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TOEFL Exam Eligibility: All You Need to Know

Home / Exams Test / TOEFL / TOEFL Eligibility

TOEFL Exam Eligibility:
All You Need to Know

Eligibility of TOEFL Exam

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a widely recognized English proficiency test required by many institutions worldwide for non-native speakers. It is essential to understand its eligibility criteria before you begin your preparation. This guide will cover everything you need to know about TOEFL eligibility, from age and education qualifications to minimum score requirements and eligibility for top universities.

TOEFL is a standardized test conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is used primarily for admissions into English-speaking universities and colleges. Whether you are applying for undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs, knowing the eligibility criteria for TOEFL is crucial for a smooth application process.

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TOEFL exam eligibility criteria

The TOEFL exam has a few general criteria set by ETS, including age, educational qualifications, necessary documents, and specific score requirements. There are minimal restrictions on who can take the exam, making it accessible for most students and professionals. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for the TOEFL exam:

Educational qualification:
- To appear for the TOEFL, candidates must have passed their 10+2 examination from any recognized Indian board or university. This ensures that they have a basic level of English proficiency necessary for the test.
- Students who are currently in a higher class, such as those in their final year of school or university, can also take the TOEFL exam to obtain their scores for future applications.
Exemptions from TOEFL requirement:
Many universities and institutions waive the TOEFL score requirement for certain categories of international applicants. These exceptions typically include:
- Non-native English speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Candidates who have completed at least a two-year course of study where English was the primary medium of instruction.
- Students who have transferred from institutions in the USA or Canada to other programs within these countries are usually exempt from providing TOEFL scores.
- Applicants who have taken the TOEFL test within the last two years and meet the required scores for their desired program.
Document requirements:
To register and appear for the TOEFL exam, the following documents are essential:
- Valid passport: This must contain your full name, photograph, and signature. It is required for both registration and on the day of the test.
- ETS confirmation email: A printed copy of the registration confirmation email sent by ETS is required for verification at the test center.
Additional requirements:
- Photo requirements: A recent passport-sized photograph may be required during registration, depending on your test location.
- Eligibility for retakes: Candidates can retake the TOEFL exam multiple times but must maintain a 12-day gap between attempts.
TOEFL eligibility for special cases:
- Non-native speakers who have pursued academic work at English-speaking institutions are often required to submit TOEFL scores if they have not completed a full degree in an English-speaking country.
- Candidates who have studied in a country where English is not the primary language may need to take the TOEFL even if their medium of instruction was English.

Minimum TOEFL score requirements

The minimum TOEFL score requirements vary depending on the type of program and institution you are applying to. These general benchmarks give an idea of the scores typically needed to meet the eligibility criteria for different academic levels.

Program type	Minimum TOEFL iBT score	Details
Undergraduate programs	70-80	Generally required for admission to bachelor’s degree programs. Higher scores may be needed for competitive courses
Graduate programs	80-100	Required for master’s and doctoral programs. More prestigious universities may require scores above 100
Doctoral programs	90-110	Advanced research degrees often have higher language proficiency requirements
Business programs (MBA)	100+	Business schools may demand higher scores due to the intensive nature of the coursework and communication skills required
Law and Medical programs	100-110	Professional programs such as law (JD/LLM) and medicine (MD/PhD) often have stringent language requirements
Foundation or Pathway programs	55-70	For students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, pathway programs offer a way to bridge the gap in language proficiency

Please note: The minimum TOEFL score requirements mentioned in the table are general benchmarks and may vary based on the specific program and institution you are applying to. Always check the official website of the institution you are interested in for the most accurate and updated TOEFL score requirements, as they may differ from the information provided here.

Key points to consider

Competitive programs require higher scores: Programs in fields such as law, business administration, and medicine usually have higher TOEFL requirements due to the complexity of the coursework and the level of communication skills needed.
English proficiency for professional and research degrees: For doctoral and research-intensive programs, institutions often require scores above 100 to ensure that candidates have the necessary language proficiency to engage in academic discussions, write research papers, and present their work effectively.
Foundation or pathway programs: These are designed for students who need to improve their English proficiency before entering a full degree program. The TOEFL score requirements for these programs are usually lower, around 55-70.
Institution-specific requirements: Some institutions may set their own TOEFL score thresholds based on their academic standards. Always check the specific requirements of the university or college you are applying to.

Eligibility for top universities

The minimum TOEFL score required for university admissions varies based on the country and the institution. Below is a table listing the minimum TOEFL scores for top universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany.

