TOEFL for Online Degree Programs Abroad

Online degrees from international universities offer the best of both worlds—global education and the flexibility to study from home. With institutions across the US, UK, and Europe expanding their virtual programs, students now have more access than ever before to accredited degrees in business, tech, healthcare, and the arts.

But before you can enrol, there’s one important requirement: proving your English proficiency. This is where TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) plays a critical role.Whether it’s a bachelor's, master’s, or even a doctoral program, TOEFL is often required to demonstrate that you can thrive in an academic setting—even online. Let’s explore how TOEFL fits into the admission process for online degree programs abroad, the universities that accept it, and how you can meet their expectations.

Why Do Online Degree Programs Require TOEFL?

Even though you study remotely, online programs abroad expect the same academic standards as in-person courses. Universities use TOEFL scores to ensure you can handle:

• Reading lengthy research articles and academic texts
  
  
• Listening to recorded lectures and webinars
  
  
• Writing essays, reports, and exams
  
  
• Speaking clearly in video presentations or discussions
  
  

Since English is the medium of instruction, TOEFL proves you can learn, communicate, and succeed in that environment.

Also, many institutions offer group work, live seminars, or oral assessments. So TOEFL isn’t just a formality—it reflects real communication skills you'll need.

Top International Online Degrees That Accept TOEFL

Here are well-known universities offering fully online degrees and their typical TOEFL iBT score requirements:

Note: Always confirm with the latest university requirements. Some programs may also accept IELTS, Duolingo, or waive the TOEFL if your previous education was in English.

What TOEFL Score Do You Need?

Your target TOEFL score depends on the university and program level:

• Undergraduate online programs: 71–80
  
  
• Master’s programs: 80–95
  
  
• Doctoral or professional degrees: 90–100+

Some competitive programs (especially in law, public health, or education) may require 22+ in each section. That’s why aiming for balance across Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing is crucial.

How to Prepare for TOEFL with Online Study in Mind

If your goal is to pursue an online degree, tailor your TOEFL prep for academic communication. Here’s how:

1. Focus on Long Reading & Lecture Listening

Online classes rely heavily on self-paced reading and lecture videos. Practise:

• Reading long academic articles on science, business, or social topics
  
  
• Listening to recorded university lectures on YouTube or platforms like Coursera
  
  

2. Improve Written Expression

Online degree assignments often involve essays, research reports, and discussion posts. Practise:

• Writing both TOEFL Integrated and Independent tasks
  
  
• Using academic vocabulary, connectors, and transitions
  
  
• Reviewing your grammar and sentence structure
  
  

3. Simulate Speaking in Remote Settings

Many courses require students to submit voice or video presentations. You can:

• Record yourself responding to TOEFL Speaking prompts
  
  
• Practise presenting academic topics clearly and confidently
  
  
• Get feedback from teachers or peers
  
  

4. Manage Time Effectively

TOEFL prep is also a test of your time management. If you’re planning to study online, start building the habit of:

• Timed reading and writing
  
  
• Weekly goal setting
  
  
• Tracking vocabulary and error correction

Common Questions About TOEFL for Online Study

Q1. Can I skip TOEFL if my course is online?

No. Most universities still require TOEFL for online degrees if you’re an international student and your prior education wasn’t in English.

Q2. Can I take TOEFL Home Edition for online programs?

Yes. TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted by nearly all universities that require TOEFL—including for online degrees.

Q3. Do I need a higher score for self-paced degrees?

Not necessarily. The score depends on the program’s academic difficulty, not whether it’s self-paced or instructor-led.

Tips for Applying to Online Programs with TOEFL

• Start Early: TOEFL results take up to 6–10 days to reach schools.
  
  
• Use the Free Reports Wisely: ETS lets you send scores to 4 institutions for free.
  
  
• Double-Check Score Requirements: Don’t assume all programs under the same university have the same TOEFL cutoff.
  
  
• Keep Backup Options: Some programs accept Duolingo or IELTS if TOEFL isn’t available in your region.
  
  

I hope this blog on TOEFL for online degree programs abroad helped you understand how to meet English requirements and access quality education from home. With a solid TOEFL score and focused preparation, you’re ready to apply for degrees that fit your career goals—without ever stepping on a plane.