TOEFL iBT® Score Requirements for USA Study Visa
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Key Highlights
For a USA study visa, TOEFL iBT® score requirements typically range from 80 to 100 and many universities in the USA accept scores within this range. However, top universities in the USA like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford often require scores above 100.
It's important to research the specific TOEFL iBT® requirements of your dream university to ensure you meet their criteria. So, let's explore the specific TOEFL iBT® score requirements for USA study visas and top universities to help you prepare for your academic journey in the United States.
Minimum TOEFL Score Requirements for USA Study Visa
The minimum TOEFL scores vary by university and program for a USA study visa. However, most universities in the USA would accept a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80-100 to show a good command of English for academic purposes. Here is a breakdown of the TOEFL iBT scores necessary to achieve a total of 80-100:
TOEFL iBT Section |
Minimum Score Range |
Reading |
18-23 |
Listening |
17-21 |
Speaking |
20-24 |
Writing |
17-23 |
Total |
80 - 100 |
TOEFL Score Requirements for Top USA Universities
Top colleges in the USA want their international students to have a TOEFL score of over 100, though this may vary from one institution to another. Let us see what the score requirement is at top universities according to QS World University Rankings 2024:
University |
QS World Rank 2024 |
TOEFL Score Range |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
#1 |
90-105 |
Harvard University |
#4 |
100-110 |
Stanford University |
#5 |
90-100 |
University of California, Berkeley |
#10 |
80-100 |
University of Pennsylvania |
#12 |
100-110 |
Yale University |
#16 |
100-115 |
Princeton University |
=17 |
100-115 |
Columbia University |
#23 |
100-110 |
New York University |
=38 |
100-115 |
Northwestern University |
#47 |
90-105 |
Boston University |
=93 |
90-100 |
Application Process for USA Study Visa
The application process for a US visa requires planning and adherence to detail. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you understand the process:
Step |
Description |
Research Visa Types |
Determine the appropriate visa type for your course of study and program requirements. You will either have to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. |
SEVIS Fee Payment |
Make the required payment for the SEVIS fee. It is a fee all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must pay. |
Complete DS-160 Form |
Complete Form DS-160 online. This is the visa application with questions that gather biographical information about you and what you intend to do in the USA. |
Schedule Visa Interview |
Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest available U.S. embassy or consulate. Go for the interview on the appointed date. |
Gather Required Documents |
Get all your documents in order. They should include a valid passport, the receipt from the SEVIS fee, the confirmation page of the DS-160, TOEFL scores, academic transcripts, and proof of financial support. |
Attend Visa Interview |
Finally, go to the visa interview arranged for you. Be prepared to discuss your academic plans and sources of funds and also to show proof of intent to return to your country after your studies. |
Hope you’ve got an understanding of how one needs to fulfill the TOEFL requirement to get a USA study visa. Also, make sure to check the university's requirements and search for scholarship facilities that can fund your education in the USA. All the best with your application!
Also Read:
- TOEFL iBT® Test Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare
- TOEFL iBT® Score Requirement for Harvard Admission 2024
- Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam
- 7 Tips to Improve English Fluency for TOEFL iBT® Exam
- TOEFL iBT® Score for Pursuing STEM Courses in the USA
- How to Send Your TOEFL iBT® Scores to Colleges?
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