Country	University	Minimum TOEFL iBT Score	Details
USA	Harvard University	105	Required for both undergraduate and graduate programs
	Stanford University	100	Minimum score for most programs
	MIT	90	Required for undergraduate programs
	University of California, Berkeley	90-120	Depends on the program and department
	Yale University	100	Standard requirement for most programs
UK	University of Oxford	100-110	Higher scores may be required for competitive courses
	University of Cambridge	100	Required for undergraduate and graduate admissions
	Imperial College London	100	Minimum score for most programs
	King’s College London	100	Common requirement for arts and humanities courses
	University College London	79	Lower minimum for select programs
Canada	University of Toronto	89	Minimum score for undergraduate and graduate programs
	McGill University	100	Required for competitive graduate programs
	University of British Columbia	90	Standard requirement for most programs
	McMaster University	92	Minimum score required for graduate programs
	University of Alberta	100	Required for competitive programs
Germany	LMU Munich	80	Required for admission to most programs
	Technical University of Munich	88	Standard score requirement for technical programs
	Heidelberg University	79	Minimum score for undergraduate programs
	RWTH Aachen	95	Required for most engineering programs
	University of Freiburg	100	High score required for competitive courses

Please note: These scores may also vary depending on the program of study. For instance, humanities and arts programs often have higher score requirements than science and engineering programs.

Eligible countries

The TOEFL iBT test is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions in 160+ countries, with testing available in more than 200 countries and territories. Here is a table listing some of the key countries where the TOEFL iBT test is recognized and available:

Region	Countries
North America	United States, Canada, Mexico
Europe	United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Austria, Poland
Asia	China, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
Middle East	United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman
Oceania	Australia, New Zealand, Fiji
Africa	South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
South America	Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Uruguay
Central America & Caribbean	Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago

Conclusion

Understanding the eligibility criteria for TOEFL is essential for a successful application to your desired institution. Whether you are just starting your academic journey or aiming to enhance your career prospects, TOEFL is a key requirement for studying abroad in English-speaking countries. MSM Unify has already helped over 1,86,000 students achieve their overseas education dreams. With 50,000+ programs and 1500+ campuses in 21 destinations, MSM Unify can help you navigate your TOEFL journey and find the perfect academic fit for you.

For more personalized guidance, connect with MSM Unify’s expert consultants and make your dream of studying abroad a reality!

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MSM Unify can help you achieve your desired scores through access to preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance.

So, connect with these experts to embark on your comprehensive test preparation journey soon!

MSM Unify can help you achieve your desired scores through access to preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance.

So, connect with these experts to embark on your comprehensive test preparation journey soon!

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

Q. What is the minimum age to take the TOEFL?

There is no minimum age requirement, but it is recommended for individuals above 16 years.

Q. Is there any educational qualification required for TOEFL?

No specific educational qualification is needed, but test-takers are usually high school graduates or equivalent.

Q. Can I take TOEFL if I am still in high school?

Yes, many students take the TOEFL during their high school years to apply for undergraduate programs abroad.

Q. How often can I retake the TOEFL exam?

You can retake the TOEFL exam as many times as you wish, but there must be a 12-day gap between attempts.

Q. What is the validity of the TOEFL score?

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Q. What is the registration fee for TOEFL?

The TOEFL registration fee varies by country. In India, it is approximately USD 205.

Q. Is TOEFL accepted for visa applications in Australia?

As of now, TOEFL iBT is not accepted for visa applications in Australia, but it is still valid for university admissions.

Q. What documents are required for TOEFL registration?

You need a valid passport as your primary ID for registration and test day.

Q. How can MSM Unify help with my TOEFL preparation?

MSM Unify offers comprehensive guidance on choosing the right institution, study destination, and program based on your TOEFL scores and educational goals.

Q. Can TOEFL scores be used for scholarships?

Yes, many institutions offer scholarships based on high TOEFL scores along with other academic achievements.

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July Intake in Australia 2025: Everything You Need to Know

MSM Unify’s $20 Million Investment Plan: Empowering Indian Students with Global Education

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: All You Need to Know

Eligibility of TOEFL Exam

TOEFL exam eligibility criteria

Educational qualification:

Exemptions from TOEFL requirement:

Document requirements:

Additional requirements:

TOEFL eligibility for special cases:

Minimum TOEFL score requirements

Key points to consider

Eligibility for top universities

Eligible countries

Conclusion

TOEFL all pages...

Interested in studying abroad?

MSM Unify can help you achieve your desired scores through access to preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance.

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

Q. What is the minimum age to take the TOEFL?

Q. Is there any educational qualification required for TOEFL?

Q. Can I take TOEFL if I am still in high school?

Q. How often can I retake the TOEFL exam?

Q. What is the validity of the TOEFL score?

Q. What is the registration fee for TOEFL?

Q. Is TOEFL accepted for visa applications in Australia?

Q. What documents are required for TOEFL registration?

Q. How can MSM Unify help with my TOEFL preparation?

Q. Can TOEFL scores be used for scholarships?

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