TOEFL Score Requirements at 50+ Universities (2026)

How TOEFL Minimums Work

A minimum TOEFL score is the threshold for eligibility — not for competitiveness. At highly selective institutions, admitted students typically score 10–20 points above the stated minimum. Meeting the minimum simply means your application will not be rejected for insufficient English proficiency alone.

Most universities set a university-wide minimum, then allow individual departments or programs to set higher requirements. Always verify the requirement for your specific program, not just the general university minimum.

TOEFL Requirements by University (50+ Universities)

The table below lists published minimum requirements. "Min Section" refers to a per-section minimum (Reading, Listening, Speaking, or Writing each scored 0–30) when the university publishes one.

Section Minimums Explained

Some universities require not only a total score minimum but also a minimum score in each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing — each scored 0–30). A section minimum ensures candidates are proficient in all four language skills, not just strong in a few areas.

Why section minimums matter

A student scoring 112 total could theoretically have a Writing score of 19 — below what many programs consider acceptable for academic writing. Oxford's requirement of 22 per section ensures no area is neglected.

Typical section minimums by programme type

How to Research Requirements: Step-by-Step

University requirements change every year. Here is a reliable process for finding the current, accurate requirement for your specific programme:

1. 1
   Go directly to the programme's admissions page

   Do not rely on aggregator sites or last year's data. Find the specific degree programme page on the university's official website. Look for 'Admissions Requirements,' 'Entry Requirements,' or 'Application Requirements.'

2. 2
   Look for English language requirements

   Most programmes have a dedicated section for English language requirements. Look for TOEFL specifically. Note both the overall minimum AND any section minimums listed. The university's general page may show a different (lower) minimum than the specific programme page.

3. 3
   Check the Graduate School vs. department pages

   At large universities (US/Canada especially), the Graduate School sets a university floor, but individual departments can require more. Check both the Graduate School's requirements AND your specific department's page.

4. 4
   Email the admissions office if unclear

   If the website is ambiguous — or if you have a borderline score — email the admissions coordinator directly. Ask specifically: 'What is the TOEFL minimum for [programme name] in [year]? Are there section minimums?' Keep the reply for your records.

5. 5
   Check the date of the page

   Many university websites have outdated pages. Look for a 'last updated' date or academic year label. If the page is more than one year old, verify via email or by calling the admissions office.

6. 6
   Confirm score validity at your institution

   TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. Confirm that your score date allows validity through the application deadline AND the programme start date. Some programmes start in January or February, which can affect validity calculations.

What to Do If Your Score Is Below the Minimum

If your TOEFL score is below the stated minimum, you have several options. Do not simply abandon your application — many students successfully navigate this situation.

Option 1: Retake the TOEFL

The most straightforward path is to retake the exam. ETS allows retakes every 3 days (up to 5 times in 12 months). If your target application deadline allows time for another sitting, plan and prepare specifically for the sections where you fall short of minimums.

Option 2: Apply and explain your situation

For borderline scores (1–5 points below minimum), some programmes allow you to submit an application with a note explaining that you are retaking or that your score is pending. Contact the admissions office first to confirm whether this is allowed and whether a conditional offer is possible.

Option 3: Pre-sessional language programme

Many UK, Australian, and Canadian universities offer pre-sessional English programmes for students who narrowly miss the language requirement. Successfully completing a pre-sessional course satisfies the language requirement and allows conditional admission. Check whether your target university offers this pathway.

Option 4: Conditional offer

Some universities issue conditional offers — admission that is contingent on achieving the required TOEFL score before the programme start date. This is more common at undergraduate level and at some Australian and UK institutions. Ask the admissions office directly whether conditional offers are available.

Option 5: Submit IELTS instead

If your IELTS score meets the equivalent requirement (roughly: IELTS 7.0 ≈ TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5 ≈ TOEFL 110), nearly all universities that accept TOEFL also accept IELTS. Submit your stronger score.

Score Choice Strategy: Which Score to Submit

ETS's MyBest Scores feature automatically combines your highest section scores across all test dates and sends this "super score" to institutions. You can also send individual test dates. Here is how to think about your score submission strategy:

MyBest Scores vs. single test date

• MyBest Scores is the default: ETS automatically sends a MyBest Score report alongside individual test date scores. Most universities accept MyBest Scores for the overall minimum check.
• Section minimums may require a single date: A few programmes require section minimums to be met from a single test date (not the MyBest combination). Always verify whether this restriction applies.
• Send your strongest single date: Even when MyBest is accepted, some admissions officers also look at individual test dates. If your strongest single sitting is close to or above the minimum, it reinforces your MyBest score.

When to send multiple test dates

• Send all relevant sittings if they are all above the minimum and show improvement — this is a positive signal
• Avoid sending test dates where your score was significantly below the minimum for no apparent reason
• There is no universally right answer — when in doubt, send your best single sitting and the MyBest

Score sending costs

On test day, you can send to up to 4 institutions for free. Additional score reports cost $20 each (as of 2026). Send scores to your target universities on test day to avoid this cost.

Exemptions and English Waivers

Most universities allow applicants to waive the TOEFL requirement under specific conditions. The most common waivers:

• Degree from English-medium institution: If your prior degree was from a university where English was the primary language of instruction for 2+ years, many schools waive TOEFL
• US permanent resident or citizen: Some programs waive TOEFL for US green card holders
• Native-English-speaking country: Applicants from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and some Caribbean nations are often automatically exempt
• IELTS alternative: Almost all schools that require TOEFL also accept IELTS Academic as an alternative (and vice versa)
• Other accepted tests: Many now accept Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2 Advanced

Application Tips

1. Find your target, not just the minimum

Identify the minimum for each target university, then add 10–15 points for a competitive score. If Harvard requires 100, aim for 110+ to ensure your TOEFL score is never a weakness in your application.

2. Check your weakest section

If a program has a Speaking minimum of 22 and your mock Speaking score is 19, that section requires focused work — even if your total score is already above the overall minimum.

3. Plan your test date around deadlines

ETS takes 4–8 business days to release official scores. Most universities require scores to be received (not just taken) before the application deadline. Plan to test at least 3 weeks before your earliest deadline.

4. TA funding and section minimums

Many PhD programmes offer Teaching Assistant funding that requires a Speaking section score of 26+ (TOEFL Speaking 26 ≈ "Good" level). Even if your programme admission requires only 100 total, a low Speaking score may disqualify you from TA funding. Verify TA-specific requirements separately.