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The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the prominent English proficiency tests widely required for admission into various international academic programmes for study abroad 2024. TOEFL is conducted by ETS and every university publishes its minimum TOEFL cutoffs which serve as score requirements for the admission process. There are three main different types of TOEFL as provided by the ETS for students worldwide. These include the TOEFL-iBT, an internet-based test favoured by many students; the TOEFL-PBT, a paper-based version administered at test centres; and the TOEFL-CBT, a computer-based assessment.
As different universities set different TOEFL score requirements, a common query among students is 'What is the ideal TOEFL cutoff score 2024 to secure admissions in universities worldwide?'. Hence, in this article, we explore the minimum TOEFL score requirements for top universities worldwide such as like TOEFL cut-off for US universities and other countries' universities etc.
Note: One must also keep in mind that just meeting the TOEFL cutoffs for universities does not guarantee admission based solely on TOEFL scores as there are other prerequisites as well including a good academic performance. GPA requirements, previous subject requirements, GRE/GMAT, SAT/ACT, and many more.
Refer to this for more information:
The most commonly opted-for TOEFL test format is the ETS TOEFL iBT which is the Internet-Based Test format of TOEFL. This is conducted at a TOEFL exam centre. The second format of the TOEFL exam is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition in which you would take the same test from the comfort of your home. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is monitored by a human proctor. The third format of the TOEFL exam is the ETS TOEFL Test on Paper, which is conducted in two sessions.
The first session includes the Reading, Listening and Writing sections which are conducted on paper at a TOEFL test centre, and the Speaking section is conducted at your home through your computer within three days of the paper sections of the TOEFL exam. There is no TOEFL exam qualifying marks, every university has its own TOEFL minimum score. One can refer to the below table for the TOEFL exam structure:
TOEFL score chart:
TOEFL sections | Proficiency levels |
TOEFL reading section | Advanced (24-30) |
TOEFL score range: 0-30 | High intermediate (18-23) |
Low intermediate (4-17) | |
Below low intermediate (0-3) | |
TOEFL listening section | Advanced (22-30) |
TOEFL score range: 0-30 | High intermediate (17-21) |
Low intermediate (9-16) | |
Below low intermediate (0-8) | |
TOEFL speaking section | Advanced (25-30) |
TOEFL score range: 0-30 | High intermediate (20-24) |
Low intermediate (16-19) | |
Basic (10-15) | |
Below basic (0-9) | |
TOEFL writing section | Advanced (24-30) |
TOEFL score range: 0-30 | High intermediate (17-23) |
Low intermediate (13-16) | |
Basic (7-12) | |
Below basic (0-6) | |
TOEFL total score | 0-120 |
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Before answering 'Ideal TOEFL cutoff score 2024', one must consider that the TOEFL cutoffs are generally set lower to increase the international applications of the university. Hence, one must aim for a higher score than the TOEFL cut off marks indicated on the selected university. As the TOEFL score requirements are pre-decided by the university, candidates can refer to the below-mentioned prestigious universities along with their ideal TOEFL scores.
If your aim is to study in the USA, know the minimum TOEFL cut off scores for top US universities here. Generally the TOEFL exam minimum score would be high for top universities in USA.
Top US Universities TOEFL cut off:
US universities | Minimum TOEFL cut off score 2024 |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90+ Minimum PBT score: 577+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100-110+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 104+ Minimum TOEFL PBT score : 613+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90 – 104+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ Minimum TOEFL PBT score: 600+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: no minimum score. | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 105+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ Minimum TOEFL PBT score: 600+ |
If your aim is to study in Canada, know the minimum TOEFL cut off scores for top Canada universities here. The average TOEFL exam cut off by Canadian universities is around 86-90.
Top Canadian Universities TOEFL cut off:
Canada Universities | Minimum TOEFL cut off score |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 86+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90-100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 92+ Minimum TOEFL PBT score: 580+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 86+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 86+ Minimum PBT score: 560+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 88+ Minimum PBT score: 580+ |
If your aim is to study in the UK, know the minimum TOEFL cut off scores for top UK universities here. The average TOEFL exam cut off is above 90 marks.
