, but now that is no longer the case.

Applicants are now required to submit one of two of the following before submitting the EPIK online application:

  1. A scanned copy of Apostilled CBC 
  2. A scanned copy of non-apostilled CBC + proof of apostilling process
    (receipt, email confirmation, scan of application for apostille, proof of payment, etc.)

*For those applying for Spring 2022, CBC must be dated August 1st, 2021 or later.

2. Can You Submit Your Diploma on Time?

EPIK has updated their policy for those who have yet to receive their Bachelor’s Diploma. This will especially be important for undergrad students who are in their final semester so if this applies to you, please read carefully. EPIK now requires candidates to either have a Bachelor’s Diploma or have proof they will be able to submit an apostilled diploma at a certain time.

For the upcoming Spring 2022 intake, if an applicant cannot receive their diploma and final transcripts by mid-Dec*, they will not be taken into consideration for the upcoming intake.

*date subject to change depending on intake


3. United Kingdom & Australia Citizens Must Submit Birth Certificate

This rule applies specifically to those who are citizens of either the United Kingdom or Australia. Applicants will now be required to submit a scanned copy of their birth certificate with the initial online applications. It does not have to be apostilled but will need to be apostilled at a later time when submitting final documents.

4. No Longer First Come, First Serve

EPIK is no longer on a first-come, first-serve policy. Here is an official statement from EPIK:

“We also wish to clarify that the program is not based on a first come, first served policy. Applying early can be beneficial and help with the process but is not the sole factor taken into consideration for the program. Factors that are considered beneficial and that could help boost an application include: holding a degree in Education/Teaching, having previous formal teaching experience (including TaLK experience), possessing official government-issued teaching qualifications or licensing, and completing a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA/CELT or other accepted certification with an in-class component.”

EPIK wants to hire a flexible individual who is highly motivated to learn and adapt to a new culture. Early application is no guarantee for the placement however early birds can have a better chance than a last-minute applicant.

5. Stronger Penalties from Withdrawing Application

The last major change EPIK has made is in regards to penalties if one chooses to withdraw their application at certain times of the process.

  1. If one chooses to withdraw their application AFTER passing an interview, they will face a reapplication penalty of 2 intakes.
  2. If one chooses to withdraw AFTER receiving a recommendation from an Office of Education, they will face a reapplication penalty of 2 years. 

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