TOEFL Scores Needed for Top Art & Design Schools Abroad

Creative arts and design programs often depend on strong visual portfolios, but when studying in English-speaking schools abroad, language remains essential. Artistic critique, concept development, and project delivery require fluency in English. That’s why top art and design institutions look for TOEFL iBT® scores to ensure students can engage meaningfully in studios, critiques, and coursework.

Let’s review the TOEFL requirements for leading art and design schools worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, and explore how to position yourself for success.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), USA

RISD is among the world’s most prestigious art and design schools. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL iBT scores to show readiness for studio instruction and academic writing.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 90
  
  
• Competitiveness Range: 95+ strengthens your application
  
  
• Why it matters: The ability to articulate design intent and critique peers is essential in courses and group critiques.

Parsons School of Design (The New School), USA

Parsons requires strong English skills for its coursework, lectures, and collaborative projects.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 90
  
  
• Recommended: 95+ to stand out in Architecture, Fashion, or Digital Design programs
  
  
• Key sections: Focus on Speaking and Writing for class participation, reading for concept comprehension.
  
  

Pratt Institute, USA

Pratt expects TOEFL proficiency to ensure students can manage studio work and academic communication.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 90
  
  
• Suggested: Aim for 100+ to elevate your application, especially for graduate-level or international cohorts.
  
  

Central Saint Martins (UAL), UK

Central Saint Martins is globally renowned for art and design creativity. Since instruction is in English for most programs:

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 84
  
  
• Recommended: 90+ for competitive programs like Fashion Design and Textile
  
  
• Focus: Strong reading and writing scores are preferred for handling long critiques and project documentation.
  
  

Royal College of Art (RCA), UK

RCA offers graduate-only programs with rigorous English-language expectations.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 92
  
  
• Strengthens: A score of 95+ supports thesis work, collaborative studio practices, and exhibition planning.
  
  

Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD), Canada

As one of Canada's leading art schools, ECUAD requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 88
  
  
• Competitive Range: 90–95
  
  
• Sections: Emphasise Writing flexibility for project proposals and Reading for conceptual research.
  
  

Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD U), Canada

OCAD U offers a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs taught in English.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 88
  
  
• Recommended: 92+ for graduate courses
  
  
• Why: English fluency supports studio communication, research tasks, and team critiques.
  
  

University of the Arts London – London College of Communication

While many UAL colleges share TOEFL standards, communication-centred colleges set a few higher expectations.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 90
  
  
• Recommended: 95+ for postgraduate design programs involving theory and content creation
  
  

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), USA

SAIC emphasises language skills alongside creative talent.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 80
  
  
• Competitive Range: 90+ for stronger applications
  
  
• Requirement: Balanced section scores ensure peer critique engagement and documentation skills.
  
  

University of Melbourne – Victorian College of the Arts (Australia)

The VCA's entrance requires strong English, especially for studio projects and discussions.

• Minimum TOEFL iBT: 100
  
  
• Why: High-level academic expectations combined with practical presentation skills
  
  

Summary Table – TOEFL for Art & Design Schools

Tips to Reach the Required TOEFL Level

• Practice with Arts-Oriented Content

Familiarise yourself with design journals and artist interviews. This enhances vocabulary like “aesthetic,” “medium,” “critique,” and “conceptual.”

• Strengthen Writing & Speaking

These sections reflect how well you can communicate ideas and feedback. Practice timed responses, and record yourself presenting your portfolio concepts or discussing creative processes.

• Read Reflective Texts

Psychology of design, art history, and studio methodology readings help improve reading comprehension and vocabulary depth.

• Simulate Presentations

During preparation, mimic a critique session. Present your work aloud for a few minutes, record it, and review for clarity and fluency.

• Do Full-Length Mock Tests

Studio work can be tiring—build stamina by using full TOEFL practice exams to adapt to test duration.

I hope this blog on TOEFL score needs for leading art and design schools abroad clarified where your target should be. While minimum scores range from 80 to 100, aiming higher—95+—often strengthens your application, especially for creative programs requiring critical thinking, presentation, and academic writing. Combine strong language preparation with a standout portfolio to increase your chances of success in admissions.