Top UK Universities TOEFL cut off:
UK universities | Minimum TOEFL cut off score 2024 |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100 – 110+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100 – 110+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 92 – 109+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 92+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90 - 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 107+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 92+ |
If your aim is to study in Australia, know the minimum TOEFL cut off scores for top Australian universities here. The minimum TOEFL cu off for top Australian universities is around 80+.
Top Australian Universities TOEFL cut off:
Australia universities | Minimum TOEFL cut off score 2024 |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 80 -100+ Minimum PBT score:: 570 – 600+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 79+ Minimum PBT score: 577+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 85+ Minimum PBT score: 565+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90+ Minimum PBT score: 577+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 87+ Minimum PBT score: 570+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 79+ Minimum PBT score: 550+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 82 – 100+ Minimum PBT score: 570+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 79+ Minimum PBT score: 577+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 79 - 102+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 40 - 106+ |
If your aim is to study in Germany, know the minimum TOEFL cutoff scores for top German universities here. The average TOEFL cut off for Greman top universities is around 80+.
Top German Universities TOEFL cut off:
German University | Minimum TOEFL cut off score 2024 |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: No minimum score | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 80+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 79+ Minimum PBT score: 550+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 100+ Minimum PBT score: 600+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 88+ Minimum PBT score: 570+ | |
Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 95+ | |
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) | Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 80+ Minimum PBT score: 550+ |
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen | Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 80+ Minimum PBT score: 550+ |
Technische Universität Dresden | Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 90+ |
Now you have a fair idea about the minimum TOEFL cut off score for all major top universities in the world.
The average score for the TOEFL is 90 marks. So any score above the average 100 is considered to be a good TOEFL score. With the help of a good TOEFL score many universities TOEFL cut off are met by many students.
With the increasing demand for abroad by many international students across the world, the TOEFL qualifying score is getting high to accommodate the bar of the students in the admission process. Added to that most of the top universities in the world have high TOEFL cutoff to maintain their education standards.
A TOEFL score of 79 indicates that you are good but not great at English.
While most graduate courses set their TOEFL minimum score cut off in the range of 100-105, most students apply with a higher score in the range of 108-112.
A TOEFL score of 80-90 is considered fairly good.
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests often required for admission to universities abroad, but they serve different purposes. The **GRE** (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate programs and some business schools, focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The **TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and **IELTS** (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency, often required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking countries; TOEFL is more common in the U.S., while IELTS is popular in the U.K. and other regions. The **GMAT** (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business school admissions, testing quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills, and is required for MBA programs. I would advise that you get in touch with a prominent abroad education advisor - a great one will really help you through the entire process, end-to-end.
If you have good English proficiency, both IELTS and TOEFL should be manageable, but each has its unique format. IELTS is considered more straightforward in terms of language and structure, especially its speaking test, which involves a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. TOEFL, on the other hand, is entirely computer-based, including the speaking section. In terms of preparation time, if you're confident in your English skills, around 2 to 4 weeks of focused study, mainly familiarizing yourself with the test format and practicing timed exercises, should be sufficient. Ultimately, the "easier" test depends on your comfort with the test style.
For students aiming to study in public universities, English language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TOEIC are often required because they are specifically designed to assess English skills in an academic context, which is crucial for success in such institutions. DELF, which tests French language proficiency, may not be sufficient for English-speaking universities. For personalized guidance on which exams are necessary and how to prepare, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide valuable support and tailored advice, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are both standardized tests used to assess English language proficiency, but they have some key differences. IELTS is typically used in the UK, Australia, and Canada, while TOEFL is more commonly accepted by U.S. universities. IELTS includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with the Speaking test conducted face-to-face. In contrast, TOEFL also covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, but the Speaking section is recorded and evaluated later. IELTS is paper-based or computer-based, whereas TOEFL is primarily internet-based (iBT). Additionally, IELTS uses a band scoring system ranging from 1 to 9, while TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. The IELTS is often seen as more suitable for British English and everyday contexts, while TOEFL is more academic and American English-focused.
To be eligible to study an MBA at Seoul National University (SNU), you typically need to submit either IELTS or TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Additionally, you will need a GMAT score as part of the application process, while CAT and MAT scores are not usually accepted. For personalized guidance on the application requirements and process, you can consult with Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert advice and support in navigating the admissions process for studying abroad, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
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