European Universities That Require a TOEFL Score of 90 in 2026

A TOEFL score of 90 is a key benchmark for Indian students planning to study in Europe. Universities like the University of Manchester (UK), Cardiff University (UK), Technical University of Munich (Germany), and ETH Zurich (Switzerland) accept or require TOEFL iBT scores in the 88-100 range.

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What Is a TOEFL Score of 90?

Before looking at universities, it helps to understand what a TOEFL iBT score of 90 means.

The TOEFL iBT is scored on a 0-120 scale (for tests taken before January 21, 2026). From January 21, 2026, ETS introduced a new 1-6 scale in half-point steps.

On the new scale, a score of 90 on the old scale roughly equals 5.0 (which corresponds to a total score of 95+ on the 0–120 scale). A score of 86+ maps to 4.5 on the new scale.

• Old scale: 0–120 (total of 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing)
• New scale (from Jan 2026): 1–6, in 0.5 increments
• Score of 90 (old) ≈ between 4.5 and 5.0 on the new scale

Note for Indian students: If you took the TOEFL before January 21, 2026, your score report will show both the old (0–120) and new (1–6) scale scores for a two-year transition period. Always check which scale a university refers to.

Must Read: TOEFL 2026 Updates - Changes in Scoring and Exam Pattern

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Why Europe Accepts TOEFL

TOEFL is widely accepted across Europe. Here is why it matters for Indian students:

• TOEFL iBT is the most preferred English test at top French and German universities (Source: ETS survey of 59 French and 100 German admissions officers).
• It is accepted by 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries, including top European universities.
• Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
• Results are available in as little as 3 days after the test.

Europe is also home to some of the world's oldest universities: Oxford, Cambridge, and the Sorbonne, as well as innovation hubs such as ETH Zurich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

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European Universities That Require TOEFL Around 90

Here is a breakdown of major European universities, their TOEFL requirements, and what Indian students should note.

1. University of Manchester, UK

The University of Manchester is a Russell Group university (a group of 24 selective public research-intensive universities in the UK). It accepts TOEFL iBT for degree-level study and above.

• TOEFL iBT score of 90 = equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (typical entry requirement).
• TOEFL iBT score of 100 = equivalent to IELTS 7.0.
• TOEFL iBT score of 109-120 = equivalent to IELTS 7.5+.
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted.
• Scores from tests taken before January 21, 2026, must meet the 0–120 requirements; scores from after this date are reviewed using ETS equivalency tables.

Key for Indian students: Score requirements vary by course. Always check the specific course profile on the Manchester website. A TOEFL of 90 meets the standard entry requirement for most programmes.

2. Cardiff University, UK

Cardiff University is a Russell Group university in Wales. It accepts TOEFL iBT, including the Home Edition.

• TOEFL iBT 88 (pre-January 2026) = equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT 98 (pre-January 2026) = equivalent to IELTS 7.0.
• TOEFL iBT 109 (pre-January 2026) = equivalent to IELTS 7.5.
• For tests taken post-January 2026, the new 1–6 scale applies:
  • 4.5 = IELTS 6.5 equivalent
  • 5.0 = IELTS 7.0 equivalent

Key for Indian students: Cardiff accepts the TOEFL Home Edition — useful if you prefer testing from home. A score of 88–90 meets the standard entry requirement for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

3. Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany

TUM is one of Germany's top-ranked universities. It requires TOEFL for all English-taught programs.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 88 (Test Date Score only).
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 88 (Test Date Score only).
• MyBest Score is NOT accepted.
• TOEFL ITP is also not accepted.
• Use ETS Institution Code 7806 to send scores to TUM.

Key for Indian students: TUM accepts a score of 88, which is just below 90. If you score 90+, you comfortably meet TUM's requirement. Note that Germany offers tuition-free or low-cost education at public universities — TUM is a public university.

4. ETH Zurich, Switzerland

ETH Zurich is one of the world's top science and technology universities. Most Master's programs are taught in English.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100.
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition and Paper Edition are also accepted at 100.
• The new 1–6 scale score equivalent is also accepted.
• TOEFL scores must be no more than 2 years old.
• Use ETH Zurich Institution Code 9038 to send scores.

Key for Indian students: ETH Zurich requires a TOEFL of 100, which is higher than 90. If you are targeting ETH Zurich, aim for 100+. A score of 90 alone will not meet their requirement.

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What Else Indian Students Must Know

Beyond the score, there are a few important things Indian students must keep in mind.

• TOEFL MyBest Score is NOT accepted by most European universities, including Manchester, TUM, and Edinburgh. You must meet the requirement in a single test sitting.
• Score validity: TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Plan your test accordingly.
• New scoring scale (from Jan 2026): ETS introduced a 1–6 scale. During the 2-year transition, score reports show both old and new scale scores. Check which scale your target university refers to.
• Free score reports: Your TOEFL test fee includes 4 free score reports to institutions, added on test day.
• Additional score reports cost INR 2,300 per institution.
• For a Student Route visa in the UK, you need to meet UKVI English language requirements. Check if your TOEFL score qualifies for visa purposes as well.

A TOEFL score of 90 opens doors to several strong European universities, including the University of Manchester and Cardiff University. For top institutions like ETH Zurich, you will need 100 or above. Since score requirements vary by programme and year, always verify directly on the official university website before applying.