Canada has established itself as a top destination for international students, thanks to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and welcoming policies. Every year, thousands of students from around the globe choose Canada for its affordable tuition, high-quality healthcare, and excellent post-secondary programs. For non-native English speakers, proving English proficiency is a critical step in the admission process.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency exams, accepted by over 11,000 institutions across 150 countries, including nearly 400 in Canada. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also recognises TOEFL as a valid assessment for student visas and immigration purposes. With a wide range of Universities in Canada that Accept TOEFL, it’s essential to know the specific TOEFL Score Requirements Canada universities demand. In this blog, we have curated a list of Top 10 Canadian Universities with TOEFL Requirements, and share tips on how to meet them.
Why TOEFL is Important for Canadian Universities?
While TOEFL is widely accepted by Canadian universities, other English proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, and CELPIP are also valid alternatives. IELTS is popular for its dual formats (Academic and General Training) and availability of both paper-based and computer-based options. PTE Academic offers fast results and is gaining recognition, while CELPIP is primarily used for Canadian immigration purposes.
TOEFL however stands out for its emphasis on academic English, making it particularly suited for some Canadian university admissions. Here’s why:
- English Proficiency Assessment: Canadian universities use TOEFL scores to evaluate students’ ability to understand and communicate effectively in academic settings. The test assesses skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, ensuring students are prepared for rigorous academic demands.
- Global Recognition: TOEFL is recognized by over 12,500 universities worldwide and other institutions in more than 160 countries. Its academic focus and computer-based format make it a trusted test for study, job, and immigration in the world.
- Preferred by Institutions: More than 80% of graduate programs in Canada prefer the TOEFL iBT test over other tests. Canada has more than 400 universities that take the TOEFL and offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Top 10 Canadian Universities Accepting TOEFL in 2025
As mentioned above, more than 400 institutions and universities in Canada accept the TOEFL exam as proof of language proficiency. Let’s explore some of Canada’s best TOEFL-accepted universities, known for their academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, wide range of programs in various fields of study and student-friendly atmosphere.
| University | Location | QS World Rankings 2024 | Popular Programs | TOEFL Score Requirement |
| University of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario | 21 | Business, Engineering, Medicine | Minimum 100 (with 22 in writing and speaking) |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | 34 | Computer Science, Law, Environmental Studies | Minimum 90 (with 21 in each section) |
| McGill University | Montreal, Quebec | 30 | Medicine, Arts, Engineering | Minimum 86 (with no subscore below 20) |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, Alberta | 111 | Energy, Agriculture, Business | Minimum 90 (with 21 in writing) |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, Ontario | 176 | Health Sciences, Engineering | Minimum 92 (with 22 in writing) |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo, Ontario | 112 | Computer Science, Mathematics, Co-op Programs | Minimum 90 (with 25 in speaking and writing) |
| Western University | London, Ontario | 120 | Law, Business, Medical Sciences | Minimum 83 (with 20 in each section) |
| University of Ottawa | Ottawa, Ontario | 237 | Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Health Sciences | Minimum 86 (22 in Writing and 20 in other sections) |
| University of Calgary | Calgary, Alberta | 182 | Biological Sciences, Business, Nursing, Engineering | Minimum 86 (20 in each of the components) |
| Queen’s University | Kingston, Ontario | 209 | Business, Arts, Science | Minimum 88 (with 24 in speaking) |
Note: TOEFL score requirements are subject to change. Always verify the latest criteria on the university’s official website.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a University
Selecting the right university is about more than just rankings and TOEFL requirements. Consider these factors:
- Location: Choose a location that aligns with your lifestyle, career goals, and preferences for climate and culture.
- Course Offerings: Look for universities that excel in your desired field of study, ensuring access to top-notch faculty and resources.
- Campus Life: Assess the campus facilities, extracurricular opportunities, and student support services.
- Fees and Scholarships: Review tuition costs and explore scholarships or financial aid options for international students.
- Alignment with TOEFL Scores: Ensure your TOEFL score meets or exceeds the minimum requirement for your chosen university.
- International Student Support: Consider institutions offering dedicated resources for international students, such as orientation programs, language support, and career services.
How to Prepare for TOEFL to Get into Top Canadian Universities
Success in TOEFL requires strategic preparation. Here are some tips:
- Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL iBT structure with the help of TOEFL exam guide. Get accustomed to the pattern of each section, the question types and the time allotted for each team.
- Practice Regularly: Only practice can build your confidence for the exam day. Take practice tests to improve your time management and identify areas for improvement.
- Use Trusted Resources: Leverage official TOEFL materials, online courses, and study guides like Barron’s or Kaplan.
- Plan a Study Timeline: Begin preparation at least three months in advance to cover all sections thoroughly.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Join TOEFL course for personalized coaching, practice tests, and tips from experienced instructors.
Conclusion
Canada’s top universities present incredible opportunities for international students, and a strong TOEFL score can be your gateway to achieving your academic dreams. By understanding the TOEFL requirements, researching universities, and achieving a competitive score, you can secure admission to a prestigious institution in Canada.
Whether you’re aiming for a university in Ottawa, Calgary, or anywhere else in Canada, thorough preparation is the key to success. Consider enrolling in an online or in-person TOEFL preparation course to boost your confidence and improve your skills. Start preparing today and take one step closer to your dream of studying in Canada!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which University Accepts TOEFL in Canada?
Ans: Almost all major universities and colleges in Canada accept TOEFL scores for admissions. Prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are among the 400+ Canadian universities that recognise TOEFL as a reliable measure of English proficiency. Students should always verify the TOEFL requirements on the specific university’s admissions page to ensure their scores meet eligibility criteria.
Q: What is the Minimum TOEFL Score for Canada Student Visa?
Ans: For a Canada student visa, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) generally requires proof of English proficiency. While the visa itself does not mandate a specific TOEFL score, most Canadian universities require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80-100, depending on the program and institution. It’s essential to confirm score requirements with the university before applying.
Q: Is TOEFL Accepted in Canada for PR?
Ans: Yes, TOEFL is recognised for certain immigration pathways in Canada, particularly for work and study-related programs. However, for permanent residency (PR) applications, the preferred tests are the IELTS General Training and CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program). TOEFL is primarily used for academic purposes and is less commonly accepted for direct PR applications.
Q: For How Many Years Is the TOEFL Result Valid?
Ans: The TOEFL result is valid for two years from the test date. After this period, scores expire and are no longer reported to universities or institutions. Ensure you plan your test date strategically, keeping university application deadlines in mind, to make the most of your TOEFL scores.
