Planning to study or work abroad? The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a highly respected English proficiency test that opens doors to over 13,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including top-ranking universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more. Recognized in 160+ countries, the TOEFL iBT test assesses core language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—making it a comprehensive measure of English proficiency for non-native speakers.
This blog will guide you through the key details of TOEFL-accepting universities and institutions in 2025. You’ll find essential information on top-ranked institutions, minimum TOEFL score requirements, and popular fields of study at each university. Whether you aspire to study engineering in the US, business in Canada, or arts in the UK, understanding where TOEFL scores are accepted can be your first step toward your dream education. Read on to discover your options and make an informed choice for your international academic journey!
Top Universities in TOEFL Accepted Countries Worldwide
Many prestigious universities globally accept TOEFL scores, providing international students with abundant educational opportunities. Institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Cambridge, renowned for their exceptional academics, global rankings, and innovative research accept TOEFL scores. Here are some key regions and institutions where TOEFL scores are highly regarded:
- USA: Nearly 90% of universities and colleges in the U.S. accept TOEFL scores, including Ivy League schools and top public universities.
- Canada: 100% of universities in Canada accept TOEFL. Over 80% of graduate courses in Canada preferably take TOEFL scores compared to other English proficiency tests.
- UK: All universities accept TOEFL in the UK. Immigration in the UK also accepts TOEFL scores.
- Europe: TOEFL is widely accepted in all European nations and is highly prevalent in France and Germany.
- Ireland: All universities in Ireland accept TOEFL. In many cases, they also accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- Australia: TOEFL scores are acceptable in all universities in Australia and also for immigration.
- New Zealand: All universities in New Zealand take TOEFL scores. It is also accepted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, which evaluates the qualifications of overseas students. Applicants who are applying for permanent residence can also give TOEFL scores.
Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in Australia
All Australian immigration programs and universities accept TOEFL test scores. International students can apply for Australian visas by submitting their TOEFL iBT scores to the Department of Home Affairs. Leading Australian universities recognizing TOEFL scores include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Location | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | Popular Courses |
| University of Melbourne | 14 | Melbourne | 79-100 | Arts, Law, Medicine |
| Australian National University | 34 | Canberra | 80-110 | International Relations, Science |
| University of Sydney | 19 | Sydney | 85-96 | Business, Engineering, Health Sciences |
| University of Queensland | 43 | Brisbane | 87-100 | Marine Biology, Psychology |
| University of New South Wales | 27 | Sydney | 85-102 | Computer Science, Architecture |
| University of Adelaide | 89 | Adelaide | 79-94 | Medicine, Agriculture |
| Monash University | 42 | Melbourne | 79-100 | Pharmacy, Law |
| University of Western Australia | 72 | Perth | 82-100 | Environmental Science, Commerce |
| Macquarie University | 130 | Sydney | 83-95 | Business, Psychology |
| Curtin University | 195 | Perth | 79-90 | Architecture, Engineering |
Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in Canada
TOEFL is widely recognized across Canadian graduate schools, and Canadian universities receive more TOEFL scores than any other English-language test. TOEFL iBT scores are also accepted by the Canadian Government for student visa applications. Prominent Canadian universities accepting TOEFL scores include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Location | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | Popular Courses |
| University of Toronto | 21 | Toronto | 100+ | Medicine, Law, Engineering |
| McGill University | 30 | Montreal | 90-100 | Arts, Medicine |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | Vancouver | 90-100 | Environmental Science, Economics |
| University of Alberta | 111 | Edmonton | 86+ | Engineering, Business |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | Waterloo | 90+ | Computer Science, Engineering |
| McMaster University | 189 | Hamilton | 86-90 | Health Sciences |
| Western University | 114 | London | 83+ | Law, Business |
| Queen’s University | 209 | Kingston | 88+ | Business, Arts |
| University of Calgary | 182 | Calgary | 86+ | Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering |
| Curtin University | 195 | Perth | 79-90 | Architecture, Engineering |
Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in Ireland
