TOEFL iBT Score Requirements

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, commonly referred to as TOEFL, is one of the most widely recognized and accepted English language proficiency tests for non-native speakers seeking admission to universities in English-speaking countries. Many universities in the United States and Canada require international students to submit their TOEFL iBT scores as part of their application process. The test evaluates four key language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each university sets its own minimum score requirement, based on its specific standards and expectations for English proficiency. These requirements ensure that students can fully engage with academic programs, communicate effectively, and participate in coursework in English.

In the United States and Canada, numerous top-ranked universities accept TOEFL iBT scores as a key component of their admissions processes. These institutions place great emphasis on the test as it provides evidence of a student's ability to meet the academic challenges of university-level coursework in English. Various universities have established different minimum score requirements, with the goal of ensuring that admitted students possess the necessary proficiency to successfully integrate into an English-speaking academic environment.

Arizona State University is one of the prominent institutions in the United States that recognizes TOEFL iBT scores for admission. The minimum score requirement for Arizona State University is 83, which demonstrates the institution’s commitment to admitting students with a solid command of English. The score reflects Arizona State University’s dedication to ensuring that all students can meet the expectations of their academic programs, from undergraduate to graduate studies. As one of the largest public research universities in the U.S., Arizona State University offers a wide range of programs across disciplines, and its score requirements highlight its rigorous academic standards and high expectations for language proficiency.

Similarly, Auburn University, another highly respected university in the United States, has established its own minimum TOEFL iBT score requirements. For admission to Auburn University, students are required to achieve a total score of 80. However, there are additional conditions for the four sections of the test, as students must achieve a minimum of 20 in each of the four key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This breakdown ensures that prospective students demonstrate balanced language abilities across all four skills. Auburn University’s approach reflects the importance of comprehensive English proficiency for academic success and student engagement in various academic activities.

In Canada, Dalhousie University stands out as one of the most prominent institutions that require TOEFL iBT scores as part of its admission process. The minimum total score for Dalhousie University is 92. This score requirement demonstrates the institution’s high academic standards and its expectations for students to possess strong English language abilities. Dalhousie University is known for offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in diverse academic fields, and its TOEFL requirements ensure that students can manage the demands of their academic coursework while effectively navigating daily communication in English.

Duke University, another prestigious U.S.-based institution, has established its own unique TOEFL score requirements. The minimum total score for Duke University is 83, and the university has specified further sectional breakdowns for the test. Applicants must score at least 21 in reading, 20 in listening, 22 in speaking, and 20 in writing. This detailed score requirement demonstrates Duke University's commitment to admitting students with balanced English language skills across the four sections of the test. As one of the most competitive and selective universities in the United States, Duke University relies on TOEFL scores to assess the overall English proficiency of applicants and ensure that they are prepared for the challenges of the university’s rigorous academic environment.

East Carolina University, located in Greenville, North Carolina, is another U.S.-based institution with a minimum TOEFL iBT score requirement of 80. Like Auburn University, East Carolina University sets the additional condition that students must achieve a minimum of 20 in each section of the test: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This requirement ensures that students can engage in a wide range of academic activities and assignments while maintaining strong communication and language skills. East Carolina University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and by implementing these standards, the institution ensures that all admitted students can thrive in their chosen academic path.

Lakehead University, a well-known Canadian institution, has a minimum TOEFL iBT score requirement of 80 for international applicants. This score requirement reflects Lakehead University’s commitment to providing an accessible and supportive learning environment for international students. While the score is modest compared to other institutions, it demonstrates the university’s focus on admitting students with the necessary English language skills to ensure their academic success. Lakehead University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its admissions standards are designed to support students’ ability to integrate into university life in Canada.

McGill University is another leading Canadian institution that requires international applicants to submit their TOEFL iBT scores. McGill University has set its minimum total score at 86, with a minimum of 20 in each section of the test. This requirement ensures that students demonstrate balanced language proficiency across reading, listening, speaking, and writing, allowing them to perform well in their academic studies. McGill University is one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized universities in Canada, known for its outstanding academic programs and research opportunities. The TOEFL score requirement is a reflection of the institution’s high academic standards and commitment to ensuring that students are prepared for university-level coursework.

Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, Michigan, also has its own TOEFL iBT score requirement. The minimum score for admission to Michigan State University is 80. This requirement demonstrates the university’s belief that students with a score of 80 or higher will be able to successfully navigate the challenges of coursework, research, and collaboration in an English-speaking academic environment. Michigan State University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines ranging from education to the sciences, and its admissions standards ensure that prospective students are equipped with the language skills necessary to excel.

The varying TOEFL iBT score requirements among these institutions highlight the diversity of both the United States and Canada’s higher education systems. While some institutions, such as Dalhousie University and McGill University, have slightly higher score requirements due to their competitive academic programs, others such as Lakehead University and East Carolina University have lower score requirements while still ensuring students demonstrate sufficient language proficiency. These requirements demonstrate that while TOEFL iBT scores are a universal assessment of English proficiency, universities tailor their expectations to match their individual academic programs and student support services.

The minimum TOEFL iBT score requirement for some of the top universities in the US and Canada:

Arizona State University - 83

Auburn University - Total Score: 80 (with a minimum of 20 for each section: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing)

Dalhousie University - 92

Duke University - Total Score: 83 (Reading: 21, Listening: 20, Speaking: 22, Writing: 20)

East Carolina University - Total Score: 80, with a minimum of 20 for each section.

Lakehead University - 80

McGill University - Total Score: 86, with a minimum of 20 for each section.

Michigan State University - 80

Middle Tennessee State University - 71

New York Institute of Technology - 79

Northern Arizona University - 80

Northwestern State University - Total Score: 61, with a minimum of 20 for Speaking and Writing.

Pennsylvania State University - Total Score: 80, with a minimum of 23 for Speaking.

Purdue University - Total Score: 77 (Reading: 19, Listening: 14, Speaking and Writing: 18).

Ohio State University - 79

Oregon State - Total Score: 80, with a minimum of 18 for each section.

Queen’s University - Total Score: 88 (Reading and Speaking: 22, Listening: 20, Writing: 24).

Quinnipiac University - 90

Simon Fraser University - Total Score: 88, with a minimum required score of 20 for each section.

University of Arkansas - 80

University of Buffalo (SUNY) - Total Score: 96, with a minimum of 24 for Speaking.

University of California Berkeley -  Total Score: 68 (Reading and Speaking: 17, Listening: 16, Writing: 18).

University of Denver - 80

University of Lethbridge - 93

University of Missouri - Rolla - 80

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - 79

University of Texas at Austin - Minimum Required Total Score: 79, with a preferred score of 21 for each section.

University of Texas - San Antonio - 100

University of Toronto - Total Score: 93, with a minimum of 22 for Writing and for Speaking.

University of Virginia - Total Score: 90 (Reading & Listening: 23, Speaking & Writing: 22).

TOEFL Requirements for some of the leading UK Schools:

Ashridge Business School - minimum 100 in TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) format.

Birmingham Business School - TOEFL 580 (paper), 237 (computer), 92 (internet).

University of Cambridge, Judge Business School - 100 with min 25 in Writing section.

Cranfield School of Management - 100

University of Oxford Saïd Business School - 109

Warwick Business School - 105