Minimum TOEFL Score: Check the Minimum TOEFL Score for Top Universities

Updated on, Jul 3, 2025

byShubhankar Das Content Writer - Study Abroad

Minimum TOEFL score represents the lowest required score for a successful admission process. The US, UK, and Canada are known for their high academic standards and top-ranked universities. Achieving a TOEFL iBT minimum score does not guarantee your admission, always target a higher score range. Universities do not mention their TOEFL minimum score requirements. Each university sets its requirements based on factors like academic ranking, and the language demands of specific programs. A minimum TOEFL score for top-ranked universities ranges from 90-100. If you are applying for TOEFL Grants and Awards, you need to achieve a minimum of 84+ score.

TOEFL_Minimum_Score

Table of Contents

Minimum iBT Score
Score for UK Universities
Score for Canadian Universities
Score for US Universities
Score for Scholarship

Minimum Score for TOEFL iBT

TOEFL is conducted as iBT and PBT; however, about 98% of the candidates apply for TOEFL IBT. TOEFL exam pattern shows the test has 4 sections: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. So, we will be discussing TOEFL iBT minimum score requirements. TOEFL iBT has a total score of 120 and accepted TOEFL Scores happen to be different for different universities.

There is no specific TOEFL minimum score to pass because TOEFL requirement of the universities is not specific. There are universities that ask around 105 from the international students for admission in the top courses. Plus, there are universities which accept around 70 TOEFL exam minimum scores for the admission purposes. Along with this, TOEFL score requirements for different programs can be different.

Minimum TOEFL Score for UK Universities

UK has some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge are ranked in the top 5 QS worldwide rankings. You can refer to the list below to check the minimum TOEFL score for UK universities:

Top UK Universities	TOEFL Cut Off for UK Universities
Oxford University	100-110
University College London	79
University of Cambridge	100
Edinburgh University	92
King’s College, London	100
University of Warwick	92
University of Manchester	90
University of Bristol	90
University of Leeds	88
Imperial College London	100

Minimum TOEFL Score Required for Canadian Universities

Canadian University offers some of the best academic programs with an affordable fee range. Post-study work visa process in Canada is easier compared to other countries like US and UK. Check the minimum TOEFL score required for Canadian Universities:

Top Canadian Universities	TOEFL Cut Off for Canadian Universities
University of Toronto	89
University of British Columbia	90
McGill University	100
University of Alberta	100
University of Waterloo	90
McMaster University	92
University of Montreal	86
University of Calgary	86
Western University	83
University of Ottawa	86

Minimum TOEFL Score for US Universities

TOEFL score between 85 and 110 is needed for successful admission purposes in US.TOEFL minimum score for USA universities varies and depends on the university ranking and academic programs. The table below shows the minimum TOEFL score for US universities:

University	TOEFL score requirements
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	90
Stanford University	90-100
Harvard University	100
University of Chicago	104
Princeton University	100
University of Pennsylvania	100
Cornell University	100
Yale University	100
Columbia University	100
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	100

Minimum TOEFL Score for Scholarship

It is probably known to all that the international students with academic excellence are eligible for multiple scholarships which include university/college-specific TOEFL scholarships and governmental scholarships. Candidates with a lower TOEFL score often have the opportunity to enroll themselves in the language programs to enhance their proficiency in English. In that case, the candidate may not be eligible for the scholarships. As per the data of 2016, candidates need a minimum of 78 in TOEFL if they want to opt for the scholarships. For a guaranteed scholarship a candidate has to secure the minimum TOEFL score of 100 or more. For Ivy League schools, it can be even higher.

So, the answer to what is a good TOEFL score or what is the minimum TOEFL score will depend on the country, university, and program. Though TOEFL does not have a passing score and universities sometimes accept around 65 TOEFL score, candidates willing to study abroad need to target 95-100.

FAQs

Ques. What is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission to most universities?

Ans. The minimum TOEFL score varies by university and program. It typically ranges from 70 to 100 for undergraduate programs and 80 to 110 for graduate programs.

Ques. Is there a universal minimum TOEFL score, or does it vary by institution?

