US Universities accepting TOEFL scores require different minimum score thresholds depending on the institution, degree level, and program. For the latest admission cycle, many universities accept TOEFL iBT scores ranging from 79 to 90 (4-4.5 in the new scale), while highly selective institutions (MIT, Yale, Columbia) often expect scores of 100 or above (above 5 in the new scale). In addition to university-specific requirements, applicants should also be aware of section-wise score criteria that may apply to programs such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Teaching Assistantships.
- Important Changes to TOEFL in 2026
- Minimum TOEFL Scores for Popular US Universities 2026
4.1 TOEFL Scores for Ivy League and Top Private US Universities 2026
4.2 TOEFL Scores for Top Public Universities in the US 2026
4.3 TOEFL Scores for Affordable and Mid-Level US Universities 2026
- How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities in 2026?
- Tips for Indian Students
- FAQs
Important Changes to TOEFL Scores in 2026
The TOEFL iBT test underwent changes in its scoring system. The tests taken after January 21, 2026, will provide you with two scores:
- One within the 0-120 range
- Second, within a band score range of 1-6.
For a 2-year transition period, both scores will be accepted by universities (except some universities in the UK, like Oxford and Cambridge). This new band score aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Read More About the Changes: TOEFL Updates 2026
Minimum TOEFL Scores for Popular US Universities
Scores can change slightly every year, and different programs (e.g., Engineering vs. Business) may have higher requirements. Always check the official university website or contact the admissions office. The scores below are the latest available as of November 2025 and apply to 2026 intakes.
TOEFL Scores for Ivy League and Top Private US Universities 2026
The table below lists the minimum TOEFL score requirements for the Ivy League universities as well as some other top private universities in the USA.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (Old Scale of 0-120) | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (New Scale of 1-6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | #=1 | 100 overall | 5.5 overall |
| Harvard University | #=5 | Most PG courses: 80 overall MBA: 109 | Most PG courses: 4.5 overall MBA: 5 |
| Stanford University | #=3 | 90 overall (below 109 will have to take the Stanford English Placement Test) | 4.5 overall (below 5.5 will have to take the Stanford English Placement Test) |
| Columbia University | #=38 | PG: 100 for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; English tests not required for MBA UG: 105 overall | UG/PG: 5.5 overall |
| University of Pennsylvania | #=15 | Engineering, MBA: 100 overall | Engineering, MBA: 5 overall |
| Yale University | #=21 | 100, with a minimum of 25 in Speaking | 5.5 overall with Speaking 5 |
| Princeton University | #=25 | Speaking 27 for most graduate programs, 28 for CS | 5.5 in Speaking |
| University of Chicago | #=13 | MS, CS: 100 overall MBA: 104 overall | MS CS, MBA: 5 overall |
| Cornell University | #=16 | PG: Speaking 27, Reading 20, Listening 15, Writing 20UG: 100 overall | PG: Speaking 5.5, Reading 4, Listening 3.5, Writing 4UG: 5.5 overall |
| Johns Hopkins University | #=24 | S CS: 100 overall UG: 100 overall, Listening 26, Reading 26, Writing 22, Speaking 25 | MS CS: 5.5 overall UG: 5.5 overall, Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Writing 5, Speaking 5 |
Note: Universities like MIT, Yale, John Hopkins, and Harvard Kenneth Garduate School of Arts & Science, do not mention the requirement on the new TOEFL band scale (1-6); the scores mentioned on the table are from the official concordance table.
TOEFL Scores for Top Public Universities in the US 2026
The table below gives the minimum TOEFL score requirement for the popular public universities in US among Indian students for MS programs.
| University | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (Old Scale of 0-120) | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (New Scale of 1-6) |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | UG: 90 overall PG: 90 overall | UG: 4.5 overall PG: 4.5 overall |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | UG: 100 overall, 24 in each section PG: 87 overall | UG: 5 overall and in each section PG: 4.5 overall |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | UG: 100 overall, Writing 21, Speaking 21, Listening 23, Reading 23 PG: 79 overall | UG: 5 overall and in each section PG: 4.5 overall |
| University of Illinois | UG: 105 overall PG: 103 overall | UG: 5 overall PG: 5 overall |
| University of Texas at Austin | UG: 79 overall PG: 79 overall | UG: 4 overall PG: 4 overall |
| Purdue University | UG: 88 overall, 20 in each section PG: 80 overall, Writing 18, Speaking 18, Listening 14, Reading 19 | UG: 4.5 overall, 4 in each section PG: 4 overall, Writing 4, Speaking 3.5, Listening 3.5, Reading 4 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | UG: 79 overall PG: 90 overall, 19 in each section | UG: 4 overall PG: 4.5 overall, Writing 4, Speaking 3.5, Listening 4, Reading 4 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | UG: 80 overall PG: 92 overall | UG: 4 overall PG: 5.0 overall |
Note: Some of these universities, like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have not published the TOEFL score requirement in the new band scale. The scores mentioned in the table are taken from the official ETS TOEFL concordance table.
