What TOEFL Score Do I Need for the Universities I'm Applying To?

One of the most stressful parts of applying to universities as an international student is figuring out the TOEFL score you actually need. The answer is not a single number — it depends on the university, the specific program, the degree level, and sometimes even the department. Score requirements range from 61 at some state universities to 110+ at the most competitive programs.

This guide gives you a comprehensive breakdown of TOEFL score requirements by university tier, program type, and admission pathway, so you can set a realistic target score and plan your preparation accordingly.

Understanding TOEFL Score Requirements

Before diving into specific numbers, it helps to understand how universities use TOEFL scores:

• Minimum total score: The baseline you must meet for your application to be considered. Falling below this score usually means automatic rejection, regardless of your other qualifications.
• Minimum section scores: Many programs require minimum scores in individual sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing), not just the total. A strong total score means nothing if one section falls below the required minimum.
• Competitive score: The score range of admitted students, which is often significantly higher than the published minimum. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
• Recommended score: Some institutions publish recommended scores that are higher than the minimum. These indicate what competitive applicants typically submit.

Score Requirements by University Tier

Top 10 Universities (US News Ranking)

The most selective universities in the United States set high English proficiency standards:

Note that Harvard and Princeton do not publish official minimum scores. This does not mean they accept low scores — it means the rest of your application must be strong enough that English proficiency is not a concern. In practice, admitted international students at these schools almost always score above 105.

Top 11-30 Universities

Top 31-50 Universities

Top 51-100 Universities

Many state universities and mid-tier institutions set minimum scores between 61 and 80:

Section Score Requirements: The Hidden Hurdle

Many applicants focus exclusively on the total score and overlook section minimums. This is a costly mistake. Falling short in even one section can disqualify your application.

Common Section Minimums

Why Writing Minimums Are Often Highest

You may notice that writing section minimums tend to be the highest. This reflects universities' concern about students' ability to complete written assignments — essays, research papers, lab reports, and dissertations all require strong writing skills.

Programs with heavy writing components — humanities, social sciences, law, and business — typically enforce the strictest writing minimums.

Why Speaking Minimums Matter for TAs

If you plan to serve as a teaching assistant (TA), pay close attention to speaking score requirements. Many universities require a speaking score of 26 or 27 for TA eligibility, even if the program's admission minimum is lower. Failing to meet this threshold means you may not be funded through a teaching assistantship, which can affect your financial plan.

Score Requirements by Program Type

MBA Programs

Business schools at top universities tend to set some of the highest TOEFL requirements:

MBA programs emphasize communication skills because the curriculum involves extensive class participation, group projects, case study discussions, and presentations. A score below 100 is rarely competitive at a top-30 business school.

Engineering and Computer Science

Engineering programs often set slightly lower minimums than business or humanities programs, reflecting the more technical and less discussion-intensive nature of some coursework:

However, do not assume a low minimum means low standards. The most competitive engineering programs receive applications from thousands of candidates who score well above the minimum.

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Programs where reading, writing, and discussion are central to the academic experience set higher requirements:

Sciences

Natural sciences and mathematics programs are generally the most flexible on English requirements:

Conditional Admission

Many universities offer conditional admission to students who meet academic requirements but fall slightly short on English proficiency. Conditional admission typically means:

1. You are admitted to the university
2. You must complete an intensive English program (IEP) before starting your degree
3. Once you meet the English requirement (through the IEP or a new TOEFL score), you begin full academic coursework

How It Works

• Score range: Usually 5-15 points below the full admission minimum
• Duration: IEP programs typically last one semester (4-5 months)
• Cost: You pay tuition for the IEP, which can range from $3,000 to $10,000+
• Impact on timeline: Starting your degree is delayed by one or two semesters

Is Conditional Admission Worth It?

Conditional admission can be a smart path if you are close to the required score but running out of preparation time before application deadlines. However, consider the additional cost and time. In many cases, investing 2-3 more months in TOEFL preparation to meet the full admission score is more cost-effective than a semester of intensive English coursework.

MyBest Scores: A Game Changer

What Are MyBest Scores?

