What TOEFL score do you need for university in 2026?
In 2026 most universities ask for an overall TOEFL iBT score of about 4.5 to 5 on the new 1–6 scale for undergraduate entry, often with a minimum in each section, and 5 to 5.5 for competitive postgraduate programs. On the ETS comparison table, an old total of 86 or more corresponds to about 4.5, 95 or more to 5, and 107 or more to 5.5. Each university sets its own rules, so always check the course page.
The new 1–6 scale changed how universities write their English requirements. Some now list a TOEFL band, some list a CEFR level, and some still show an old 0–120 total during the transition. Here's how to make sense of them.
Typical ranges
These are typical, not guaranteed. Always check the specific course.
| Level of study | Typical 1–6 overall | Old 0–120 equivalent (approx.) | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation or pathway programs | 3.5–4 | 58–80 | B1–B2 |
| Undergraduate | 4.5–5 | 86–100 | B2–C1 |
| Postgraduate coursework | 4.5–5 | 86–100 | B2–C1 |
| Competitive programs (law, medicine, education, some MBAs) | 5–5.5 | 95–110 | C1 |
The approximate old-scale ranges are based on ETS's comparison table for tests taken before 21 January 2026.
Section minimums matter
Many universities set a minimum for each section as well as the overall score, especially for Writing and Speaking. A course might ask for 5 overall with no section below 4.5. An overall 5 with Writing at 4 would not meet that.
Teaching, nursing and other courses that lead to professional registration often set higher section minimums, because registration bodies require them.
How to read a requirement
When you look at an admissions page, check:
- Which scale the requirement uses: 1–6, 0–120, or CEFR.
- Overall and section minimums.
- Which test versions are accepted. Some institutions treat Home Edition differently from test centre results.
- How old your result can be, often two years.
- Whether "MyBest" scores are accepted, combining your best section scores from different test dates.
If the page still shows an old 0–120 requirement, use ETS's comparison table, or email the admissions office and ask what the 1–6 equivalent is.
Find out where you are todayTry a free TOEFL iBT style practice in any skill, then sit a full timed practice test with 1–6 scores in minutes.
Start free practiceOld requirement to new scale
From the ETS comparison table (selected totals):
| Old total (0–120) | New overall (1–6) |
|---|---|
| 114+ | 6 |
| 107+ | 5.5 |
| 95+ | 5 |
| 86+ | 4.5 |
| 72+ | 4 |
| 58+ | 3.5 |
So an old requirement of "TOEFL 79" sits between 4 and 4.5, and "TOEFL 100" sits around 5.
If you're just below
- Look at your section scores. Lifting one weak section by a full point can lift your overall by half a point.
- Ask about conditional offers or pathway programs. Many universities offer English courses that lead directly into the degree.
- Check whether another test suits you better. Some students do better with IELTS's face-to-face Speaking. See TOEFL or IELTS.
Find your current level
An AIL TOEFL iBT style practice test gives you a 1–6 score for each section, the overall score and the CEFR level, so you can compare yourself directly with a course requirement. Try a free practice section first.
Check one discussion post freePaste your writing and get an estimated 0–5 score with corrections in about 30 seconds. No account needed.
Check my writingQuestions people also ask
What is a good TOEFL score for university in 2026?
For most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, 4.5 to 5 overall on the 1–6 scale. Competitive programs often ask for 5 to 5.5.
What is TOEFL 90 on the new scale?
On ETS's comparison table, a total of 86 or more corresponds to about 4.5, and 95 or more to about 5, so 90 falls around 4.5.
Do universities still accept the old 0–120 TOEFL scores?
Many accept results from tests taken before 21 January 2026 if they are still within the validity period, usually two years. Check each university.
Do universities set minimum section scores for TOEFL?
Often, yes, especially for Writing and Speaking. Check the course's English requirements for both overall and section minimums.