The TOEFL: A Complete Guide for International Students

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted English proficiency test for admission to US colleges and universities. If English is not your first language, you will almost certainly need to take the TOEFL or a comparable test before you can apply.

What Is the TOEFL?

The TOEFL is designed to measure your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It assesses four skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is accepted by more than 12,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries.

The TOEFL iBT Format

The primary format is the TOEFL iBT, taken on a computer at an authorized testing center. The test takes approximately 2 hours and consists of:

  • Reading (35 minutes): Two reading passages with 10 questions each
  • Listening (36 minutes): Lectures and conversations followed by questions
  • Speaking (16 minutes): Four tasks including independent and integrated speaking
  • Writing (29 minutes): An integrated writing task and an academic discussion task

Scoring

The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0–120, with each section scored 0–30.

What Score Do US Universities Require?

  • Community colleges: Many accept TOEFL scores of 45–61
  • Undergraduate programs at mid-tier universities: Typically require 60–80
  • Undergraduate programs at competitive universities: Often require 80–100
  • Graduate programs: Many require 90–100 or higher; some competitive programs require 105+

Always check the specific requirements of each school you are applying to.

The TOEFL Home Edition

ETS also offers the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which can be taken from your home on a computer with a reliable internet connection and quiet private space. The content and scoring are identical to the test center version. A human proctor monitors you remotely throughout the test.

Preparing for the TOEFL

  • Use official ETS materials: The Official TOEFL iBT Tests (volumes 1 and 2) are the closest to the real test
  • Practice all four skills: Many students focus only on reading and neglect speaking
  • Take timed practice tests: Simulating real testing conditions is essential
  • Focus on academic English: Read academic articles, watch recorded university lectures, and practice writing structured arguments
  • Allow enough time: Give yourself at least 2–3 months of dedicated preparation