TOEFL iBT® Score Requirements for USA Study Visa

" TOEFL scores for USA study visas typically range from 80 to 100. However, top universities like MIT and Harvard often require scores above 100. "
Key Highlights
To secure a USA study visa, meeting the TOEFL score requirements is crucial. While many universities in the USA accept scores within the range of 80 to 100, top institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford typically expect scores above 100. To ensure you meet your dream university’s criteria, it's important to research their specific TOEFL iBT® requirements. Let's explore the necessary TOEFL Score Requirements for USA Study Visa and top universities to guide you through the process.
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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 score of 80-100 to show a good command of English for academic purposes. Here is a breakdown of the TOEFL scores necessary to achieve a total of 80-100:
TOEFL Section |
Minimum Score Range |
Overall |
80 - 100 |
Reading |
18-23 |
Listening |
17-21 |
Speaking |
20-24 |
Writing |
17-23 |
TOEFL Score Requirements for Top USA Universities
Top colleges in the USA typically require international students to have a TOEFL score of over 100, although this can vary between institutions. Let's take a look at the TOEFL Score Requirements for USA Study Visa at top universities according to the QS World University Rankings 2025:
University |
QS World Rank 2025 |
TOEFL iBT® Score Requirement |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
#1 |
90 |
Harvard University |
#4 |
100 |
Stanford University |
#6 |
100 |
University of Pennsylvania |
#11 |
100 |
University of California, Berkeley |
#12 |
80 |
Princeton University |
22 |
108 |
Yale University |
#23 |
100 |
Columbia University |
=34 |
105 |
New York University |
#43 |
100 |
Northwestern University |
#50 |
80 |
Boston University |
#108 |
90-100 |
Check out - List of Universities in USA Accepting TOEFL iBT® Scores Between 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!
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