All universities and relevant educational authorities in Ireland accept TOEFL scores. TOEFL iBT scores demonstrate English proficiency and may be considered for immigration and residency processes. For specific program requirements, it’s best to consult directly with each institution. Esteemed Irish universities that accept TOEFL scores include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Location | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | Popular Courses |
| Trinity College Dublin | 81 | Dublin | 88+ | History, Engineering |
| University College Dublin | 171 | Dublin | 80-90 | Business, Medicine |
| University College Cork | 298 | Cork | 79-90 | Arts, Environmental Science |
| National University of Ireland Galway | 270 | Galway | 82-90 | Health Sciences, Archaeology |
| Dublin City University | 477 | Dublin | 80-90 | Business, Communications |
| University of Limerick | 490 | Limerick | 80+ | Engineering, Business |
| Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland | 701-750 | Dublin | 90+ | Medicine |
| Maynooth University | 801-850 | Maynooth | 79+ | Geography, Law |
| Technological University Dublin | 801-850 | Dublin | 79+ | IT, Design |
| Waterford Institute of Technology | N/A | Waterford | 79+ | Engineering, Business |
Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in New Zealand
TOEFL scores are recognized by all New Zealand universities and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). TOEFL iBT scores can also be used for certain permanent residency applications in New Zealand. Prospective students should verify specific score requirements directly with their chosen institutions. Notable New Zealand universities that accept TOEFL scores include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Location | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | Popular Courses |
| University of Auckland | 68 | Auckland | 80-90 | Medicine, Arts |
| University of Otago | 217 | Dunedin | 79-100 | Health Sciences |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 233 | Wellington | 80+ | Humanities, Law |
| University of Canterbury | 284 | Christchurch | 79-90 | Engineering, Science |
| Massey University | 466 | Palmerston North | 80+ | Veterinary Science, Business |
| Auckland University of Technology | 407 | Auckland | 80+ | Design, Communication |
| Lincoln University | 501-510 | Lincoln | 80+ | Agriculture, Environmental Studies |
| Unitec Institute of Technology | N/A | Auckland | 79+ | IT, Architecture |
| Eastern Institute of Technology | N/A | Napier | 79+ | Nursing, Social Work |
| Waikato Institute of Technology | N/A | Hamilton | 79+ | Engineering, Management |
Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in the UK
All universities in the U.K., including prestigious Russell Group institutions, recognize TOEFL scores. Under the Student route visa requirements, U.K. universities, authorized by the Home Office, can assess applicants’ English proficiency using TOEFL iBT scores. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 72 is accepted for immigration purposes. Leading U.K. universities recognizing TOEFL scores include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Location | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | Popular Courses |
| University of Oxford | 3 | Oxford | 100+ | Law, Medicine |
| University of Cambridge | 2 | Cambridge | 100+ | Engineering, Sciences |
| Imperial College London | 6 | London | 92+ | Medicine, Engineering |
| University College London | 9 | London | 92+ | Law, Arts |
| London School of Economics | 54 | London | 100+ | Economics, Social Sciences |
| University of Edinburgh | 22 | Edinburgh | 88+ | History, Law |
| King’s College London | 37 | London | 92+ | Humanities, Health |
| University of Manchester | 32 | Manchester | 89+ | Business, Engineering |
| University of Bristol | 55 | Bristol | 90+ | Law, Medicine |
| University of Glasgow | 76 | Glasgow | 88+ | Literature, Psychology |
Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in the USA
TOEFL test results are the preferred English proficiency assessment for 9 out of 10 universities in the U.S. and are universally accepted across American institutions. For U.S. visa applications, candidates must first gain admission to an accredited program, which generally requires demonstrating English language proficiency through a standardized test like the TOEFL iBT. Many prestigious U.S. universities accepting TOEFL scores include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Location | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement | Popular Courses |
| Harvard University | 4 | Cambridge, MA | 100+ | Law, Medicine |
| Stanford University | 5 | Stanford, CA | 100+ | Engineering, Business |
| MIT | 1 | Cambridge, MA | 100+ | Engineering |
| University of California, Berkeley | 10 | Berkeley, CA | 90+ | Social Sciences, Law |
| University of Chicago | 11 | Chicago, IL | 100+ | Law, Business |
| Columbia University | 23 | New York, NY | 100+ | Journalism, Medicine |
| Princeton University | 16 | Princeton, NJ | 100+ | Public Affairs, Arts |
| Yale University | 12 | New Haven, CT | 100+ | Humanities, Law |
| University of Pennsylvania | 24 | Philadelphia, PA | 100+ | Business |
| California Institute of Technology | 15 | Pasadena, CA | 100+ | Sciences |
List of TOEFL Accepted Countries
As individuals aspire to study, work, or immigrate abroad, understanding which countries recognize and accept TOEFL scores becomes crucial. Here’s a comprehensive list of the countries across the globe where the TOEFL exam is accepted.
