Are you worried your TOEFL score might block your dream of studying in the UK? You’re not alone. Thousands of Indian students feel confident about TOEFL iBT but get stuck on confusing minimum score requirements, sectional cut-offs, and UK student visa rules especially around the TOEFL Home Edition.
The problem isn’t your ambition; it’s the lack of clear, reliable guidance. The truth is reassuring: TOEFL accepting universities in UK include every major institution, even the elite Russell Group. From high-ranking universities demanding 100+ scores to affordable options accepting 70–80, there’s a pathway for almost every profile.
This guide breaks down top UK universities, TOEFL score requirements, and critical visa insights, so you can apply smartly, confidently, and without costly mistakes.
Why Choose TOEFL for UK Universities?
Choosing the right English test can make or break your UK study plans. If you’re aiming for flexibility, wide acceptance, and smoother visa processing, TOEFL iBT for UK universities is one of the safest bets and thousands of Indian students prove it every year.
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| Factor | Why TOEFL Works for UK Universities |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% TOEFL acceptance in the UK – all universities recognise TOEFL iBT for degree programs |
| Top Universities Covered | University of Oxford (Code: 0490), University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, and all Russell Group universities |
| Minimum TOEFL Score (Visa – B2 CEFR) | Total: 72 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Writing 17, Speaking 20) |
| UK Student Visa Compatibility | Accepted under the UK Student Route when taken at UKVI-approved centres |
| Visa Sponsorship | Universities can issue CAS using TOEFL scores if program cut-offs are met |
| Test Duration | Single 2-hour exam – faster than most English proficiency tests |
| TOEFL Home Edition Acceptance | Accepted by ~90% of UK universities, including Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh |
| Home Edition Exception | University of Manchester requires a test-centre TOEFL only |
| Ideal For | Indian students seeking flexible testing, wide university options, and smooth visa processing |
Tip for Students: If you’re applying to multiple TOEFL-accepting universities in the UK, always check whether your chosen course prefers test-centre vs Home Edition, it can save you time, money, and re-testing stress.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Key Differences for UK Applicants
Choosing between TOEFL vs IELTS for UK universities can feel confusing, especially when both tests are widely accepted. The right choice depends on your test comfort, target universities, and visa considerations.
- Both are equally accepted: 100% of UK universities accept TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic.
- Test style differs: TOEFL is fully computer-based; IELTS offers paper or computer options with a live speaking test.
- Time & convenience: TOEFL is shorter (~2 hours) and offers wider Home Edition acceptance in the UK.
- Scoring system: TOEFL uses a 0–120 scale; IELTS uses bands from 0–9—universities only care about meeting cut-offs.
- Choose your strength: TOEFL suits students comfortable with typing and academic listening; IELTS suits those who prefer face-to-face speaking.
Top 20 TOEFL Accepting Universities in UK (2025 List)
Below is the curated list of top UK universities accepting TOEFL iBT, ranked by their QS World University Rankings 2025.
Note: "Sectional Requirements" are often more important than the total score. A total of 100 with a low Speaking score (e.g., 19) will likely get rejected by top universities.
| University | QS Rank 2025 | Min TOEFL iBT (Overall) | Typical Sectional Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 3 | 100–110 | R 22–24, L 22, S 25, W 24 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | 100–110 | 25 in each section |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 92–100 | 20–22 each section |
| University College London (UCL) | 9 | 92–109 | R 24, L 20, S 20, W 24 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 | 92–100 | 20–23 each section |
| King’s College London (KCL) | 40 | 100 | R 23, L 20, S 20, W 25 |
| University of Manchester | 34 | 90–100 | 20–22 each section |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | 50 | 107–109 | Strong Writing & Reading focus (W ~25) |
| University of Bristol | 54 | 88–90 | 20–22 each section |
| University of Warwick | 69 | 92 | 21–23 each section |
| University of Glasgow | 78 | 90–100 | Balanced sectional performance |
| University of Southampton | 80 | 90 | 20–22 each section |
| University of Birmingham | 80 | 72–88 | B2 minimum; higher for competitive courses |
| University of Leeds | 82 | 92 | 21–23 each section |
| Durham University | 89 | 92 | 23 each section |
| University of Nottingham | 108 | 92 | 20–22 each section |
| Queen Mary University of London | 120 | 92–100 | Course-specific sectional thresholds |
| Newcastle University | 129 | 90–92 | 20 each section |
| University of Bath | 150 | 90 | 20–22 each section |
| University of York | 184 | 88–92 | Balanced profile expected |
Note: Sectional cut-offs are indicative ranges based on official university guidance; exact scores may vary by course.
