TOEFL iBT Score Requirements Calculator
Check if your score meets university requirements in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Section Scores (optional but recommended)
Your Result
Your Score
80
out of 120
Section Score Check
TOEFL iBT Score Requirements by University: What You Actually Need to Know
Every year, thousands of students submit TOEFL scores to universities abroad without really knowing if their number is enough. They guess, they hope, and then they get a rejection email two months later that mentions “English proficiency requirements not met.” This tool exists to stop that from happening.
The TOEFL iBT is scored out of 120. That total is split across four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each scored out of 30. Universities set a minimum total score and, increasingly, minimum section scores too. Missing a section cutoff can get your application rejected even if your total looks fine.
Quick formula:
Total TOEFL Score = Reading + Listening + Speaking + Writing (max 120)
Each section is scored 0 to 30. The total is a straight sum, not an average.
How This Calculator Works
You enter your TOEFL total score and optionally your four section scores. You then pick your target country, university tier, and program level. The calculator compares your scores against the typical published minimums for that combination and tells you plainly whether you qualify, fall short, or have enough to be comfortable.
The requirements in this tool are based on published institutional data compiled from official university admissions pages and ETS guidance. They represent typical ranges, not every individual university’s exact policy. Always verify the precise requirement on the admissions page of the specific school you are applying to.
TOEFL Requirements by Country
United States
US universities are the most varied. Community colleges and smaller state schools sometimes accept scores as low as 61. Mid-tier universities typically set the bar at 79 to 80. If you are targeting a research university or a competitive program, 100 or above is standard. For MBA and law programs at elite schools, some set the requirement at 110.
Section minimums vary by department. Engineering and science programs often require 18 to 20 in Writing. Business schools frequently demand at least 22 in Speaking. If you apply to a large state university and only have a 78 total, you may be required to take remedial English courses even after acceptance.
United Kingdom
UK universities mostly require TOEFL iBT scores between 87 and 100. The Russell Group universities (including Oxford and Cambridge) typically require 100 or above, with many departments setting individual section minimums of 22 to 25. Mid-range UK universities generally accept 87 with section minimums around 20. Some foundation and pre-sessional pathways have lower entry thresholds of 72 to 75.
Canada
Canadian university requirements are similar to US ones. Major research universities like University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill typically require 93 to 100. Some programs go higher, up to 105 for medicine or law. French-English bilingual institutions like University of Ottawa often accept 86 to 90. Colleges and polytechnics frequently set lower thresholds of 78 to 83.
Australia
Australian universities tend to require 79 to 94. The Group of Eight universities (including University of Melbourne, ANU, and University of Sydney) generally require 90 to 94. Most standard programs at other universities accept 79 to 90, with section score minimums of 18 to 20 across the board. Health and nursing programs frequently require higher Writing scores, commonly 24 or above.
New Zealand
New Zealand follows similar patterns to Australia. The University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington typically require 90 minimum for most undergraduate programs. Postgraduate programs often require 93 to 96. Section minimums are commonly 20 to 23 across all four skills.
Ireland
Irish universities generally require 90 to 100 for undergraduate and postgraduate admission. Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin usually set requirements at 92 to 100 depending on the faculty. Business and law programs at top Irish universities frequently set requirements at 100 and above.
Quick Reference: Typical TOEFL Score Requirements by Tier
| Country | Top-Ranked (UG) | Mid-Range (UG) | Standard (UG) | Top-Ranked (PG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 100+ | 80 to 95 | 61 to 79 | 100 to 110 |
| UK | 100+ | 87 to 95 | 72 to 86 | 100 to 110 |
| Canada | 93 to 100 | 83 to 93 | 78 to 83 | 93 to 105 |
| Australia | 90 to 94 | 82 to 90 | 79 to 82 | 90 to 100 |
| New Zealand | 90 to 96 | 83 to 90 | 79 to 83 | 93 to 96 |
| Ireland | 92 to 100 | 87 to 92 | 79 to 87 | 92 to 100 |
Section Scores: The Part Most Students Miss
A total score of 100 means nothing if your Speaking score is 14. Most top universities publish both a total minimum and per-section minimums. The section most commonly used to screen out applicants is Speaking, followed by Writing. Reading and Listening are generally easier for most test-takers, but some UK universities set surprisingly high Listening minimums for certain STEM programs.
Common mistake:
Checking only the total score requirement and ignoring section minimums. This is the single most common reason for English proficiency rejections on otherwise strong applications.
TOEFL vs IELTS: How Scores Compare
If you are also considering IELTS, here is a rough equivalence map based on ETS and British Council published comparison data.
| TOEFL iBT | IELTS Band | General Level |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 9.0 | Expert |
| 110 to 119 | 8.0 to 8.5 | Very Advanced |
| 100 to 109 | 7.0 to 7.5 | Advanced |
| 87 to 99 | 6.5 | Upper Intermediate |
| 79 to 86 | 6.0 | Intermediate-Advanced |
| 60 to 78 | 5.0 to 5.5 | Intermediate |
What If Your Score Falls Short?
First, check whether your target university offers a pre-sessional English program or a conditional offer route. Many universities in the UK, Australia, and Canada will admit you conditionally, meaning you study intensive English first and then progress into your degree if you hit the required level at the end. This is a legitimate path and is widely used.
Practical tip:
TOEFL scores are valid for two years. If you have already taken the test once and fell short, ETS allows you to retake as early as three days after your previous test. Targeted section practice often produces faster improvement than general study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 90 a good TOEFL score?
Yes, for most universities. A score of 90 meets the requirements at the majority of mid-range and standard universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and Ireland. For top-ranked programs and research universities in the USA and UK, you would generally need 100 or above to be comfortable.
Can I apply to US universities with a TOEFL score of 79?
Yes, but your options narrow significantly. A score of 79 is enough for many community colleges, state colleges, and some regional universities. It falls short for most major research universities. If your score is at 79, look at applying to schools whose stated minimum is 79 or below, or consider retesting to push toward 90 before your next application cycle.
Do all programs at a university have the same TOEFL requirement?
Not always. The overall university may publish one number, but individual departments, especially medicine, law, education, and nursing, often set higher minimums. Always check at the department or program level, not just the university homepage.
How much can I improve my TOEFL score by retaking?
Most test-takers who prepare specifically for their weak sections see an improvement of 5 to 15 points on a retake. Improvements above 15 points typically require a longer preparation period of two months or more. If you are only 5 to 8 points away from your target, focused section practice plus one retake is usually enough.
What is MyBest score and do universities accept it?
MyBest Score is ETS’s system that combines your highest section scores across all valid TOEFL iBT test dates. Acceptance of MyBest scores varies. Most US universities now accept it. Many UK, Australian, and Canadian universities still require all scores to come from a single test sitting. Always verify before submitting.
Is TOEFL accepted everywhere IELTS is?
Almost everywhere. The vast majority of universities in English-speaking countries accept both. There are a small number of exceptions, particularly some UK visa-related requirements where only UK Visas and Immigration-approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) are accepted. For university admission purposes, TOEFL iBT is widely accepted globally.