ETS automatically generates MyBest Scores by combining your highest section scores from all valid TOEFL tests taken within a two-year period. If you take the TOEFL three times and score differently on each attempt, your MyBest score takes the highest Reading from any attempt, the highest Listening from any attempt, and so on.

Example

In this example, no single test date produced a score above 102, but the MyBest score is 108 — a significant improvement that could open doors to more selective programs.

Which Universities Accept MyBest Scores?

Acceptance of MyBest Scores has grown rapidly since ETS introduced the feature. As of 2026:

• Accept MyBest: Most US universities, many Canadian universities, and an increasing number of institutions worldwide
• Do not accept MyBest: Some UK universities, certain professional licensing bodies, and some immigration agencies
• Varies by program: At some universities, different departments or programs have different policies

Always verify your target institution's policy. The ETS website maintains a searchable database of institutions and their MyBest Scores policies.

Strategic Implications

If your target institutions accept MyBest Scores, you can plan a multi-attempt strategy:

1. Focus first on your strongest sections to lock in high scores
2. Retake the test focusing on weaker sections
3. Combine the best scores from both attempts

This approach can reduce pressure on any single test day and allow you to focus your preparation more narrowly for retakes.

International Score Requirements

Canada

Canadian universities generally require scores between 80 and 100:

United Kingdom

UK universities typically express requirements in IELTS terms, but most publish TOEFL equivalencies:

Australia

Europe (English-Taught Programs)

How to Set Your Target Score

Step 1: List All Target Schools and Programs

Create a spreadsheet with every program you plan to apply to. Include:

• Total score minimum
• Section score minimums
• MyBest Scores policy
• Application deadline

Step 2: Identify the Highest Requirement

Your target score should be the highest requirement among all your target programs. If one school requires 100 and another requires 90, prepare for 100.

Step 3: Add a Buffer

Aim for 5-10 points above the highest minimum. This serves two purposes:

• It ensures you comfortably meet requirements even if you have a bad test day
• A score well above the minimum strengthens your overall application

Step 4: Assess Your Current Level

Take a full-length practice test under realistic conditions to establish your baseline. Ace120 offers full TOEFL iBT 2026 mock exams with MST adaptive testing — the same format used in the real exam — so your practice scores closely approximate what you would score on test day.

The platform provides AI-powered writing grading on the official 0-5 holistic rubric and AI speaking evaluation, plus a dashboard with weakness analysis and detailed score reports. This helps you identify exactly which sections need the most improvement and how far you are from your target.

Step 5: Create a Study Plan

Based on the gap between your current score and your target:

Use per-question learning supplements — vocabulary lists, functional phrases, model answers, and study guides — to make every practice session count. On Ace120, these supplements are generated automatically for each question you attempt, turning every mock exam into a focused learning experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Section Score Requirements

A total score of 105 means nothing if a program requires 25 in Writing and you scored 22. Always check and prepare for section minimums individually.

Preparing for the Wrong Test Format

The TOEFL iBT 2026 format is different from previous versions. Make sure your practice materials reflect the current format, including the MST adaptive testing structure and the Academic Discussion writing task.

Waiting Too Long to Take the Test

If your score falls short, you need time to retake. Plan your first test attempt at least 3-4 months before your earliest application deadline. This gives you time for one or two retakes if needed.

Assuming the Minimum Is Enough

Meeting the minimum makes you eligible; it does not make you competitive. A score 10+ points above the minimum demonstrates strong English proficiency and removes language as a concern in the admissions committee's evaluation.

Not Using MyBest Scores Strategically

If your target schools accept MyBest Scores, plan multiple test attempts. Focus different attempts on different sections to maximize your combined score.

The Bottom Line

TOEFL score requirements are not one-size-fits-all. They vary by university tier, program type, degree level, and country. The most effective approach is to research every program you plan to apply to, identify the highest total and section score requirements, add a buffer, and build a targeted preparation plan around that goal.

Know your target score — now hit it. Ace120 offers full TOEFL iBT 2026 mock exams with adaptive MST testing, AI-powered writing and speaking evaluation, and per-question learning supplements that turn every practice session into targeted preparation. Take a free mock exam today and see exactly where you stand.