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (A-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (B-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (C-wise) |
| Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan | Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso | Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Chile China, People’s Republic of China Colombia Congo (Brazzaville) Congo (DRC) Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic (Czechia) |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (D-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (E-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (F-wise) |
| Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic | Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia | Finland France French Polynesia |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (G-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (H-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (I-wise) |
| Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana | Haiti Honduras Hong Kong, China Hungary | Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (J-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (K-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (L-wise) |
| Jamaica Japan Jordan | Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, Republic of Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan | Latvia Lebanon Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (M-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (N-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (O-wise) |
| Macau, China Macedonia Madagascar Malaysia Mali Maldives Malta Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar | Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norway | Oman |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (P-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (Q-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (R-wise) |
| Pakistan Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico | Qatar | Republic of Serbia Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (S-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (T-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (U-wise) |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Samoa Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Syria | Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan | Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan |
| TOEFL Accepting Countries (V-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (Y-wise) | TOEFL Accepting Countries (Z-wise) |
| Venezuela Vietnam | Yemen | Zambia Zimbabwe |
Conclusion
Achieving a high TOEFL score is an essential step for non-native English speakers pursuing education or career opportunities in English-speaking countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland etc. Selecting the right destination becomes easier when you know which institutions recognize TOEFL scores, along with their specific requirements. For success, starting early with consistent preparation is key.
Whether you choose an online course or in-person classes, structured guidance can make a world of difference. TOEFL coaching provide valuable tips, practice tests, and personalized feedback, helping you master each test section confidently. Prepare with confidence and set your path toward a successful international future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: In Which Countries is TOEFL Accepted?
Ans: TOEFL is widely accepted across 160+ countries, including top destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Many European countries, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, also recognize TOEFL for university admissions and professional certification. In Asia, countries like Japan, South Korea, and China accept TOEFL scores for higher education and career opportunities. With its global acceptance, TOEFL remains a preferred choice for non-native English speakers aiming to study or work abroad.
Q: Is TOEFL Very Hard?
Ans: The TOEFL exam can be challenging, but its difficulty largely depends on your English proficiency and familiarity with the test format. TOEFL tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in academic settings, which can be demanding for those unaccustomed to structured exams. However, consistent practice with TOEFL-specific materials, mock tests, and guidance can significantly ease the preparation process. With the right approach, many students find the test manageable and ultimately rewarding.
Q: Which is Better for Canada: IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans: Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted by Canadian institutions and immigration authorities, but IELTS tends to be more commonly required for Canadian immigration. For academic purposes, both tests are equally recognized by Canadian universities. TOEFL may be preferred for students pursuing academic programs in the U.S. or Canada, whereas IELTS is often the choice for broader immigration purposes. Selecting between the two depends on your specific goals and comfort with each test’s format.
