What is the Passing Score for TOEFL iBT®?

Wondering what is the passing score for TOEFL? While TOEFL doesn’t have a universal passing score, institutions set their own minimum requirements based on program demands. Understanding these thresholds is crucial to planning your preparation effectively. Let’s explore how TOEFL scores are evaluated and what you need to aim for.

What is the Passing Score for TOEFL for Top Global Universities?

When preparing for international admissions, some students wonder what is the passing score for TOEFL. The TOEFL test does not have a universal passing score, instead, each institution sets its own minimum score requirements based on their specific academic standards and program needs. These requirements can vary significantly between universities and even among different programs within the same institution. Generally, more competitive universities and programs may demand higher TOEFL scores to ensure that students possess the necessary English language proficiency for academic success.

Here is a table outlining the minimum TOEFL iBT scores required by some top universities worldwide.

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Understanding the TOEFL Scoring System

The TOEFL scoring system is designed to evaluate your English proficiency in four main areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored individually, and the total score is the sum of these individual scores, with a maximum possible score of 120. Understanding how these sections are scored and what score ranges indicate good performance can help you plan your preparation strategy more effectively. Check out the score breakdown for each section of TOEFL below.

1. Reading (0-30):

Here is the score range for the reading section of TOEFL.

• Score Range:

• 0-3: Low proficiency

• 4-17: Low intermediate proficiency

• 18-13: High intermediate proficiency

• 24-30: Excellent proficiency

• Good Result: A score of 24-30 shows strong reading comprehension skills, which is considered competitive for most institutions.

2. Listening (0-30):

Find out the score range for the TOEFL listening section below.

• Score Range:

• 0-8: Low proficiency

• 9-16: Low intermediate proficiency

• 17-21: High intermediate proficiency

• 22-30: Excellent proficiency

• Good Result: A score of 22-30 indicates strong listening skills, suitable for high-level academic understanding.

3. Speaking (0-30):

Check out the score range of the speaking section of TOEFL below.

• Score Range:

• 0-9: Low proficiency

• 10-15: Basic proficiency

• 16-19: Low intermediate proficiency

• 20-24: High intermediate proficiency

• 25-30: Excellent proficiency

• Good Result: A score of 25-30 is considered excellent and shows strong speaking fluency, essential for academic discussions and presentations.

4. Writing (0-30):

Find below the score range of the TOEFL writing section.

• Score Range:

• 0-6: Low proficiency

• 7-12: Basic proficiency

• 13-16: Low intermediate proficiency

• 17-23: High intermediate proficiency

• 24-30: Excellent proficiency

• Good Result: A score of 24-30 is seen as strong, indicating the ability to write clear, well-organized academic essays.

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5. Total Score (0-120):

The total score is the sum of your scores across all four sections, ranging from 0 to 120. A good overall score generally falls between 90-100 for many universities, though some institutions or programs may require higher scores, particularly for graduate-level studies.

What is a Good TOEFL Score?

A good TOEFL score depends on your academic and career goals, as well as the requirements of the institution you’re applying to. Understanding what qualifies as a good score can help you set realistic targets. Check out a general breakdown of TOEFL scores below.

• Less than 80: This score range is usually not sufficient for most universities in English-speaking countries, though some smaller public universities may accept it. However, it could still be acceptable if you are applying to universities in non-English-speaking regions.

• 80-90: This score range is considered fairly good. Most universities accept scores within this range, and it is usually adequate for graduate programs, where academic achievements are often prioritized.

• 90-100: These scores are generally considered sufficient to meet the requirements of most universities, and they can also improve your chances of securing on-campus opportunities such as research or teaching assistantships.

• 100-110: This score range is considered very strong. A TOEFL score within this range will make you a strong contender for prestigious universities, including Ivy League universities.

• 110-120: These are the highest possible scores. Achieving a score in this range gives you a strong chance to apply to the most prestigious universities. However, ensure you also meet any individual section score requirements set by your chosen university.

Quick Read: TOEFL Test Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Understanding what is the passing score for TOEFL is crucial for your preparation. While each institution may have specific requirements, aiming for a score above 90 is generally a good target. With consistent practice and focused study, achieving your desired score is definitely within reach.

Also Read:

• 10 Common TOEFL Mistakes You Must Avoid

• Top 5 Tips to Master English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT®

• TOEFL Speaking Templates for All Speaking Tasks

• How to Write High-Scoring TOEFL Essays: Expert Tips and Strategies

• Common TOEFL Reading Section Difficulties

• Best Podcasts and Audio Resources for TOEFL® Listening Practice