Course-Specific TOEFL Requirements in UK
TOEFL iBT score requirements in the UK vary significantly by academic discipline. While some STEM programs accept scores in the low 90s, professional and communication-heavy courses such as Medicine and Law require substantially higher overall and sectional scores. The table below outlines typical TOEFL requirements by field for the 2026 intake.
TOEFL Requirements by Field (2026)
| Field | Typical Min TOEFL iBT | Top University Example | Typical Sectional Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 110+ | University of Oxford | Speaking 25+, Listening 25+ |
| Law / LLM | 105–110 | London School of Economics | Writing 27, Reading 25 |
| Business / MBA | 90–100 | University of Warwick | Writing 22, Speaking 21 |
| Engineering | 90–92 | Imperial College London | 19+ in all sections |
| Social Sciences | 88–92 | University of York | 18+ in all sections |
UK Universities Accepting Low TOEFL Scores (70–90)
International students should ideally aim for a TOEFL iBT score of 90+ to stay competitive across UK universities. However, for the 2026 intake, several recognised UK institutions still accept lower TOEFL scores (70–90) for selected undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in STEM, applied sciences, business, and creative disciplines.
These options are especially useful for students who meet academic requirements but fall slightly short on English scores.
UK Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores Between 70–90 (2026)
| University | Typical Min TOEFL iBT | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| University of Manchester (Russell Group) | 72–90 | Limited programs accept 72; most standard degrees require 90+ |
| University of Bristol (Russell Group) | 78–90 | Lower scores apply to selected programs or contextual/Profile-based routes |
| Coventry University | 79 | Common for engineering, business, health-related programs |
| University of Hertfordshire | 72 | Widely accepted CEFR B2 minimum across many programs |
| London Metropolitan University | 72 | Sectional focus: R 18, L 17, S 20, W 17 |
| Teesside University | 72 | Accepts B2 minimum for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses |
Who Should Consider These Universities?
- Students targeting STEM, computing, business, health sciences, or creative arts.
- Applicants planning to improve English during the first academic year.
- Candidates prioritising visa eligibility + admission over elite rankings.
How to Send TOEFL Scores & Get Waivers?
Understanding how to send TOEFL scores to UK universities—and when you may qualify for an English language waiver can save you both time and money during the 2026 application cycle.
1. How to Send TOEFL Scores to UK Universities
Sending TOEFL iBT scores is straightforward, but planning ahead makes a big difference.
TOEFL Score Reporting Options
| Stage | How It Works | Cost | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| During TOEFL Registration | Select up to 4 universities before test day | Free | Strongly recommended; saves additional fees |
| After the Test (ETS Account) | Order Additional Score Reports | $25 (₹2,100) per university | Unlimited reports allowed |
| Score Delivery Time | Electronic delivery | Typically 4–8 business days |
Tips for Students: Selecting universities during TOEFL exam registration can save you ₹6,000-₹8,000, especially if you’re applying to multiple UK universities.
2. TOEFL Waivers at UK Universities (2026)
Yes, TOEFL or IELTS waivers are possible for the 2026 intake, but they are not automatic and depend entirely on university and course policy.
Common TOEFL Waiver Scenarios
| Waiver Basis | Who May Qualify | What Universities Usually Ask For |
|---|---|---|
| Class XII English (India) | CBSE / ICSE students | High English score (often 70–80%+) |
| English-Taught Degree | UG degree taught fully in English | Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter |
| UK / EU Education | Prior study in an English-speaking country | Official transcripts |
The TOEFL Home Edition: Risks Every Student Should Know
This is one of the most critical TOEFL decisions for Indian students applying for the 2026 UK intake.
While ETS markets the TOEFL iBT Home Edition as widely accepted, UK university policies are institution-specific, and the practical risks are often underestimated for applicants working with tight deadlines.
1. University Acceptance Is Not Universal
Although many UK universities accept TOEFL iBT, some institutions and departments explicitly reject the Home Edition.
What Happens in Practice?
Universities such as the University of Manchester clearly state that they do not accept TOEFL Home Edition for admission.
Other universities may:
- Accept it for some courses but not others
- Accept it for admission but not for CAS issuance
- Policies are published on each university’s “English Language Requirements” page and may differ by department.
2. Higher Risk of Administrative Review (India-Specific)
Indian test-takers face a significantly higher chance of “Administrative Review” with the Home Edition.
Common Triggers
- Internet instability
- Background noise
- Camera or microphone disruptions
- Power fluctuations
The Reality
- Scores may be withheld for 2–4 weeks
- In some cases, scores are cancelled entirely
- ETS timelines are unpredictable once a review begins
3. The Real Consequence: Missed Deadlines
UK universities operate on strict application and CAS timelines.
