TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Education Qualification

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Education Qualification

Edited By Apoorva Singh | Updated on Jan 15, 2025 04:39 PM IST | #TOEFL

TOEFL Eligibility 2025: There is no official laid down TOEFL exam eligibility requirements 2025 as per ETS. Mostly, aspirants with a 10+2 level of education are eligible to appear for exam. TOEFL exam, this test is a standardized English language test for students seeking to study abroad. Students willing to obtain an English proficiency certificate for university application abroad are eligible to apply for TOEFL exam.

This Story also Contains
  1. TOEFL Exam Eligibility for Indian Students
  2. TOEFL Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students After 12th
  3. TOEFL Exam Eligibility Requirements 2025 for Home-Based Test
  4. What is TOEFL Eligibility Score?
  5. TOEFL Exam Eligibility Documents Requirement
  6. TOEFL 2025 Eligibility for Re-attempts
  7. TOEFL Score Requirement for Top Universities
  8. TOEFL Exam Dates
  9. TOEFL Eligibility Enquiry Contact Details
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Education Qualification
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Education Qualification

TOEFL is the most popular English test for students to assess their reading, listening, writing and speaking skills. Universities use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English language skills of students. There is no specific TOEFL age limit as per ETS. However, students under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or authorised adult older than 18 years of age to be eligible to take the TOEFL exam.

To register successfully, ideally, candidates must have a valid ID proof. Why do students surf about TOEFL eligibility? It is among the highly popular English tests for students seeking to study abroad. Hence, they attempt the TOEFL exam to study higher education in English-speaking countries. Applicants are advised to first check the TOEFL exam eligibility 2025 of the particular university before registering for TOEFL. Did you know, the TOEFL test is widely accepted by many universities, schools, colleges, and other institutions? Students can read the article to learn about the requirements for TOEFL, ideal scores, documents checklist and many more in 2025.

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TOEFL Exam Eligibility for Indian Students

Indian students explore the TOEFL exam eligibility 2025 as it is a popular exam amongst non-native English speakers aiming primarily to study or work abroad. This exam proves your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in the English language. There are no strict TOEFL requirements provided by ETS for this exam, however, applicants can follow the below-mentioned rules.

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  • TOEFL Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to apply for the TOEFL test. Anyone below that will be required to get a signed release form from a parent or an accompanying adult.

  • TOEFL Educational Qualification: An academic qualification of 10+2 is required.

  • Number of attempts: There are no limitations on the number of attempts for the TOEFL test. However, there must be at least a 12-day gap between the re-attempt.

  • TOEFL ID Requirements: Applicants must have a valid passport or a government-issued ID to take the TOEFL test.

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TOEFL Eligibility 2025: Age Limit

The official TOEFL conducting website: ETS has not specified any age limit for the applicants. This is because the majority of students attempt the TOEFL exam to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in countries abroad. It is generally advised that students below the age of 16 who have graduated high school take the TOEFL test. Applicants aged 15 and below must be accompanied by parents or guardians of 18 years or older during the test. However, the accompanying adult must sign a release form at the TOEFL test centre.

TOEFL Test Eligibility: Educational Qualifications

Under the TOEFL 2025 eligibility criteria for educational qualifications, ETS has not imposed any strict guidelines. This is because TOEFL is an open platform for applicants to assess their proficiency in the English language. However, it is advisable that applicants should complete high school education.

TOEFL Eligibility 2025: ID Requirements

It is one of the main and specified TOEFL eligibility requirements by ETS TOEFL. The ID requirements for candidates vary from country to country. In India, one must note that Birth Certificate, Driver’s Licence, Employee ID Card, and NOC document are not considered a valid ID proof according to TOEFL eligibility

The ID requirements for TOEFL test takers in India are -

  • A valid passport

  • Original Aadhar Card

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students After 12th

As English is not a native language in India, the applicants are required to give the TOEFL exam to prove their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the English language. The required age and education for Indian students should align with the university’s admission requirements for which they are attempting the TOEFL test.

For instance, if the candidate wants to pursue a UG course abroad, they need 18 years of age and 10+2 educational qualifications to attempt the TOEFL. In addition, applicants must ensure the minimum TOEFL score requirements for their desired university.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility Requirements 2025 for Home-Based Test

ETS, the official body conducting the TOEFL, has not officially stated any eligibility requirements for the TOEFL home-based tests. Hence, the requirements for TOEFL iBT and other variations of TOEFL remain similar. However, the applicants attempting the TOEFL home edition need to meet certain exam day requirements before registering for the TOEFL.

