Foreign students participate in a Korean language test at Keimyung University in Daegu, Oct. 8. Yonhap

The online-based Korean language proficiency test sessions will be doubled to six next year to meet growing demand from people overseas, the education ministry said Thursday.

The internet-based Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) will also be available in 13 countries next year, compared with the current six, as Romania, Malaysia, the U.S. territory of Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, Paraguay and Pakistan were newly added, the ministry said.

Demand for the test has risen sharply, with 428,585 people applying this year, a 71.3 percent jump from 2016, according to the ministry.

The paper-based TOPIK tests will separately be held on six occasions next year, along with three speaking tests, according to the ministry.

"In addition to making sure the internet-based tests are conducted securely, we will strive to establish a digital platform using AI technology to ensure Korean linguistic ability can be assessed anytime, anywhere," a ministry official said.

TOPIK, introduced in 1997, is used by non-native Korean speakers when applying for admission to universities or employment in Korea. (Yonhap)