What Universities Accept the TOEFL Test?

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You’re ready to study abroad! You have found the perfect school, and you’re ready to prove your English proficiency. However, you have no idea if the university you want to attend accepts the TOEFL test. The amazing news is that in a survey of almost 300 randomly selected students, 90% of surveyed TOEFL test takers got into their 1st or 2nd choice university. The TOEFL test can open doors all around the world!

Today we’ll explain the rules regarding the TOEFL test as entry to universities, visa issuing rules, and more. Let’s get started!

Where is the TOEFL accepted?

First off, TOEFL is accepted at more than 11,000 universities and institutions, in more than 150 countries. The TOEFL test is the most widely used and approved test to assess English language proficiency in the world, especially when it comes to proof of study, work and immigration.

Countries that accept the TOEFL are the United States, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. It is necessary to study the specific process of each country to be able to adapt to the rules.

For each country, we will tell you who accepts the TOEFL, and give you tips on the visa process in regards to TOEFL.

A Country-by-Country Guide to TOEFL Acceptance

United States

In the United States, the TOEFL is accepted everywhere, with 9 out of 10 universities preferring the TOEFL test over all other English proficiency tests. To gain a student visa in the United States, it is necessary to be accepted by an accredited American institution, which will request a proof of fluency in English, before applying for a student visa.  After approval from that university, you will go to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country and conduct an interview to be issued the visa. In the interview, you will providing financial proof that you are able to stay in the United States for the time that you said you will provide financial proof that you have reason to return to your country of origin when your studies are finished.

Here is a great resource if you’re looking for more details about TOEFL acceptance in the United States.

Australia

A visa is required for all foreign students wishing to study in Australia. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to present the required fluency to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The TOEFL score can be used for the purposes of such proof. It is also necessary to check the score required by the university to which you are applying, as the score varies. The TOEFL score can also be used for issuing temporary or even permanent visas.

Here is a great resource if you’re looking for more details about TOEFL acceptance in Australia.

New Zealand

Did you know that the TOEFL is accepted by 100% of New Zealand universities? To issue visas to enter New Zealand universities, it is possible to use the TOEFL score as a means of proof. Scoring requirements must be verified directly with each institution. It is also possible to use the TOEFL iBT score to issue permanent qualified migration visas. However, a minimum of 79 points is required, taken within the last two years, taking into account the date of registration, for the issuance of a visa in the category of qualified migrant. Also according to the TOEFL website, scores are also recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and Private Training Institutions (PTEs).

Here is a great resource if you’re looking for more details about TOEFL acceptance in New Zealand.

Canada

The TOEFL test is accepted by 100% of Canadian universities. 80% of Canadian graduate programs say that they prefer the TOEFL test over all other English proficiency tests. That means that in Canada, it’s the gold standard of English proficiency tests. The rule is that foreigners need to have a student visa to study in Canada. Because of that reason, it is necessary to take an English proficiency test, in addition to being accepted by a Canadian university, presenting a letter of acceptance with your application.

Here is a great resource if you’re looking for more details about TOEFL acceptance in Canada.

United Kingdom

100% of UK universities accept the TOEFL test as a form of entry and proof of proficiency. For the UK student visa, there are two possibilities: if you are a citizen of the European Union, it is not necessary to have a student visa. For foreigners, the a visa must be requested from the British consulate or embassy for a student visa.

As for the score required to obtain a student visa, level 4 is required. Keep in mind that the UK Ministry of the Interior as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is no longer recognized. A process was established by this Ministry that allows each university to choose the method that best meets their needs. In compliance with this determination, each university has the autonomy to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for students who obtain valid scores that are not included in the SELT list, an example of the TOEFL iBT® test.

Here is a great resource if you’re looking for more details about TOEFL acceptance in the United Kingdom.

Europe

The TOEFL is accepted by top European universities. When we talk about the European Union or the Schengen Area, the visa type varies depending on the period that you are going to stay. For example, for visas over 90 days you must obtain a long-term student visa or a residence permit. Before enrollment, you must be accepted by a reputable European Union institution. The application must be sent to the country in which you wish to study, together with other documents and necessary evidence. Examples of required documents are a passport, letter of acceptance, medical insurance, proof of language proficiency (TOEFL) and financial proof. As for the analysis time, it varies from 30 to 90 days. If there is no response after 90 days, the possibility is that the application has been rejected, and it is necessary to contact the visa office.

Here is a great resource if you’re looking for more details about TOEFL acceptance in Europe.

Final Thoughts

In summary, follow these steps to see if you should take the TOEFL test:

1. Research whether the university of your choice accepts TOEFL iBT as a form of admission. If possible, contact the admissions department to be sure of the required score. The score can vary based on your intended course, so it is necessary to search specifically for your major or degree program.
2. Find out if your score meets the requirements defined by the Immigration Department of the country you will be studying in.

Ready to start studying for the TOEFL test? I’ve put together some amazing TOEFL preparation tools.

Until next time,

Happy Learning!