The following are the necessary at-home testing requirements needed to be arranged by the candidates for taking the TOEFL home edition.

  1. Technical requirements to give TOEFL home edition

The examinee must ensure that they meet the technical requirements for the TOEFL at home exam. These criteria are as follows:

  • Computer: A desktop or a laptop with a stable internet connection will be suitable for attempting the test. TOEFL must not be given on a mobile phone or a tablet.

  • Browsers: Google Chrome or Firefox in its latest form must be installed. In addition, the ProctorU system should be installed, which is used during TOEFL home based exams.

  • Speakers: The candidate can use internal and external speakers; however, earphones or headsets are not permitted.

  • Microphone: Internal and external microphones that aren't part of the headset are permitted.

  • Camera: A separate or inbuilt camera is allowed. It must be able to move 360 degrees in rotation.

  1. Test Room Requirements for TOEFL Home Edition

There are a few test room requirements to be ensured by the applicants during TOEFL at-home exam. These are curated to ensure smooth and fair proctoring. These are as mentioned below:

  • The examinee must be sitting in a private room with a closed door and no other person present in the room.

  • The exam cannot be given in a public space.

  • Make sure that all transparent windows or doors are covered.

  • There must be a clear tabletop for placing the desktop or laptop.

  • Test takers’ ears, faces and eyes should be properly visible to the proctor.

  • No drinking or food items are allowed during the examination.

  • Make sure the examinee is dressed appropriately, as photographs might be sent to the institutions with the scores.

  • All kinds of jewellery, accessories, smartwatches, and headphones must be removed except wedding or engagement rings.

  • Candidates should make sure that the exam room is well-lit.

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What is TOEFL Eligibility Score?

TOEFL eligibility scores 2025 are simply the ideal TOEFL scores that can help the student to be successfully a part of the selected university. The TOEFL eligibility scores for individual universities vary from each other. These are generally, the minimum requirements stated by the university that makes a student eligible to apply to a specific course of study. These are always the lowest expected scores and students must aim for the higher scores to increase their chances of admission.

Note: ETS has not defined any eligibility score for TOEFL. There are no passing or failing marks in this test. However, the Applicants should check the university’s official website to understand their eligibility criteria for TOEFL.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility Documents Requirement

Students are required to provide a valid Indian passport with clear personal information such as name, signature, photographs, etc to demonstrate their proof of identity to the ETS which conducts the TOEFL exam. There is an additional requirement for applicants below 15 years of age to submit a release form signed by a parent or an authorized adult of age 18 or above. Along with the release form, the parent's valid ID must be submitted as well. So, the documents required for TOEFL exam 2025 include:

  • Applicant's valid passport
  • Aadhar Card
  • Parent's passport
  • Release form
  • Parent's ID

TOEFL 2025 Eligibility for Re-attempts

Satisfactory news for TOEFL candidates! As per the ETS guidelines, there is no limit on the number of attempts for the TOEFL exam. Registered applicants can take as many attempts as required to improve their score. However, applicants must note that there should be a minimum 12-day gap between their re-attempts. This gap is given so that the applicant improves on their skills and gains more time to prepare for the retest.

TOEFL Score Requirement for Top Universities

Candidates attempting the TOEFL test to study in universities abroad must check the minimum TOEFL score requirements for admission. These serve as the minimum TOEFL eligibility to comply with. TOEFL is accepted by 11,000+ institutions across 194 countries worldwide. The TOEFL-accepting countries include Germany, Australia, Ireland, UK, Canada, Europe, USA, etc for studying abroad. Explore the minimum TOEFL score requirements in different countries and universities below:

TOEFL Eligibility Score for Top US Universities

TOEFL Score Requirement for Top UK Universities

TOEFL Eligibility Score for Top Australian Universities

TOEFL Eligibility Score for Top Canada Universities

University

QS WUR 2025

TOEFL exam eligibility 2025 scores

University of Toronto

25

89+

McGill University

29

90+

University of British Columbia

38

90+

University of Alberta

96

100+

McMaster University

176

86+

University of Waterloo

115

90+

University of Montreal

159

71+

The University of Ottawa

189

84+

Western University

120

83+

University of Calgary

198

86+

Required TOEFL Score for Top New Zealand Universities

University

QS WUR 2025

TOEFL exam eligibility 2025 scores

The University of Auckland

65

68+

University of Otago

214

70+

University of Canterbury

261

80+

Victoria University of Wellington

244

80+

Lincoln University

371

79+

Auckland University of Technology

412

70+

University of Waikato

235

80+

Massey University

239

50+

Minimum TOEFL Score for Top German Universities

TOEFL Exam Dates

TOEFL exam dates 2025 are available throughout the year for prospective students. These TOEFL test dates 2025 are accessible in both paper-delivered and iBT modes. So, after complying with the basic TOEFL eligibility requirements, students can book their preferred slots at the official ETS website.

