TOEFL Minimum Score

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A minimum TOEFL score of 72 to 100 is required for general admission purposes, while top-ranked institutions and competitive programs often set the bar at 100 or above. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of TOEFL minimum score requirements across major study destinations, programs, and sections.

Minimum TOEFL Score for UK

UK universities generally require a TOEFL iBT score between 72 and 100, depending on the institution and level of study. Competitive universities such as Oxford and Cambridge often require 100 or higher, with specific minimums for individual sections like Writing and Speaking.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Undergraduate degree72 – 90
Postgraduate degree90 – 100
Pre-Master's / Foundation60 – 72

Minimum TOEFL Score for USA

Most US universities accept a TOEFL iBT score of 80 to 100 for undergraduate and postgraduate admission. Ivy League schools and top-ranked programs typically require 100 or above. Many institutions also accept IELTS and Duolingo English Test as alternatives.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Undergraduate degree80 – 90
Postgraduate degree90 – 100
MBA100
Medicine / Law / Nursing100 – 110
Pre-Master's / Pathway courses72 – 80

Minimum TOEFL Score for Canada

Canada accepts TOEFL scores for both study and immigration pathways. A higher TOEFL score can strengthen Express Entry applications by increasing CRS points. Canadian universities commonly require scores between 83 and 100 depending on the course.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Diploma / Pathway courses60 – 72
Undergraduate degree83 – 90
Postgraduate degree88 – 100

Minimum TOEFL Score for Australia

Australian universities and skilled migration programs widely accept TOEFL iBT scores. Higher scores, especially 90 and above, can improve points for PR applications. Most institutions require a minimum of 79 for undergraduate and 88 for postgraduate programs.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Undergraduate degree79 – 90
Postgraduate degree88 – 100
Diploma / Foundation courses60 – 72

Minimum TOEFL Score for Ireland

Ireland usually requires a TOEFL iBT score between 79 and 93 for international students, depending on the course and institution. Strong English scores also help with post-study work opportunities in the country.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Undergraduate degree79
Postgraduate degree88 – 93
Foundation courses55 – 65

Minimum TOEFL Score for New Zealand

New Zealand generally asks for TOEFL iBT scores between 79 and 90 for study and migration purposes. Postgraduate programs and skilled migrant pathways often require stricter per-section scores.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Undergraduate degree79
Postgraduate degree90
Diploma / Polytechnic72 – 79
Pre-Master's / Pathway courses72
Skilled Migrant / Residence Visa90

Minimum TOEFL Score for Europe

European countries such as Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and France usually require TOEFL iBT scores between 80 and 100 for English-taught programs. Work visa requirements vary by country and employer.

Level of StudyMinimum TOEFL iBT Score
Undergraduate degree (Germany)80 – 90
Postgraduate degree (Germany)90 – 100
Undergraduate degree (Netherlands)80 – 90
Postgraduate degree (Netherlands)90 – 100
Undergraduate degree (France)79 – 85
Undergraduate degree (Sweden / Denmark)79 – 90
Pre-Master's / Pathway courses65 – 75

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum TOEFL score required for university admission?

Most universities worldwide require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 72 to 80 for general undergraduate admission. However, this varies by institution and program. Postgraduate and professional programs often require a score of 90 or above. Always check the specific requirements of the university and department you are applying to.

A TOEFL score of 80 meets the minimum requirement for many US universities, especially for undergraduate programs. However, for competitive institutions and specialized programs such as Medicine, Law, or MBA, a score of 100 or higher is often expected. To strengthen your application, aiming for a score above 90 is advisable.

For most Canadian universities, a TOEFL iBT score between 83 and 100 is considered good. Undergraduate programs typically require a minimum of 83, while postgraduate programs may ask for 88 to 100. A higher score can also be beneficial for Express Entry immigration pathways, as it contributes to CRS points.

Not all universities enforce section-wise minimums, but many do. For example, some institutions require at least 17 to 24 in each section — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Even if a university only specifies an overall minimum, scoring consistently across all sections improves your academic preparation and application strength.

Australian universities generally require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 to 90, depending on the institution and course level. Some universities may also specify per-section minimums. For skilled migration and PR applications, higher TOEFL scores can provide additional points in the relevant points-based systems.

Yes, it is possible in some cases. Many universities offer foundation courses, pathway programs, and diploma pathways that accept lower TOEFL scores, sometimes as low as 55 to 72. These preparatory programs are designed to help you improve your English proficiency before enrolling in a full degree program.

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