Is TOEFL accepted in Canada? Yes. According to ETS, the conducting body of TOEFL, the test is accepted by 100% of Canadian universities and colleges as proof of English language proficiency for international students. The TOEFL iBT score requirements vary by level of study and institution. Most undergraduate programs accept a minimum score of 80-90, while postgraduate programs generally require 90-100. Competitive programs such as MBA, law, or engineering may ask for scores above 100, along with minimum sectional scores.
For a Canadian student visa, English language tests are accepted indirectly through the letter of acceptance issued by the university. This means that if a university accepts TOEFL iBT, the score can be used for a student visa application. However, TOEFL iBT is NOT accepted for permanent residence (PR) applications in Canada. Although TOEFL Essentials was approved last year, it has not been implemented yet.
This article explains TOEFL score requirements in Canada, lists universities that accept TOEFL, compares TOEFL with other English tests such as IELTS and PTE, and outlines alternative options for students who do not have a TOEFL score.
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TOEFL Accepted Universities in Canada 2026
As per ETS, the conducting body of TOEFL, the test is accepted by 100% canadian universities and colleges. The minimum scores required for admission to top universities in Canada are mentioned below.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 | Minimum Score for PG | Minimum Score for UG |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | #=29 | 4.5 overall, Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.0 | 4.5 overall, Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.0 |
| University of British Columbia | #=40 | 90 overall, 22 each in Listening and Reading, 21 each in Writing and Speaking | 4.5 overall, Reading 4.5, Listening 5, Writing 4.5, Speaking 4 |
| McGill University | #=27 | 86 overall, 20 in each skill | 100 overall for MBA, 90 overall, with 21 in each skill for other programs |
| University of Alberta | #=94 | 90 overall, 21 in each skill | 90 overall, 21 in each skill |
| University of Waterloo | #=119 | 90 overall, 25 each in Writing and Speaking | 90 overall, 25 each in Writing and Speaking |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | #=711-720 | 100 overall for MBA, 93 overall for Engineering | 92 overall for BS Computer Science, 86 overall for other programs |
Note:
- The scores given below are in both the old 0-120 and the new 1-6 bands of the TOEFL iBT. Check the updates here.
- These are only the general requirements; scores may vary from program to program. Check specific program requirements on the university’s international admissions page.
Check a comprehensive list of TOEFL-accepting universities in Canada here.
Do universities in Canada have a preference for the TOEFL iBT?
Though ETS mentions that around 80% of the 44 graduate admission officers it surveyed have a preference for the TOEFL iBT, universities accept all the tests listed in their requirements. This means that if a test is listed, it will be accepted and your application will be considered, provided you meet the minimum score requirements for that test.
TOEFL Score for Canadian Student Visa in 2026
You do not require a separate English language test for a Canadian student visa. The letter of acceptance (LOA) from your university will be sufficient for student visa applications.
Will taking the TOEFL Home Edition affect my Canadian student visa application?
No. Visa officers do not differentiate between test-center and Home Edition scores as long as the university accepts them and the test result is valid.
TOEFL Score for Canada PR
TOEFL iBT is NOT accepted for Canada PR. The Canadian immigration authority approved the TOEFL Essentials last year, but it is not yet active. The IRCC is still finalising CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) conversion tables and system integration, and no launch date has been announced.
The table below lists the currently accepted English tests for Canada PR.
| Test | Version Required | Availability in India | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | General Training only | Very high | Most popular choice |
| PTE | PTE Core only | High and growing | Fully computer-based |
| CELPIP | General only | Limited centers | Mostly taken in Canada |
| TOEFL | Essentials only | Growing | Approved but not active yet |
Check PR Friendly Courses in Canada for International Students
Ques. Will IRCC accept old TOEFL Essentials scores once activation begins?
Ans. Most likely not. IRCC typically requires language test results to be taken after the test becomes officially active, so earlier scores may not qualify.
Ques. If TOEFL Essentials becomes active, will it be equivalent to IELTS General?
Ans. Yes, once launched, it will be treated as an approved English test. However, scoring and CLB mappings may differ, so exact score requirements will vary.
TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better for Canada?
As an Indian student aiming to move to Canada, choosing between TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE depends on your strengths, test preferences, target universities, and visa needs. All three cost the same (INR 18,000) and are widely accepted for Canadian university admissions and study permits, but they differ in format, scoring, speed, and slight preferences. Here’s a comparison:
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Acceptance in Canada | Accepted by virtually all (often preferred or most common) | Accepted by virtually all (100% per ETS; strong for top unis like Toronto, UBC, McGill) | Accepted by many (growing fast; 3,500+ globally, including many Canadian institutions) |
| Perceived Difficulty for Indian Students | Speaking feels natural (human examiner); accents familiar; paper option available | Academic-focused content; note-taking heavy; computer speaking can feel less personal | AI scoring is strict on pronunciation, neutral accents, templates help inspeaking and writing |
| Best For | Comfort with human interaction, traditional format | Academic English style also applies to US universities | Fast results, fully digital, if good at typing and computer tests |
Can You Study in Canada Without TOEFL?
Yes, Indian students can study in Canada without TOEFL in many cases, depending on the university and program.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) waiver: If your previous education was in English, many universities waive TOEFL/IELTS/PTE with an official MOI certificate. Examples include the University of Winnipeg, Concordia University, and Brock University, among others.
- Alternative English tests: Universities may accept tests like the Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic, or the CAEL (less common).
- Conditional admission or pathway programs: If you don’t meet English requirements, you may start with an English pathway course and join the degree later.
- Visa acceptance through the Letter of Acceptance: If the university accepts your English proof and issues an offer letter, it is generally accepted for the study permit.
Note: The applications for English test waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Mere submission of a request does not guarantee a waiver.
Tips for Indian Students
If you're planning to study in Canada, the TOEFL iBT is still a safe and accepted choice for university admissions and student visa applications. However, if you are aiming for permanent residency in the future, consider the following strategy:
- Studying in Canada (now): Take the TOEFL iBT without any concerns, as it is widely accepted for university admissions and study permits.
- Planning for Permanent Residency: If you are already considering Canada PR, it’s best to take the IELTS General Training or PTE Core tests now, as these are guaranteed to be accepted for PR applications.
- Prefer TOEFL for PR: If you prefer to stick with the TOEFL brand for PR purposes, keep an eye on IRCC updates. There may be a possibility to use TOEFL Essentials for PR in 2026 once the IRCC system is fully integrated.
The rules around TOEFL and Canadian immigration are evolving, but for now, the TOEFL iBT is a solid choice for university admissions and study permit applications. If permanent residency is your goal, IELTS or PTE are currently the best options, but stay updated on future changes, particularly regarding TOEFL Essentials.
FAQs
Ques. Is TOEFL easier or harder than IELTS for Canadian purposes?
Ans. Neither test is officially easier, but many students find the TOEFL more comfortable because it is fully computer-based. IELTS may feel more challenging for those who prefer digital speaking tasks over face-to-face interviews.
Ques. Does Canada prefer one English test over another for students or immigrants?
Ans. For study permits, Canada has no preference; universities decide. For PR, IRCC only accepts specific tests like IELTS General Training or PTE Core, but this is due to standardized CLB mapping rather than preference.
Ques. How long are TOEFL scores valid when applying to Canada?
Ans. TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years for both university admissions and visa use. If your score expires during the admission cycle, you may be asked to retake the test.
Ques. Can I use the same TOEFL score for both my university application and visa application?
Ans. Yes, as long as the score is valid and accepted by your institution. Most students use the same score report for both steps without any issues.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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