TOEFL iBT® Score Required in USA for Masters in Psychology

"The TOEFL score for Masters in Psychology in USA typically ranges from 79-100. Learn about specific university requirements, admission criteria, and available scholarships here."
Key Highlights
International students pursuing a Masters in Psychology in the USA must meet specific TOEFL score requirements, typically ranging from 79 to 100, depending on the university. Top institutions like Harvard and Stanford may require scores closer to 100, while many universities accept scores around 80-90.
Let’s explore the TOEFL Score Requirements for Masters in Psychology in USA, along with general admission criteria and scholarship opportunities for international students in 2025.
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TOEFL Score Required in USA for Masters in Psychology
When applying for a Masters in Psychology in USA, TOEFL score requirements typically range from 79 to 100, varying by university. Below is a list of top universities accepting TOEFL scores for the program, along with their required scores and offered specialisations:
University Name |
TOEFL iBT® Score Required |
Specialisations Offered |
University of California, Berkeley |
80 |
Clinical, Cognitive Neuroscience, Social, Developmental |
Stanford University |
100 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Neuroscience |
Harvard University |
80 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Neuroscience, Social, Developmental |
University of California, Los Angeles |
87 |
Clinical, Cognition, Neuroscience, Social Psychology |
Columbia University |
100 |
Clinical, Developmental, Cognitive, Social |
University of Pennsylvania |
100 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Developmental |
Yale University |
100 |
Clinical, Cognition and Perception, Developmental |
University of Michigan |
79 |
Clinical, Health, Cognitive, Developmental, Experimental |
University of Chicago |
90 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Developmental |
New York University |
Doesn't have a minimum score but 100 is suggested as per the competition |
Clinical, Developmental, Health, Cognition |
Northwestern University |
90 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Developmental |
University of Southern California |
90 |
Clinical, Neuroscience, Developmental, Cognition |
University of California, San Diego |
85 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Neuroscience, Social |
University of California, Santa Barbara |
80 |
Clinical, Cognitive Neuroscience, Social, Developmental |
University of California, Irvine |
80 |
Clinical, Neuroscience, Developmental, Cognitive |
University of California, Davis |
80 |
Clinical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Developmental |
University of Minnesota |
79 |
Clinical, Health, Industrial-Organizational Psychology |
University of Denver |
80 |
Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, Family Therapy |
Boston University |
90 |
Clinical, Health, Experimental Psychology |
Pepperdine University |
85 |
Clinical, Marriage and Family Therapy |
University of Southern California |
90 |
Clinical, Health, Neuroscience, Industrial-Organizational |
Florida Institute of Technology |
80 |
Clinical Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis |
Santa Clara University |
90 |
General Psychology, Neuroscience, Applied Psychology |
Syracuse University |
90 |
Clinical Psychology, School Psychology |
Loyola University Chicago |
79 |
Clinical, Forensic, Health Psychology |
George Washington University |
100 |
Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology |
University of San Francisco |
80 |
Clinical, Counseling, School Psychology |
Virginia Tech |
90 |
Clinical Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis |
University of Illinois at Chicago |
80 |
Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Science |
James Madison University |
81 |
Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology |
Check out - How to Send Your TOEFL iBT® Scores to Colleges?
General Admission Requirements for Masters in Psychology in USA
Here are the key requirements for international students applying to TOEFL accepting universities for a Master's in Psychology in USA:
Requirement |
Details |
Educational Background |
A bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field is required. |
Minimum GPA |
Generally, a GPA of 3.0-3.5 on a 4.0 scale (83-90%) is expected. |
GRE Scores |
GRE scores are optional for most programs, but a score of around 310 is preferred if submitted. |
Language Proficiency |
Minimum TOEFL iBT® score of 79 |
Letters of Recommendation (LOR) |
Typically, 2-3 letters of recommendation from professors or professionals are needed. |
Statement of Purpose |
A personal statement explaining your academic and professional goals in psychology. |
Resume/CV |
A detailed resume highlighting relevant experience. |
Transcripts |
Official transcripts from all prior institutions attended. |
Work Experience |
Not always required, but any relevant experience can strengthen your application. |
Additional Requirements |
Some programs may require an interview or other materials like a writing sample. |
Health Insurance |
Proof of health insurance is often required once accepted into the program. |
Check out - MS Colleges & Universities Abroad Accepting TOEFL iBT® Scores in 2025
Scholarships for International Students Pursuing a Masters in Psychology in USA
Here are some scholarship opportunities for international students planning to pursue a Masters in Psychology in USA. These scholarships provide financial support for tuition, living expenses, and more, helping ease the financial burden of studying abroad:
Scholarship Name |
What It Covers |
Amount (USD) |
Amount (INR) |
Eligibility Criteria |
Fulbright Foreign Student Program |
Tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance |
Full Coverage |
Full Coverage |
Open to international students for Master's/PhD programs. |
Stanford University Scholarship |
Full tuition, living allowance, travel expenses |
Full Coverage |
Full Coverage |
Available for Master’s and PhD programs. |
Yale University Scholarships |
Varies from $500 to $70,000/year for tuition and expenses |
Up to 70,000 |
Up to 52 Lakhs |
For Master's and PhD students based on financial need. |
University of New Haven Scholarship |
75% tuition assistance + hourly wage for work opportunities |
Up to 75% tuition |
Up to 75% tuition |
For Master's students, preference for rural psychology placements. |
University of Minnesota Fellowship |
Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance |
Full Coverage |
Full Coverage |
For Master’s students. |
AAUW International Fellowship Program |
Covers $18,000 to $30,000 per year |
18,000-30,000 |
14 Lakhs-24 Lakhs |
For female graduate/postgraduate students. |
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship |
Full tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance |
Full Coverage |
Full Coverage |
Available for Master’s students in select US universities. |
Rotary Peace Fellowship Program |
Tuition, room and board, travel, internship expenses |
Full Coverage |
Full Coverage |
Available for Master's and PhD students in peace studies. |
University of Memphis Scholarship |
Covers the difference between international and domestic tuition rates |
Varies |
Varies |
For Master's students, available for select programs. |
I hope this blog on TOEFL Score Requirements for Masters in Psychology in USA has provided valuable insights into the necessary TOEFL benchmarks and admission criteria. With the right preparation, you can meet these requirements and take a step closer to your academic goals.
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