TOEFL Accepted Countries are those where theTOEFL (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 forstudent 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.
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.
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.
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.
A 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.
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.
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./
The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates can study at international institutions that have English as the main language for instructions./
Canada is a country that is renowned for the quality of its educational infrastructure. As a result, it is no surprise that a list of PTE accepted universities in Canada is sought-after./
The SAT exam dates fall on Saturdays and the test is generally conducted on 7 Saturdays every year; the deadline for registration is four weeks prior to the date of the test./
According to the latest update on SAT syllabus 2022, SAT Subject Tests and the SAT optional essays have been discontinued which has now reduced the duration of the exam by 50 minutes./
Understanding the SAT exam pattern is of paramount importance for all those who want to study undergraduate courses from universities or colleges abroad./
The College Board India Scholars Program offers the SAT scholarship for Indian students. This scholarship helps students receive education from renowned institutes worldwide./
How to register for the SAT examination? Stay assured that the procedure is not at all complex. Students desirous of obtaining admission into bachelor’s or undergraduate courses in the US or Canada will find this to be an important examination./
It is very important for ACT aspirants to be aware of the complete ACT exam syllabus, as it will help them to avoid any surprises on the day of the examination./
The ACT is a widely accepted and standardized examination in the U.S. and several other countries. It is used majorly for undergraduate admissions into several colleges and universities./
Registration of the ACT examination is done through the official website online. Applicants need to register for the test at least two months before the test date. /
The American College Testing– ACT score is a part of the college applications in the United States of America (USA), depending on the institution students apply to. There are no fixed passing marks for this examination./
Carefully curated list of the top SAT prep material can prove invaluable to reducing aspirants' efforts. So, to simplify your research, here are 10 SAT exam books to consider for thorough preparation./
Not necessarily. TOEFL is more academic and computer-based, while IELTS is often preferred by students comfortable with paper-based or face-to-face speaking tests.
Can I send TOEFL scores to multiple universities?
Yes. You can send your scores to 4 universities for free when you register. Additional score reports cost $20 per institution.
How long does it take to get TOEFL results?
TOEFL iBT results are typically available within 4 to 8 days after your test date. You'll get an email once your scores are ready.
Do TOEFL scores affect scholarship chances?
Yes. A high TOEFL score can strengthen your application and improve your chances of merit-based scholarships, especially in English-speaking countries.
Can I retake the TOEFL test in the same month?
Yes. You can retake the TOEFL after a 3-day gap, even within the same month, as long as test dates are available.
What is the fee for TOEFL iBT in India?
The TOEFL iBT costs around ₹16,900 to ₹17,000 in India, including taxes.
Is TOEFL accepted for MBA abroad?
Yes. Many top MBA programs in the US, Canada, and Europe accept TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency.
How many times can I take the TOEFL in a year?
You can take the TOEFL multiple times a year, with a minimum 3-day gap between attempts. There's no annual limit.
Can I use TOEFL for diploma or certificate courses?
Yes. Many vocational schools and community colleges accept TOEFL scores for short-term diploma and certification programs.
Are TOEFL scores accepted for STEM programs?
Absolutely. Most global STEM programs in English-speaking countries accept TOEFL iBT or Home Edition scores for admissions.
Does TOEFL have negative marking?
No. There is no negative marking in TOEFL. Only correct answers contribute to your final score.
Can I cancel or reschedule my TOEFL test?
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule up to 4 days before the test, though a fee may apply. Changes must be made via your ETS account
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2802 articles published
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