Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries and territorieWhich is better IELTS or TOEFL?
The TOEFL is more commonly accepted by American institutions, while the IELTS is more commonly accepted overseas, but many schools accept scores from either exam. However, a school may have a preference to which test you take.
Is TOEFL necessary for visa?
TOEFL is not a requirement by the consulate. It is required for admission and if you have secured that then you proceed to apply for your visa. Note that not every University or Institution asks for Toefl.
In which countries TOEFL is accepted?
A majority of universities/colleges in these nations take TOEFL scores. Some top countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland. TOEFL scores are also accepted by several European educational institutions, including those in Germany and France
Who are eligible for TOEFL?
The TOEFL examination does not require a particular educational qualification. Any student that has passed the 10+2 level of education from a recognized board of education is eligible to take the TOEFL exam
Preferred in the U.S.
9 out of 10 universities in the U.S. prefer the TOEFL iBT test over other English-language tests.[1] Additionally, U.S. universities receive more TOEFL iBT scores than all other English-language tests combined.[2]
More popular in Canada
More than 80% of graduate programs in Canada prefer the TOEFL iBT test over other English-language tests.[3] Canadian universities receive more TOEFL iBT scores than all other English-language tests combined.[4]
100% accepted in Australia and New Zealand
TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by all Australian and New Zealand universities, as well as for all Australian and New Zealand immigration services.
More popular in France and Germany
French and German universities prefer the TOEFL iBT and receive more TOEFL iBT scores than any other English-language test.[5]
Widely accepted in the U.K.
100% of universities in the U.K. accept TOEFL iBT scores, including the elite Russell Group universities, providing a fair and unbiased alternative.
How much does the TOEFL iBT test cost?
The test fee varies depending on where you take the test, but typically ranges between USD $180 - $325. This covers your registration fee, your score report, and 4 score reports sent to institutions you select. There are additional fees for late registration, rescheduling, and cancelling a test.
Test time
The total test takes about 3 hours to complete, but you should plan for 3.5 hours, allowing 30 minutes for check in.
Test sections overview
| Section | Time Limit | Questions | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 54–72 minutes | 30–40 questions | Read passages and respond to questions |
| Listening | 41–57 minutes | 28–39 questions | Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions |
| Break | 10 minutes | - | - |
| Speaking | 17 minutes | 4 tasks | Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and listened to |
| Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response |
Use the table below to view the breakdown of each TOEFL iBT test section.
Learn more about each test section
Take a closer look at each section of the test.
TOEFL iBT Reading Section
The TOEFL iBT Reading section assess how well you can read and understand materials used in an academic environment. It includes three or four reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. You have 54 to 72 minutes to answer all the questions in the section.
Reading passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks that would be used in introductions to a topic. The passages cover a variety of subjects. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the topic of a passage. All the information you need to answer the questions will be included in the passage. There is a glossary feature available to define words not commonly used, if you need it.
TOEFL iBT Listening Section
• The TOEFL iBT Listening section is designed to measure your ability to understand conversations and lectures in English. It includes listening for:
• basic comprehension
• understanding the speaker's attitude and degree of certainty
• connecting information
• Listening questions
• You’ll hear lectures and conversations in this section. Both use campus-based language.
• 3–4 lectures, some with classroom discussion, each 3–5 minutes; 6 questions per lecture
• 2–3 conversations, each 3 minutes; 5 questions per conversation
• You can take notes on any audio item throughout the test to help you answer questions.
• Test time: You have 41 to 57 minutes to complete the section.
TOEFL iBT Speaking Section
The TOEFL iBT Speaking section measures your ability to speak English effectively in academic settings. The four questions/tasks resemble real-life situations you might encounter both in and outside of a classroom.
Question 1: Independent Speaking Task —
requires you to draw entirely on your own ideas, opinions and experiences when you respond.
Questions 2–4: Integrated Speaking Tasks —
require you to combine your English-language skills — listening and speaking, or listening, reading and speaking — just as you would in or out of a classroom.
Prep time:
You'll get 15–30 seconds of preparation time before each response, and your response will be 45 or 60 seconds long.
Speaking response:
To respond, you'll speak into the microphone and your responses will be recorded.
Test time:
You have 17 minutes to complete the Speaking section.
Scoring :
Speaking tasks are scored based on the