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List of TOEFL Accepted Countries in 2025

By upGrad Abroad Team

Updated on Jul 01, 2025 | 1.05K+ views

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TOEFL Accepted Countries are those where the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is officially recognized by universities and immigration authorities for academic admissions and student visas. In 2025, over 160 countries accept TOEFL scores, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore.

TOEFL scores are valid for two years and can be sent to four institutions for free after the test. Universities in each country set their minimum TOEFL score requirements, typically ranging from 60 to 100+, depending on the program and study level. TOEFL is used for admissions to undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs across various fields.

This blog gives you a detailed list of TOEFL-accepting countries, their entry requirements, accepted score ranges, and the latest updates on the TOEFL iBT Home Edition for both admissions and visa purposes.

List of Countries Accepting the TOEFL Exam 2025

The TOEFL iBT is officially recognized in more than 160 countries and accepted by over 11,500 universities and institutions worldwide. It serves as a key English language proficiency requirement for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and professional programs. In addition to academic admissions, TOEFL scores are also accepted for student visa applications in several countries.

TOEFL Accepted Countries in North America

TOEFL is universally accepted in North America. Both the USA and Canada require TOEFL for admissions and student visas. Mexico also recognizes the TOEFL at most universities, especially for English-medium and postgraduate programs.

Country

TOEFL Acceptance Rate

United States

100% of universities

Canada

100% of universities and colleges

Mexico

~85%

A high TOEFL score opens doors to top universities across North America, where it's widely recognized for both admissions and visa processes.

TOEFL Accepted Countries in Europe

Most European countries widely accept the TOEFL, especially for English-taught programs. Nations like the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands have high acceptance rates and require the TOEFL for top academic and visa processes.

Country

TOEFL Acceptance Rate

United Kingdom

100% of universities (UKVI approved)

Germany

~90% (mainly for English-taught courses)

Netherlands

~95% of universities

France

80–90% (English-medium programs)

Ireland

100% of universities

Sweden

~90%

Switzerland

~85%

Italy

~80%

Spain

~75–85%

Denmark

~90%

Finland

~90%

Austria

~85%

Poland

~85%

Czech Republic

~80%

Note: TOEFL is especially important for English-taught degrees across Europe, and requirements may vary by university and program.

TOEFL Accepted Countries in Asia

Asian countries like Singapore, UAE, Japan, and South Korea accept TOEFL across many institutions. TOEFL is essential for students applying abroad from India and is used widely for English-taught international courses.

Country

TOEFL Acceptance Rate

Singapore

90–95% of public and private universities

UAE

80–90% of institutions

Japan

80–85% (mostly private universities)

South Korea

80–90%

Malaysia

85–90%

Philippines

85%

Indonesia

80–85%

Vietnam

~75–80%

Saudi Arabia

~80–85%

Qatar

~80%

Oman

~80%

Note: In Asia, TOEFL is a preferred English test for globally competitive programs, especially in private and international universities.

TOEFL Accepted Countries in Oceania

Australia and New Zealand accept TOEFL at all universities and for student visa applications. It’s a key English test for Oceania-bound students. Fiji also recognizes TOEFL for admissions to its higher education institutions.

Country

TOEFL Acceptance Rate

Australia

100% of universities

New Zealand

100% of universities

Fiji

~85%

Note: TOEFL is widely recognized across Oceania and meets both academic and immigration requirements.

TOEFL Accepted Countries in Africa

TOEFL is recognized by many African universities, especially for graduate studies. Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya accept TOEFL scores for English-taught programs and international collaboration pathways.

Country

TOEFL Acceptance Rate

South Africa

~90% (especially for postgraduate study)

Egypt

~80%

Nigeria

~75–85%

Kenya

~80%

Ghana

~80%

Morocco

~75%

Note: TOEFL is often required for advanced academic programs and international education partnerships in Africa.

TOEFL Accepted Countries in South America

In South America, TOEFL is moderately accepted in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. It’s especially useful for students joining international programs or planning future study abroad in North America or Europe.

Country

TOEFL Acceptance Rate

Brazil

~70–80%

Argentina

~70%

Chile

~75–85%

Colombia

~75%

Peru

~70%

Note: TOEFL is commonly accepted for English-taught university programs and exchange pathways across South America.

Top Universities Abroad Accepting TOEFL

Some of the world’s highest-ranked institutions accept TOEFL iBT scores as proof of English proficiency for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. These universities often require scores between 80 and 110, depending on the program and competitiveness.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the United States

Top US universities universally accept TOEFL scores, with elite institutions like Harvard and Stanford requiring 100 or higher. A TOEFL score is also commonly needed for visa purposes and scholarship consideration.

University

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score

Harvard University

80

Stanford University

109

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

90

University of California, Berkeley

80

Columbia University

105

Note: Aiming for a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or above will keep you competitive for top U.S. universities and strengthen your overall application profile.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the UK

TOEFL is accepted by all major UK universities, including Oxbridge. Competitive programs in the UK generally expect scores above 90, and it’s accepted for both admissions and UK student visa processing.

University

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score

University of Oxford

100

University of Cambridge

100

Imperial College London

92

University College London (UCL)

92

University of Edinburgh

92

For UK admissions, aim for a TOEFL iBT score above 95 to meet most competitive program requirements and ensure smooth visa processing.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in Canada

Canada has a 100% TOEFL acceptance rate across public universities. Institutions like the University of Toronto and UBC expect scores around 90+, especially for STEM and research-heavy programs. TOEFL is also valid for visa purposes.

University

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score

University of Toronto

89

University of British Columbia

90

McGill University

65

University of Alberta

88

University of Waterloo

110

TOEFL Accepting Universities in Australia

All Australian universities accept TOEFL iBT, with top universities requiring 85–100, depending on the course. TOEFL scores are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for student visa applications as well.

