TOEFL iBT
The dominant English test for US admissions, delivered over the internet at a test centre or at home.
- Provider
- ETS
- Score scale
- 0–120 (score)
- Format
- Four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
- Length
- Under 2 hours since the 2023 shortening.
Where it's accepted
Preferred by most US universities and accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. The score scale moved from 0–120 to a 1–6 band scale on 21 January 2026.
What score you actually need
Built from the verified programmes and universities in our catalogue that publish a requirement for this test — real numbers off official pages, not a brochure claim.
TOEFL iBT moved from a 0-120 total to a 1-6 band scale on 21 January 2026. The distribution below is built from requirements published on the 0-120 scale; universities are still migrating.
Most common required scores
Number of verified programmes asking for each overall score.
- 10094
- 9027
- 11025
- 9218
- 7916
- 7213
- 8011
- 878
Example programmes
The most selective bars across different universities. Open a university page for the full programme list.
| University | Programme | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | M.S. in Data Journalism | 114 |
| University of Cambridge | MPhil in Environmental Policy | 110 |
| University of Oxford | Master of Public Policy (MPP) | 110 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | MSc Law and Finance | 109 |
| Yale University | Master of Public Policy in Global Affairs | 102 |
| Boston College | MA in Higher Education | 100 |
| Delft University of Technology | MSc Sustainable Energy Technology | 100 |
| ESCP Business School | MSc in Impact Entrepreneurship | 100 |
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL iBT score do I need for a master's?
Across 252 verified programmes on Global Study Prep, TOEFL iBT requirements range 46–114, most typically 93 (median). Requirements vary by programme — confirm on the official page.
How is TOEFL iBT scored?
TOEFL iBT is reported on a 0–120 (score) scale.
How long is TOEFL iBT?
Under 2 hours since the 2023 shortening.
Where is TOEFL iBT accepted?
Preferred by most US universities and accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. The score scale moved from 0–120 to a 1–6 band scale on 21 January 2026.
Score requirements vary by university, programme and scholarship — always confirm on the official page. Global Study Prep is independent and not affiliated with any test provider.