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 Requirements for Animation & VFX Programs Abroad

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Akanksha Tripathi

3 min read

Updated On July 15, 2025

"Discover TOEFL score requirements for studying Animation and VFX abroad, and learn how to meet them for top creative universities."

Key Highlights

Why TOEFL Matters for Animation & VFX Programs
Ideal TOEFL Score Range for Animation & VFX Courses
Top Universities Offering Animation & VFX Courses That Accept TOEFL
What You’ll Need Besides TOEFL
How to Prepare for TOEFL for Creative Courses

Pursuing a career in Animation or Visual Effects (VFX) abroad offers creative freedom, technical skills, and global industry exposure. Whether you’re drawn to 3D animation, game art, or cinematic effects, international universities provide cutting-edge programs designed to shape your talent.

But to join these programs, especially in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, you must prove your English language proficiency—and TOEFL iBT® is widely accepted across these institutions. Let’s explore which top animation and VFX schools require TOEFL, the typical score range, and how to prepare for admission effectively.

Why TOEFL Matters for Animation & VFX Programs

Here’s why TOEFL is essential for admission to creative degree programs abroad:

Medium of Instruction: Most programs are delivered in English and involve technical software, group collaborations, and critiques—strong English skills are crucial.
Academic Requirements: Schools require TOEFL to ensure students can follow lectures, understand design briefs, and write research papers or creative reflections.
Portfolio Communication: Apart from your visual portfolio, many schools require written artist statements or project reports in English.

Let’s now look at what TOEFL score you should aim for.

Ideal TOEFL Score Range for Animation & VFX Courses

Most creative universities and design institutes abroad ask for a TOEFL iBT® score between 80 and 100, depending on the country and course level.

Requirement Type	Recommended TOEFL iBT® Score
Foundation / Diploma Programs	70–80
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)	80–90
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)	90–100+
Competitive Design Institutes (e.g. SCAD, Sheridan)	95+

Some universities also expect minimum scores in each section—especially Writing and Speaking—because you will be expected to present ideas and participate in critiques.

Top Universities Offering Animation & VFX Courses That Accept TOEFL

Here are some leading institutions that accept TOEFL scores for Animation, Game Design, and VFX programs:

University / School	Country	Programs Offered	Minimum TOEFL iBT® Score
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)	USA	Animation, VFX, Motion Media Design	85–100
Sheridan College	Canada	Bachelor of Animation, Computer Animation	88+
University of the Arts London (UAL)	UK	BA Animation, MA Visual Effects	80–90
Griffith University	Australia	Bachelor of Animation, Master of Interactive Media	79+
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg	Germany	Animation Directing, Interactive Media	80+
RMIT University	Australia	Animation & Interactive Media	79–90
New York Film Academy (NYFA)	USA	BFA in 3D Animation & VFX	80–100
Breda University of Applied Sciences	Netherlands	Creative Media & Game Technologies	80+
Emily Carr University of Art + Design	Canada	Animation, Digital Arts	84–90
HKU University of the Arts Utrecht	Netherlands	Animation, Illustration, Game Design	80+

Each program may have different requirements depending on the level of study (Bachelor’s or Master’s), so check directly with the university before applying.

What You’ll Need Besides TOEFL

Meeting the TOEFL requirement is only one part of the application. Most animation and VFX programs abroad also require:

Portfolio of Work: This is the most important part of your application. It should include drawings, animations, 3D renders, or motion graphics depending on the course.
Statement of Purpose / Artist Statement: You must write about your creative journey, goals, and how the program fits your vision—strong writing is crucial.
Letters of Recommendation: Academic or professional references who can vouch for your creative and technical potential.
Interview (sometimes): Some schools conduct online interviews where good spoken English is important.

How to Prepare for TOEFL for Creative Courses

Here’s how you can prepare for TOEFL as an aspiring animator or VFX artist:

1. Focus on Vocabulary Related to Your Field

Learn terms related to design, animation software, and media theory. This will help you during Listening and Reading sections where academic topics may overlap with your field.

2. Practice Integrated Writing

In TOEFL’s Integrated Writing task, you’ll read a short passage, listen to a lecture, and write a summary. Practice by watching design documentaries and summarising key points.

3. Work on Spoken Expression

Speaking fluently about your ideas is a skill you’ll need in both TOEFL and design school. Practice describing your creative process, portfolio pieces, and ideas clearly and confidently.

4. Use TOEFL Mock Tests

Simulate real test conditions at least once a week. This helps build stamina and improves your performance in long Listening and Reading sections.

TOEFL scores help creative universities assess whether you can succeed in an English-medium academic environment. In highly visual fields like Animation and VFX, language still plays a big role—in presenting your concepts, writing project briefs, or collaborating internationally.

I hope this blog on TOEFL requirements for Animation and VFX programs abroad helped you understand what to expect. With a strong TOEFL score and an impressive portfolio, you can confidently apply to top creative universities across the world. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and get ready to animate your future!