Guide to the TOEFL Exam for International Students

Demonstrating your language proficiency is often a necessary requirement for students looking to study or work abroad in a majority English-speaking country. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency exams, trusted by thousands of institutions around the world. Whether you’re preparing to enter a degree program, apply for a scholarship, or pursue career opportunities overseas, the TOEFL provides a clear and reliable way to showcase your English skills.

Find out more about the TOEFL exam, what it is, how it works, and how you can prepare, so you can get a head start on your academic and professional journey in English-speaking countries.

What Is the TOEFL Test?

The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is one of the world’s most widely recognized English proficiency exams. It was introduced in 1964 as a paper-based test, shifted to a computer-based format in 1998, and by 2005 had completely transitioned into the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT). This is the primary version that most students take today, but the paper-based test (PBT) is also still offered in some areas. You can usually take the TOEFL iBT in person at authorized test centers around the world, or take the Home Edition monitored by live proctors online. 

Much like the IELTS, the TOEFL is structured around four key skills — reading, listening, speaking, and writing — and is designed to reflect the academic level English students will use in real classroom and university settings. A TOEFL certification can be vital for international students seeking admission to universities in English-speaking countries as it is often a key requirement for university admission and student visa applications.

TOEFL Eligibility & Registration

There are no strict eligibility requirements for taking the TOEFL exam, and any international student who wants to travel to an English-speaking country for study can apply, regardless of home country. You will need to have certain documents prepared before you can take the exam, such as a valid original government-issued photo ID, like a passport. The type of identification considered acceptable varies depending on your location, so make sure you confirm with your local test center before registering.

If you plan on taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, there are additional equipment and environmental requirements you need to meet before registering.

Once you have confirmed your documentation, you can register for the exam through the official ETS website. The next step is to create an account, and you should make sure the personal information you use to register matches the identification materials you plan to show on test day. After creating an account, you can browse available test types, dates, and locations at ETS-authorized test centers, or choose the TOEFL iBT Home Edition if eligible. When you register, you can also choose where you will receive your test scores. 

Registration is confirmed by paying the exam fee, which varies by country. Students will then receive a confirmation email with test details and instructions for the day of the exam.

TOEFL Exam Dates

The TOEFL iBT exams are held all year round and up to six days a week. The exact dates and times vary by location, so be sure to check the schedule for your local test centers in advance. Since test seats can fill up quickly, especially during peak application seasons, registering for the exam at least four months before your desired test date can help you avoid delays. Receiving the score for your exam can also take time, so be mindful to choose a test date that is two to three months ahead of your earliest admission deadline.

TOEFL Exam Fees

Exam fees vary depending on your location and range anywhere from around $180 to upwards of $300 USD. Besides this registration fee, there can be additional costs for rescheduling, extra score reports, express registrations, and express scoring. You can check the exact costs through ETS or by contacting your local TOEFL test center.

TOEFL Score Ranges and Criteria

Each section of the TOEFL iBT exam — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — is scored on a 0–30 scale, which adds up to a maximum possible score of 120. Here’s a breakdown of what the scores can say about your proficiency for the skills tested.

Scores are usually available within four to eight business days, though the exact official release date is provided to test-takers when you complete your exam. As part of the test fee, students can send their scores to up to four institutions for free, with the option to send additional reports for $25 each. These score reports remain valid for two years.

A Note for 2026 Test Takers 

The scoring system for TOEFL iBT is scheduled to change by January 21, 2026, to better align with the Common European Framework of References for Language (CEFR). According to the updated system, all four sections will instead be graded on a 1–6 scale, with 0.5 increments. Your final score will be the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band, so a 5.25 average will result in a 5.5 overall score. 

For the next two years following this change, score reports will also include an equivalent score using the current 0–120 scoring scale, to help ease the transition period. Scoring is also expected to be much faster, so you would be able to receive your results within 72 hours of taking your test.

Ideal TOEFL Scores for Colleges

The TOEFL score needed to apply for a university abroad varies greatly depending on the institution and program, but achieving a high score can help you stand out from other applicants. Most universities have a minimum TOEFL iBT requirement of around 70–80 (4–4.5 with the 1–6 scale), and top-ranked universities require at least 100 (5 with the 1–6 scale). Some programs may even have minimum requirements for individual section scores. 

If your scores do not meet the requirements of your preferred university, you can retake it as many times as you need, though only once every three days. However, keep in mind that you would need to pay the fee for each time you take the test.

How to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam

To prepare for the TOEFL exam, it is best to fully understand the exam format and to practice for each of the assessed skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Recognize the areas you struggle with and make a study plan tailored to your needs. If you require extra assistance, you can benefit from joining coaching centers or preparation courses, which can provide structured learning and expert support. Take full advantage of the wide range of resources available online, such as practice tests, sample questions, and study guides, which can help you familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format and approach the test day with confidence. 

Types of TOEFL Tests

Besides the primary TOEFL exam, which has the internet-based test, paper-based test, and the home edition, there are a few additional types of tests to be aware of, such as the TOEFL Junior and TOEFL ITP exams. Though these are not necessary for most international students looking to study abroad, these tests could be required by certain schools or programs.

TOEFL Junior

The TOEFL Junior exam, just like the name implies, is a version of the TOEFL exam designed for middle school or early high school level students (ages 11+), helping to assess their developing English skills from an early age.

TOEFL ITP

The TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (ITP) test is similar in format and content to the PBT version of the test, but unlike the PBT or the standard iBT, it is not widely accepted for study abroad and visa purposes. It is instead used by certain institutions, like universities and schools, for internal evaluations. You may need to take this specific version of the test if your chosen university requires it, but it is not required for admissions.

TOEFL vs. IELTS: What’s the Difference?

TOEFL and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are two of the most widely recognized English proficiency exams for international students and have many similarities, but they differ in a few important ways. Both tests cover the four core skill areas of reading, listening, speaking, and writing; however, the content focus and structure are not identical. The TOEFL iBT exam emphasizes academic English, but IELTS is slightly broader in scope as it balances both academic and everyday English use. 

The test formats are the most notable difference; for example, the speaking portion is done live for IELTS with a live interview, while TOEFL records responses for later review instead. The length of the exam is also different, with the typical IELTS exam running for about two hours and 45 minutes, while the TOEFL takes about two hours to complete. They are similar in terms of costs on average, though costs still vary based on location. IELTS uses a band scoring system that averages section results to calculate an overall score. While the TOEFL currently uses a scoring system that adds up section results to an overall total score, it will soon also adopt a band scoring system.

Ultimately, which test you choose comes down to your study destination, your level of familiarity with English, and your personal preference in test formats.

Where TOEFL and IELTS Are Accepted

TOEFL iBT scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency by over 13,000 institutions across more than 160 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, as well as every university in the US. IELTS is accepted in more than 11,500 organizations in over 140 countries, especially Commonwealth countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and is particularly relevant for migration and professional paths.

For international students planning to pursue their university degree in an English-speaking country, the TOEFL exam is a widely recognized way to demonstrate your English proficiency. Successfully preparing for and taking the TOEFL exam can help you access many opportunities abroad, enabling you to achieve your academic and career goals.

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