What is TOEFL?
Applicants whose native language is not English may take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL exam fee is charged in local currency and varies by country. To register for the TOEFL, please visit www.toefl.org.
TOEFL is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 150 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the U.K., and across Europe and Asia.
The TOEFL iBT® test measures a test taker’s ability to use and understand English at the university level. The test evaluates student’s listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in an academic context.
Students take the TOEFL iBT in ETS-authorized testing centers (https://www.ets.org/toefl). TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Students can receive TOEFL scores in 10 days after they complete the exam, printed reports are mailed to applied universities within 11 days of the test date.
The cost of the TOEFL exam varies by country. ETS offers both free and paid TOEFL practice materials on its website. Magoosh and Kaplan, MOOC (edX) also offer their preparation services.
TOEFL iBT® Test Structure
The TOEFL iBT® test has 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. During the test, you’ll perform tasks that combine these 4 English communication skills, such as:
- read, listen and then speak in response to a question
- listen and then speak in response to a question
- read, listen and then write in response to a question
The total test takes about 3 hours to complete, but you should plan for 3½ hours, allowing 30 minutes for check in.
| 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 |
Source: https://www.ets.org/toefl
In most departments, a minimum TOEFL iBT test score of 90-100 is required. A high score can help students to be admitted in their preferred colleges; a low score can require additional language classes or limit options by reducing the number of schools that will admit those students. TOEFL scores give institutions a good sense of a student’s English competency, which is very important to admissions officers.
Ready to start your study adventure in the American universities or colleges? Or have questions about your university application? We will be glad to help you!
Sign up here for Initial Counselling Meeting with our experienced admissions consultants!