University

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score

University of Melbourne

94

University of Sydney

96

University of Queensland

87

Monash University

79

Australian National University (ANU)

80

TOEFL score of 90+ is considered competitive for Australia’s top-ranked programs, especially in STEM, business, and health sciences

TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany

Germany widely accepts TOEFL for English-taught courses, especially at public research universities. A score of 88+ is generally recommended, though requirements vary by program. TOEFL helps fulfill language prerequisites for DAAD-funded degrees.

University

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

88

LMU Munich

75

Heidelberg University

79

RWTH Aachen

90

Freie Universität Berlin

95

Leading German universities typically require a TOEFL iBT score between 80 and 100 for English-medium courses. For competitive programs, aiming for 90+ is recommended. Always verify with the official university site.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the Netherlands

Dutch universities require TOEFL scores for nearly all English-taught programs. Scores between 90–100 are common for both undergraduate and graduate courses. TOEFL is widely accepted by all major research universities in the Netherlands.

University

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score

University of Amsterdam

100

Delft University of Technology

100

Utrecht University

100

Leiden University

90

Erasmus University Rotterdam

100

Note: Aiming for a TOEFL score of 90+ improves your chances of admission to leading universities in the Netherlands.

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Eligibility Criteria to Study in TOEFL-Accepting Countries

To study in TOEFL-accepting countries, students must meet both English proficiency and academic eligibility criteria. Each country has its own minimum TOEFL score and admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific TOEFL Score Requirements and Eligibility

Each country sets its own TOEFL score requirements for university admissions. While undergraduate programs often require lower scores, postgraduate courses usually need higher proficiency.

The table below highlights typical minimum scores accepted in major study destinations.

Country

TOEFL Minimum (UG)

TOEFL Minimum (PG)

USA

70–90

80–100+

UK

72–90

88–100

Canada

80–90

90–100+

Australia

79+ 

90–100

Germany

80–90

90+

Netherlands

90+

92–100

Note: These score ranges give you a clear benchmark—aim higher for competitive postgraduate programs and check individual university requirements before applying.

TOEFL Home Edition Accepted Countries 2025

The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted by top universities in many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. It offers a flexible testing option and is valid for both admissions and student visas.

Country

TOEFL Home Edition Acceptance Rate

Minimum Score Required

United States

100%

80-100

Canada

98%

80-100

United Kingdom

80%

80-100

Australia

100%

79-100

New Zealand

98%

80-100

Germany

90%

80-90

Netherlands

95%

90-100

France

85%

80-90

Ireland

100%

80-90

Singapore

95%

85-100

UAE

90%

79-90

Japan & South Korea

85%

80+

Note: TOEFL Home Edition is widely accepted, but always confirm university and visa-specific requirements.

TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE – Which Test to Choose?

Choosing the right English proficiency test depends on where you’re applying and your personal preferences. 

The table below compares TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE based on test format, global acceptance, result time, and cost.

TOEFL iBT

IELTS Academic

PTE Academic

Online-based; can be taken at home

Paper or computer-based in test centers

Fully computer-based

Duration: Around 2 hours

Duration: ~2 hours 45 minutes

Duration: ~2 hours

Score Scale: 0–120

Score Scale: Band 1.0–9.0

Score Scale: 10–90

Results in 4–8 days

Results in 3–13 days

Results in 1–3 days

Widely accepted in the USA, Canada, and Germany

Preferred in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand

Popular in Australia, New Zealand, and UK

Accepted by 11,500+ universities

Accepted by 11,000+ universities

Accepted by 3,000+ universities

Fee: ₹16,900 – ₹17,000

Fee: ₹16,250 – ₹16,500

Fee: ₹14,700 – ₹15,900

Each test has its strengths depending on your study goals. TOEFL is ideal if you're targeting the US, Canada, or Germany, especially with its Home Edition flexibility. IELTS is better if you're applying to UK or Australia, as it’s often required for student visas there. 

PTE offers fast results and is great for Australian and New Zealand universities, especially if you're comfortable with a fully digital format. Always check your university and visa requirements before choosing your test.

Conclusion

If you're planning to study abroad, knowing which countries accept TOEFL scores is essential for a strong application strategy. With over 160+ TOEFL accepted countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and major parts of Europe, the test is recognized globally for both undergraduate and graduate admissions. Understanding score requirements, visa eligibility, and test formats like the Home Edition can give you a clear edge. With the right prep and expert guidance, navigating the TOEFL process becomes easier and far more effective.

Need Help Choosing the Right Program? Connect with our experts for 1:1 counselling and personalised guidance on your study abroad journey. Contact Us

Important Resources For PTE/SAT/ACT Exam

PTE Examination Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific PTE exam eligibility criteria set by Pearson VUE – the organizers of the test./

PTE Eligibility

PTE Academic Syllabus

PTE syllabus includes various sections such as Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening./

PTE Syllabus

PTE Exam Pattern

The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates can study at international institutions that have English as the main language for instructions./

PTE Exam Pattern

FAQs

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS for Indian students?

Can I send TOEFL scores to multiple universities?

How long does it take to get TOEFL results?

Do TOEFL scores affect scholarship chances?

Can I retake the TOEFL test in the same month?

What is the fee for TOEFL iBT in India?

Is TOEFL accepted for MBA abroad?

How many times can I take the TOEFL in a year?

Can I use TOEFL for diploma or certificate courses?

Are TOEFL scores accepted for STEM programs?

Does TOEFL have negative marking?

Can I cancel or reschedule my TOEFL test?

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2802 articles published

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...

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