Ans. There is no universal minimum TOEFL score. Each institution sets its own requirements based on factors like academic rigor and the language demands of specific programs.

Ques. What happens if my TOEFL score falls below the minimum requirement set by a university?

Ans. Falling below the minimum TOEFL requirement may result in rejection or conditional admission, requiring additional English language courses alongside regular studies.

Ques. Can I still apply to universities with a TOEFL score below the minimum requirement?

Ans. Some universities accept applications with lower TOEFL scores, but it may impact your chances of admission, and additional language proficiency measures might be required.

Ques.Is there a minimum TOEFL score requirement for scholarship eligibility?

Ans. Scholarship requirements vary, but many institutions set minimum TOEFL scores for scholarship consideration. Meeting or exceeding these scores can strengthen your scholarship application.

Ques. Do different programs within a university have different minimum TOEFL score requirements?

Ans. Yes, different programs may have distinct TOEFL score requirements based on the linguistic demands of each field of study.

Ques. What are the consequences of submitting a TOEFL score lower than the minimum requirement?

Ans. Consequences may include rejection, conditional admission, or the need for additional English language courses to address proficiency deficiencies.

Ques. Can I retake the TOEFL test if my score is below the minimum requirement?

Ans. Yes, many testing centers allow retakes. However, universities may consider the highest score or an average of multiple scores.

Ques. Are there any exceptions to the minimum TOEFL score requirement for non-native English speakers?

Ans. Some universities may provide exceptions for students with exceptional qualifications or extensive English language experience, but this varies by institution.

Ques. If I have work experience or completed studies in an English-speaking country, can that compensate for a lower TOEFL score?

Ans. Some universities may consider work or study experience in an English-speaking environment as a factor in the admissions decision, potentially compensating for a lower TOEFL score.

Ques. What role does the TOEFL score play in the overall admissions decision?

Ans. The TOEFL score is one of several factors considered during admissions. While important, it is not the sole determinant, and other aspects like GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statements also play vital roles.

Ques. Do different universities have different minimum TOEFL score requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs?

Ans. Yes, universities often have distinct TOEFL score requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs due to variations in the academic demands of these levels.

Ques. Is there a specific minimum TOEFL score for specific fields of study, such as engineering or business?

Ans. Some universities may set specific TOEFL score requirements for certain fields of study, especially if the programs involve complex technical or business-related communication skills.

Ques. Can universities consider other English proficiency tests in place of the TOEFL if the score is below the minimum requirement?

Ans. Some universities may accept alternative tests like IELTS or Pearson Test of English (PTE) if the TOEFL score falls below the minimum requirement.

Ques. If I am a citizen of an English-speaking country, do I still need to meet the minimum TOEFL score requirement?

Ans. Citizenship does not exempt individuals from meeting TOEFL requirements. Universities often assess language proficiency regardless of nationality.

Ques. How often do universities update their minimum TOEFL score requirements?

Ans. Universities periodically review and update their admission requirements, including TOEFL scores. Changes may occur annually or less frequently, so it's crucial to check each institution's latest guidelines.

Ques. Is there a difference in the minimum TOEFL score requirements for different types of visas, such as student visas or work visas?

Ans. The minimum TOEFL score requirements are generally consistent regardless of the type of visa. However, visa-specific language requirements may vary by country and immigration policies.

Ques. Can a high GPA compensate for a lower TOEFL score during the admissions process?

Ans. A high GPA can positively impact your application but may not fully compensate for a significantly low TOEFL score. Universities typically evaluate both academic and language proficiency aspects.

Ques. Do universities offer English language support or conditional admission for students with TOEFL scores slightly below the minimum requirement?

Ans. Yes, some universities provide conditional admission, allowing students with marginally low TOEFL scores to enroll in English language courses alongside regular studies to enhance their language proficiency.

Ques. What resources are available to improve my English proficiency and increase my chances of achieving the minimum TOEFL score required by universities?

Ans. Numerous resources, including language courses, online platforms, and language exchange programs, can help improve English proficiency. Dedicated practice, mock tests, and professional guidance can also enhance TOEFL performance.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.