Which score do you need?
TOEFL iBT scores out of 120. Requirements vary by university and program.
80
Minimum
For many state universities in the US
90
Standard
Required by most mid-tier universities
100
Competitive
Target for top-50 US universities
110+
Elite
Ivy League and top research programs
Section-by-section breakdown
Reading
- 3–4 academic passages — similar to GRE reading comp
- Inference and vocabulary-in-context questions are most common
- Skip and return — no penalty for leaving questions
Listening
- 2 conversations + 3–4 academic lectures
- Take notes — audio plays once only
- Focus on speaker attitude and purpose, not just facts
Speaking
- 4 tasks — 1 independent, 3 integrated
- Speak clearly, not fast — fluency beats vocabulary
- Use the preparation time (15–30 sec) to structure your answer
Writing
- Task 1: Integrated — summarise lecture vs. reading passage
- Task 2: Independent — 300+ word argumentative essay
- Grammar accuracy matters more than in IELTS Writing
~2 hours
Current iBT duration
0–120 points
30 points per section
Valid for 2 years
From the test date
TOEFL vs IELTS at a glance
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by | UK, Canada, Australia, USA | USA, Canada — accepted by many UK unis; verify per program |
| Format | Paper or computer | Computer-based only (iBT) |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with examiner | Recorded microphone responses |
| Score scale | 1–9 band | 0–120 points |
| Duration | 2 hr 45 min | ~2 hr (current iBT) |
Frequently asked questions
TOEFL or IELTS — which should I take?
If you’re applying primarily to US universities, TOEFL is slightly preferred. Many UK universities, including several Russell Group institutions, now accept TOEFL — but always verify the exact requirement on the specific program page before preparing. For Australian universities, IELTS remains more universally required. Both are accepted by Canadian universities.
How long is the TOEFL score valid?
Two years from the test date. Most universities only accept scores within two years of your application.
How many times can I retake the TOEFL?
You can retake it as often as you like, but you must wait at least 3 days between attempts. ETS allows score choice — you select which score to send.
Is the TOEFL harder than IELTS?
Neither is objectively harder. TOEFL suits students comfortable with academic writing and US English accents. IELTS suits students more comfortable with British/Australian accents and a conversational Speaking test.
TOEFL or IELTS — not sure which fits your profile?
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