What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

TOEFL for Film & Media Courses Abroad 2025

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Akanksha Tripathi

3 min read

Updated On July 15, 2025

"Find out how TOEFL scores support your application to global Film & Media courses and what to expect in 2025."

Key Highlights

Why TOEFL Matters for Film & Media Courses
Common TOEFL Score Requirements for Top Film & Media Universities
Courses That Require TOEFL in Film & Media Fields
TOEFL Section Tips for Film & Media Applicants
TOEFL Preparation Tips for Media Students

Dreaming of studying filmmaking, media production, or journalism at a top international university? Whether you’re passionate about screenwriting or digital storytelling, a strong TOEFL score can open doors to some of the world’s most prestigious Film & Media programs.

Film and media schools often attract a diverse, global student body, and English proficiency is essential. TOEFL helps universities assess whether you can participate in workshops, group discussions, scriptwriting sessions, and industry presentations conducted entirely in English. Let’s explore how TOEFL plays a role in Film & Media admissions, what scores you’ll need, and what else to expect.

Why TOEFL Matters for Film & Media Courses

Here’s why TOEFL is important when applying to international Film & Media programs:

Academic English is essential: Courses require critical reading, research writing, and oral presentations.
Collaboration and communication: Group projects and production planning rely on clear communication in English.
Portfolio reviews & interviews: Many schools use interviews as part of admission, so TOEFL Speaking scores reflect your readiness.
Visa requirements: TOEFL also helps meet language proof criteria for student visa applications in countries like the US, UK, and Canada.

Common TOEFL Score Requirements for Top Film & Media Universities

Below is an overview of general TOEFL iBT® score ranges accepted for undergraduate and postgraduate Film & Media courses:

University	Country	Minimum TOEFL iBT Score	Notes
University of Southern California (USC – School of Cinematic Arts)	USA	100	Preferred for graduate film programs
New York University (NYU – Tisch School of the Arts)	USA	100	Higher speaking score preferred
University of British Columbia (UBC – Film Studies)	Canada	90 overall	22 minimum in each section
University of Melbourne – Film & TV	Australia	79–94	Varies by level
University of Westminster – Media and Communication	UK	88	Minimums required in each section
Toronto Metropolitan University – Media Production	Canada	92+	Strong academic writing required
Aalto University – Film & Television	Finland	92	TOEFL used to assess spoken and written English
Griffith University – Film School	Australia	79–90	Portfolio + TOEFL for admission
Hong Kong Baptist University – Communication	Hong Kong	79	TOEFL accepted in lieu of other English tests

Note: Always check the latest requirements on the university’s official site before applying.

Courses That Require TOEFL in Film & Media Fields

Depending on the degree level, TOEFL may be mandatory or highly recommended for:

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film Production
BA in Media & Communication
BA in Journalism or Broadcasting
BA in Screenwriting or Digital Media

Postgraduate Programs

MFA in Directing, Cinematography, or Editing
MA in Media Studies
MS in Film Marketing or Documentary Studies
MA in Communication or New Media

Many postgraduate programs also require an interview, portfolio, or film reel submission. TOEFL ensures you're prepared for academic and industry-level discussion.

TOEFL Section Tips for Film & Media Applicants

Here’s how each TOEFL section connects to what you’ll face in your degree:

Section	Why It Matters for Film & Media
Reading	Helps with script analysis, academic articles on media theory, and understanding film history texts.
Listening	Essential for lectures, group discussions, and analysing dialogue or interviews.
Speaking	Key for pitching film ideas, participating in peer reviews, and viva-style interviews.
Writing	Crucial for writing essays, scripts, screenplays, and project reflections.

A strong performance across all sections reflects your ability to succeed in a creative yet academically demanding environment.

TOEFL Preparation Tips for Media Students

If you're preparing for TOEFL with a Film & Media goal in mind, these tips can help:

Watch English-language films with subtitles to improve vocabulary, pacing, and comprehension.
Practice writing reviews and critiques of short films or documentaries to build writing fluency.
Join English-speaking discussion groups or clubs (online or offline) to practise expressing creative ideas.
Record yourself presenting film pitches to simulate TOEFL Speaking tasks.
Read screenwriting blogs or academic articles to prepare for the TOEFL Reading section.

I hope this blog on TOEFL for Film & Media courses helped you understand how your English skills are essential for creative success abroad. TOEFL not only proves your language ability but also gives you the confidence to express your ideas in global classrooms and studios. Choose your target university, focus your prep, and get ready to turn your passion into a powerful academic journey.