High-Risk Scenarios
- January UCAS deadlines
- Scholarship deadlines
- CAS issuance windows for visa filing
If your Home Edition score is delayed:
- Your application may be marked incomplete
- You could lose your offer or defer intake
- Visa timelines may collapse
4. Officially Safe Option for 2026: Test Centre TOEFL
- Accepted by all UK universities that accept TOEFL
- Minimal risk of administrative review
- Predictable score release timelines
- Preferred for CAS and visa processing
Clear advice for 2026 applicants: If you are within 6–8 weeks of any deadline, do not take the Home Edition. Book a test-centre TOEFL instead.
5. When Is Home Edition Still Considered?
- Your target universities explicitly confirm acceptance
- You have ample buffer time (8–10 weeks)
- You are not applying to high-risk courses (Law, Medicine, Education).
UK Visa & Immigration Specifics for 2026 (Student Route)
Getting a UK Student Visa (Student Route) for the 2026 intake involves more than just university admission, you must meet immigration, English, financial, and CAS requirements under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules.
1. CAS Requirement
- Must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your UK university.
- Confirms course, level, and visa eligibility.
2. English Proficiency
- CEFR B2 level required.
- Can be proven via TOEFL, IELTS, prior English-medium degree, or university confirmation.
3. Financial Proof
- Show funds for tuition + living costs (London: £1,529/month; elsewhere: £1,171/month) held 28+ days.
4. eVisa & Digital Record
- Visa linked to online UKVI account; no physical vignette needed.
- Passport must be linked before travel.
5. Border Checks
- Possible interview or document verification.
- Missing or weak documents can delay approval.
Pro tip: Even if waived, submitting TOEFL ensures smooth processing.
Future Outlook: TOEFL Scoring Change for 2026
ETS is overhauling the TOEFL scoring system starting January 21, 2026. Applicants for the September 2026 intake or later should be aware of the changes.
1. What’s Changing
- Current Scale: 0–120
- New Scale: 1–6 (similar to IELTS band system)
- Example conversions:
- 100 (old scale) ≈ Level 5
- 72 (old scale) ≈ Level 4
2. Score Validity
- TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years.
- Tests taken in late 2025 (0–120 scale) are still accepted for 2026–2027 admissions.
- Universities will update English requirements to reflect the new band system.
3. Key Advice
- Check university-specific conversion charts.
- Plan your test before January 2026 to avoid confusion with the new scale.
Conclusion:
To secure admission to UK universities for 2026, plan your TOEFL strategy early: aim for higher scores in competitive fields like Medicine, Law, and Business, and ensure your sectional scores meet course requirements.
Research universities that accept lower scores if needed, and verify all English language and CAS requirements before applying. Prepare your visa documents and finances well in advance, and schedule tests to avoid conflicts with deadlines. With the 2026 TOEFL scoring update, check conversion charts and plan accordingly.
From helping you identify the right TOEFL accepted universities in the UK list to guiding you through the application and visa process, we’ve got you covered. Get expert support—book your free consultation with Leap Scholar today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Which UK universities accept TOEFL scores of 60?
A score of 60 is generally too low for direct Master's or Bachelor's entry. However, universities like the University of Wolverhampton or London Metropolitan University may accept scores around 60-70 for Foundation or Pre-Sessional courses. Warning: For these courses, you usually need a SELT (IELTS for UKVI), not TOEFL.
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How much does the TOEFL exam cost in India?
The TOEFL iBT exam fee in India is approximately ₹16,900 (subject to exchange rates). Additional score reports cost around ₹2,000 each.
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Is there a "minimum" TOEFL score for the Russell Group?
There is no single score, but 88-92 is the typical "floor" for Russell Group universities (e.g., Warwick, Birmingham, Sheffield). Elite ones (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE) require 100+.
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What TOEFL score do I need for a Master's (MS/MBA) vs. Engineering?
For UK universities, Law, Medicine, and Literature programs typically require high TOEFL scores of 100+, Master’s programs, MBA, and Business courses usually need a medium range of 88–92, while Engineering and Computer Science programs accept standard scores around 80–90.
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How long is my TOEFL score valid for UK applications?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. If you took the test in August 2023, it is valid until August 2025.
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Which universities do NOT accept TOEFL Home Edition?
The most notable one is the University of Manchester, which explicitly rejects the Home Edition. Other strict universities like Leeds, Liverpool, and Sheffield have also shown inconsistency with Home Edition acceptance in the past. Always check the official site before booking.
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Is TOEFL accepted for the UK Student Visa (Tier 4)?
Yes. As long as you are studying at a degree level (Bachelor's/Master's) and your university is a licensed sponsor (Higher Education Provider), they can accept TOEFL. You do not need a "SELT" test for the Student Visa in this specific case.
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