Minimum TOEFL Score Requirements for USA, UK, Canada

If you’re planning to study abroad, you’ll need to showcase your language skills with an English proficiency test. Each year, thousands of international students use the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to do just that.

But here’s where you need to be informed. The minimum TOEFL score you need varies based on the country, university, and program you apply to. To help you kick-start your research, we’ve broken down the requirements for three of the most popular study destinations—the USA, the UK, and Canada.

The United States is home to more than 4,000 universities. As a result, TOEFL score requirements vary significantly from 4.0 to 5.5 on our updated scale or 70 to 110 on tests taken before January 2026. This range is based on university rankings.

Top ranked universities such as Harvard, Stanford and Columbia require scores of 4.5 to 5.5 on our updated scale (or 90 to 100+) depending on the course, with strong section scores throughout.

Mid-tier universities often set requirements around 4.0 - 5.0 (80–90).

Community colleges and some state schools may accept scores as low as 3.5 to 4.0 (60–70), though as always, schools set their own requirements.

It’s important to note that some departments within a single university will have different score requirements. And different levels of study (Undergraduate Degrees, Master’s Degrees, PHD’s) may also have different score requirements.

The UK is home to 166 universities, all of which set their own TOEFL score requirements. The general accepted range is between 4.0 and 5.5 (72 and 100+), with elite universities  often requesting scores of more than 5.5 (or a score of 110 for tests before January 2026).

Russell Group universities (like Manchester, Edinburgh, or Cardiff) usually require 5.0 to 5.5 (90–100). However, accepted scores vary based on the type of degree and course.

Universities outside of the Russell Group may accept scores closer to 4.0 to 4.5 (72–80).

For visa purposes, the UK government requires proof of English proficiency from a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Make sure you check the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) requirements before planning to study in the UK.

Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering affordable tuition and post-study work opportunities. The country is home to 155 universities with TOEFL requirements varying based on overall scores and individual TOEFL test sections.

Top universities like the University of Toronto and McGill typically ask for 4.5 - 5.0 with no section score below 4.5 (89–100, with no section below 22 on tests taken before Janauary 2026). Like universities in the US and UK, required scores will vary based on the type of course and subject.

On average, other institutions will accept scores from 4.0 - 5.0 (80-90).

Colleges and diploma programs sometimes admit students with scores as low as 3.5 - 4.0 (70–80), though individual requirements should always be checked before completing an application.

Canada is also introducing a number of “pathway programs.” These programs support students who didn’t meet the TOEFL requirements, providing them with an initial English language course after which they will be transitioned into their degree.

The minimum TOEFL score requirement depends heavily on where you apply. On average, these are the scores you should aim for based on the university you’re applying for.

Aim for 5.0 (or 100+ on tests before January 2026) if you’re targeting elite universities.

Aim for 4.0 to 4.50 (80–90) if you want broad options in the US, UK, or Canada.

Before applying always check individual university program requirements through the university website. Minimum TOEFL score requirements can change by year and so what was accepted last year may no longer apply.

While minimum scores are something to look out for, always do your best to achieve the best possible score. Admissions for universities are competitive and higher TOEFL scores can help your application stand out. Treat the minimum as the floor, not the ceiling!