Students are always recommended to apply a few months before the TOEFL exam dates to prepare well. The TOEFL iBT test dates vary according to the city in which you take the exam, hence students must check the relevant TOEFL exam dates as per their location.

TOEFL Eligibility Enquiry Contact Details

Candidates who wish to learn more about the TOEFL eligibility criteria can contact the ETS directly. Customer service is available for candidates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week. Here are the contact details for TOEFL eligibility enquiries:

  • Email: TOEFLSupport4India@ets.org

  • Phone: 1-800-123-9418

  • Regular Mail: TOEFL Services; ETS; P.O. Box 6151; Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA

  • Courier or Delivery Service: TOEFL Services; 1425 Lower Ferry Rd.; Ewing, NJ 08628, USA

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the TOEFL exam?

Everyone can give TOEFL exam who is planning to opt for undergraduate or postgraduate courses or job opportunities. TOEFL is an English proficiency exam, hence, anybody belonging from a non native English speaking country is eligible for TOEFL. There are no strict criterias for giving the TOEFL test. 

2. What are the requirements for the TOEFL course?

ETS, the official body that conducts TOEFL, has set no particular requirements. However, the candidate needs to successfully verify for TOEFL and should have a valid ID proof. In addition, the applicant should have completed 10+2 and should be atleast above 16 years of age. If the applicant is under 16 years of age then, they need a parent or a guardian to accompany them for the test. 

3. Can I give TOEFL after 12th?

Definitely! If a candidate has cleared their 12th standard, they can give TOEFL. As there are no strict educational qualifications stated by ETS, it is advised that the applicant successfully clear their 12th standard education. 

4. Who can take the TOEFL test?

Candidates who are willing to travel abroad for study, employment, immigration etc., to English-speaking countries attempt the TOEFL test. For study purposes, almost several universities request the TOEFL scores of the candidate for admission.

5. Can I take the TOEFL exam before completing my high school education?

Yes, you can take the TOEFL exam before completing your high school education. However, considering the age requirements, if the candidate is under 16 years of age, then they must be accompanied by parents or guardians. In addition, the applicants must have a valid ID. 

6. Are there any specific language requirements for TOEFL test-takers?

No, there are no specific language requirements for TOEFL test-takers. Any students from different corners of the world can apply for the TOEFL exam irrespective of their age, gender, sex, and nationality. However, a basic command of the English language. 

7. What are the passing criteria for TOEFL?

ETS has not set any passing score for TOEFL. The TOEFL score ranges from 0-120. However, there are minimum score requirements given by different universities for different courses. It usually ranges from 70-100.The applicant must check with the official website of the university before applying for any course.

8. Which is better, IELTS or TOEFL?

Both the exams prove the applicant's English reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. However, IELTS is better for Australian, UK and Canadian Universities and TOEFL is better for US universities. The choice depends on the candidate’s country preference. 

9. Is 70 a bad TOEFL score?

As there are no passing scores set up by ETS, universities abroad decide their minimum requirements for TOEFL score. A score of 70 is usually in the lower ranges of the TOEFL score. However, checking with the universities requirements might give the candidate a clearer idea about their score. In addition, there are no fixed number of re-attempts. So, if a candidate wishes to improve their score, they can give a retest after 12 days of the previous exam.

10. Is the TOEFL difficult?

The experience of the TOEFL test is subjective. The experience of candidates and their preparedness for the exam helps them decide if TOEFL is difficult. If a student is well prepared and in regular practice, then the test can be easy.

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Questions related to TOEFL

Have a question related to TOEFL ?

Hello,

One the most general tips for the preparation of both tests would be to go for a structured approach and understand the format of the tests respectively and work on improving grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation along with it take regular tests and reviews them. Both have 4 section, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, so all four must be kept in focus, and thus you must plan your time according to your needs and areas of improvement.

Now, for TOEFL, it's recommended to use resources from ETS, that is, official materials and tests.

For IELTS, it's recommended to use resources from IDP, British Council and Cambridge, that give you sample tests and questions.

Wishing an all the very best for the test.

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.

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