TOEFL Scores for Affordable and Mid-Level US Universities 2026
The table below gives the minimum TOEFL score required for some mid-level and affordable US universities that Indian students go to.
| University | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (Old Scale of 0-120) | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (New Scale of 1-6) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | UG: Overall 61 (General), 76 (Nursing), 79 (Engineering) PG: 80 overall | UG: Overall 3.5 (general), 4 (Nursing and Engineering). 3.5 in each section for all PG: 4 overall |
| University of Texas at Dallas* | UG: 80 overall PG: 80 overall | Not published but accepted |
| Northeastern University (Boston) | UG: 106 overall PG: 79 overall | UG: 5 overall PG: 4 overall |
| New York University (NYU) | UG: 100 overall and in each section PG: 90 overall | UG: 5 overall and in each section PG: 4.5 overall |
| University of Southern California | UG: 100 overall, 20 in each section PG: 90 overall, 20 in each section | UG: 5 overall, 4 in each section PG: 4.5 overall, 4 in each section |
| Texas A&M University* | UG: 69 overall PG: 61 overall | Not published but accepted |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst* | UG: 80 overall, 20 in each section PG: 80 overall | UG: 4.5 overall, 4 in each section PG: Not published but accepted |
If your score is below 80-90 (below 4 in the new scale), look at universities like Cleveland State University, University of Bridgeport, or some community colleges. These universities accept 60-70 and offer pathways to bigger universities.
How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities in 2026?
When you register for TOEFL, you can send scores to 4 universities for free. Additional reports cost about INR 2,300 each. Use the university's ETS code (you can find it on the ETS website).
Scores take 4-8 days to reach universities after the test.
Tips for Indian Students
- Start Early: Take the TOEFL at least 6-8 months before application deadlines (Fall intake deadlines are November-January). Check: US Universities Application Deadlines 2026
- Aim High: Even if a university says a minimum of 90 (4.5 in the new scale), Indian competition is tough. 100+ (5.0 in the new scale) gives you better chances for admission and scholarships.
- Prepare Well: Many Indian students use free ETS practice tests, YouTube channels (like E2 TOEFL, TST Prep), or coaching (Magoosh, Jamboree, Manhattan Review).
- Visa Requirement: US authorities do not require a separate English test for the F-1 student visa; the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your university will work.
- Scholarships: High TOEFL (105+) + good academics can get you merit scholarships (₹5-50 lakh per year).
- If Score is Low: Some universities offer "conditional admission" – you join an English program first, then start your degree.
TOEFL requirements for US universities in 2026 vary significantly by institution, degree level, and program, with minimum scores ranging from 79 to 100+ on the iBT scale. While the new 1–6 band score is being introduced, most universities will accept both scoring formats during the transition period, making it important for applicants to verify the latest university- and program-specific requirements before applying.
FAQs
Ques. How early should I book my TOEFL test date for Fall 2026 admissions?
Ans. It’s best to book your TOEFL test at least 3-4 months in advance, as popular test centers in big cities fill up quickly. Early booking also gives you time for a retest if needed.
Ques. Can I use my TOEFL score for internships or on-campus jobs in the USA?
Ans. Yes, some universities use TOEFL speaking scores to determine eligibility for teaching assistantships or communication-heavy jobs. A higher speaking score (23–26+) can improve your chances.
Ques. Do US universities accept TOEFL MyBest scores?
Ans. Many universities do accept TOEFL MyBest scores, but not all. Always check each university’s policy, especially for competitive programs like Engineering or Business.
Ques. Can I apply to US universities without TOEFL if my previous education was in English?
Ans. Some universities offer a TOEFL waiver if you studied in an English-medium school or completed a degree in English. However, this is not universal, and top universities rarely grant waivers.
*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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