Minimum TOEFL iBT® Score Requirements for PhD in the USA

"The minimum TOEFL score requirement for PhD in the USA is 90 with no less than 20 in each section. Read on and find TOEFL score requirements, specialisations, and scholarships for PhD programs at top US universities."
Key Highlights
The minimum TOEFL iBT® score requirement for PhD in the USA is 90 with no less than 20 in each section. However, The requirement can go up to 100-105 for some programs. While preparing for the TOEFL exam, keep in mind that the hardest part is the speaking section, dedicate more time and put together more effort into the speaking section.
This blog will discuss the minimum TOEFL score requirement for PhD in the USA along with information on specialisation options for PhD in the USA and more.
TOEFL Score for PhD in the USA
Here are the minimum TOEFL score requirements for various PhD programs at top universities in the USA:
Q.S World Ranking |
University |
TOEFL score |
1 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
90 |
2 |
Stanford University |
90-100 |
4 |
Harvard University |
100 |
9 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Varies |
10 |
University of Chicago |
104 |
13 |
Princeton University |
100 |
14 |
University of Pennsylvania |
100 |
Also Read: 10 Popular Universities in USA for MS in Mathematical Sciences that Accept TOEFL iBT Scores
Specialisations for PhD in the USA
Here are specialisations at Top Universities for PhD in the USA. Consider these universities as they are famous for research opportunities in various fields:
Q.S World Ranking |
University |
Specialisation |
1 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Management, Media Arts and Sciences, and more. |
2 |
Stanford University |
Management Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, Human-Computer Interaction, and more. |
4 |
Harvard University |
Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and more |
9 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more (specific specializations may vary) |
10 |
University of Chicago |
Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Humanities, and more |
13 |
Princeton University |
Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Engineering, and more |
14 |
University of Pennsylvania |
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business, Education, Law, Medicine, and more |
Also Read: Popular Engineering Colleges in USA Accepting TOEFL Score 90
Scholarships at Top universities in the USA.
Here are the scholarship opportunities available at top universities in the USA.
Q.S Ranking |
University |
Scholarship |
What it covers |
Amount |
1 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
MIT Graduate Fellowships |
Tuition and living expenses |
Varies |
2 |
Stanford University |
Knight-Hennessy Scholars |
Tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses |
Up to $100,000 over 3 years |
4 |
Harvard University |
Harvard International Scholarships |
Tuition, health insurance, and living expenses |
Varies |
9 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Caltech Graduate Fellowships |
Full tuition and stipend for living expenses |
Varies |
10 |
University of Chicago |
Stamps Scholarship |
Tuition, fees, room and board, and enrichment fund |
Full coverage + $10,000 enrichment |
This was the list of minimum TOEFL scores of top universities available in the USA for PhD programs and available specialization and scholarship opportunities. However, it is advisable to check the official websites of these universities for more specific information.
Also Read:
Featured Articles

Top Countries to Study MS in Business Analytics with Average TOEFL Score
Discover the top countries to study MS in Business Analytics, average TOEFL score requirements, and the specialisations offered in each country.
January 15, 2025
10 Popular Law Schools in USA Accepting TOEFL Score 90
Discover 10 popular law schools in the USA accepting TOEFL scores of 90. Learn about each institution's minimum score requirement and plan your application.
February 19, 2025
List of Popular Engineering Colleges in USA Accepting TOEFL Score 90
Discover popular U.S. engineering colleges that accept TOEFL score 90, including admission criteria, visa requirements, and more.
February 19, 2025
Texas Christian University TOEFL Score Requirement
Texas Christian University requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 for international students. Review section-wise requirements, admission criteria, and application details here.
February 20, 2025