Top Countries Accepting TOEFL Score for Studies

TOEFL is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) which is known for its strict standards of testing procedures. TOEFL has been successful in testing a candidate’s ability to fit in an English-speaking environment since its creation in 1964. Here’s why TOEFL scores are widely accepted across the world. ETS's continuous effort to refine the exam and improve its accessibility has ensured that TOEFL remains one of the most trusted English proficiency tests globally.

• TOEFL tests more than just casual language proficiency with a focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• It assesses how well someone can handle English in university-level coursework.
• TOEFL allows institutions to compare results from different candidates across a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• The test is designed to be both challenging and comprehensive, ensuring candidates with high scores are proficient in academic English.
• TOEFL is administered in more than 4,500 locations worldwide, making it highly accessible for prospective students.
• The ETS regularly updates its test formats and scoring systems to ensure that TOEFL remains relevant and accurate.
• TOEFL scores are valid for two years, ensuring the candidate’s proficiency remains up-to-date.

TOEFL scores are recognized across 160 countries in the world making it a popular choice for international students. The test is also recognized for its fairness and reliability making it a most trustworthy choice for both candidates and universities. TOEFL scores are objectively determined based on a standardized scale leaving no scope for interpretation which gives credibility in countries that accept TOEFL. 

TOEFL scores are accepted across the globe from popular universities in North America to the Middle East. Scroll down to check the list of countries that accept TOEFL.

North America

Widely known for its top-tier education, the North American continent attracts international students from across the globe. Almost all universities in North America accept  TOEFL scores as a standard measure of English proficiency. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia have set minimum TOEFL score requirements for prospective students.

• USA: TOEFL scores are accepted by 90% of universities in the USA, for university and college admissions and are recognized by immigration authorities for visa applications.

• Canada: TOEFL scores are recognized by universities, colleges, and immigration authorities for study, employment, and visa applications. 

Europe

While the United Kingdom traditionally relied more on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for admissions, TOEFL is 100% accepted across all the institutions in Europe. 

Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of London recognize TOEFL, especially for international students applying for postgraduate programs. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and France have a significant number of universities that recognize TOEFL for English-taught degree programs. 

These nations often value TOEFL because it demonstrates that students are equipped with the English language skills necessary for higher education.

Asia

In Asia, TOEFL is also widely accepted, especially in countries like Japan, China, India, South Korea, and Singapore. Leading universities in Japan, such as the University of Tokyo, as well as in China and South Korea, accept TOEFL scores for admissions to undergraduate and graduate programs. In Singapore, where English is an official language, TOEFL is often required for international students to prove their proficiency.

• Singapore: Several universities and educational institutions in Singapore accept TOEFL scores for admission to their programs.
• Japan: Certain universities and institutions in Japan recognize TOEFL scores for admission to English-medium courses.
• South Korea: TOEFL scores are accepted by a number of universities and language schools in South Korea for admissions.
• China: Many universities and educational institutions in China accept TOEFL scores for English-taught program admissions.

Middle East

The Middle Eastern region has seen a growing demand for English proficiency testing due to the increasing number of English-medium universities and the prevalence of English in international business. 

Countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain accept TOEFL scores for university admissions. In particular, the American University of Sharjah and the King Saud University in Riyadh recognize TOEFL as a standard of admission.

• Saudi Arabia: A number of universities and institutions in Saudi Arabia accept TOEFL scores for admission and meet English language proficiency requirements.
• United Arab Emirates: TOEFL scores are accepted by various universities and educational institutions in the UAE for admission purposes.

Other Regions

Beyond these specific regions, TOEFL is accepted in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and several Latin American nations. As these countries continue to attract international students, TOEFL remains a key assessment tool.

TOEFL score is also used for the immigration process, especially for individuals aiming to move to English-speaking countries. For example, the United States does not specifically require TOEFL for visa applications, but many students seeking for F-1 visas are required to submit TOEFL scores as part of their student visa application process.

Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also use TOEFL scores for certain immigration and residency applications. In Canada, for instance, TOEFL scores can be used to showcase language proficiency when applying for permanent residency under programs like Express Entry. Similarly, New Zealand recognizes TOEFL scores for residency applications, especially for skilled workers who need to prove their English proficiency to meet the requirements of work and residency permits.

While TOEFL is widely recognized, other tests like IELTS and PTE are also popular alternatives in specific regions. Even though all these tests are widely accepted, TOEFL remains the gold standard in many regions due to its long history and standardized format.

Checking whether your chosen institution accepts TOEFL scores is relatively easy. Most universities and institutions provide clear guidelines on their admission requirements, including the English proficiency tests they accept. You can visit the institution’s official website or contact their admissions office for clarification on their TOEFL score requirements.

Moreover, the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website provides a list of institutions that accept TOEFL scores, making it easier for prospective students to confirm whether their chosen programs recognize the test. The ETS also allows test-takers to send their scores directly to multiple institutions, simplifying the application process.

TOEFL has earned its place as one of the most respected and widely accepted English proficiency exams globally. Its credibility, standardized scoring, and broad acceptance across universities, colleges, and immigration authorities make it a crucial tool for international students and professionals looking to study or work in English-speaking countries. To prepare for TOEFL today to unlock global opportunities in education and career, seeking professional opportunities in the Middle East, or pursuing immigration to countries like Canada or Australia, TOEFL’s wide acceptance ensures that you can confidently demonstrate your English language proficiency to institutions and governments alike. As the world continues to globalize, TOEFL’s importance as a key measure of English proficiency will only continue to grow.

1. TOEFL is Accepted in Which Countries?

TOEFL is recognized in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, as well as in numerous other European nations.

2. Which Countries Accept TOEFL for Immigration?

Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also use TOEFL scores for certain immigration and residency applications.

3. Do Universities in Canada Accept TOEFL?

Yes. Many universities in Canada accept TOEFL for admission purposes.

4. Which One is Tougher Among TOEFL & IELTS?

The length of the TOEFL test often leads some students to prefer the IELTS test, depending on their level of preparation.

5. What is the Validity of TOEFL Score?

TOEFL score is valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.