For Indian students and professionals with dreams of going abroad, the first major hurdle is often proving their English language proficiency. Amidst a sea of tests, the TOEFL iBT® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) stands out as a globally recognised and widely accepted qualification. If you’re wondering which countries accept TOEFL, the short answer is: virtually all of them. As of 2025, the TOEFL iBT is accepted in over 160 countries and by more than 12,500 universities, making it a powerful key to unlock your international ambitions.
This guide will walk you through the top destinations for Indian students that welcome TOEFL scores, which prestigious universities accept the test, and how this exam can be your passport to a world-class education and career.
Top Countries Accept TOEFL Scores & Their Universities for Indian Students in 2025
While the list of countries is extensive, certain destinations are perennial favourites for Indian students. Here’s a breakdown of how TOEFL is perceived in these key academic hubs, along with some of the top universities that accept the test.
United States (USA) 🇺🇸
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The USA remains the top destination for Indian students, and the TOEFL is the most preferred English proficiency test here. An overwhelming majority, over 9 out of 10 universities, accept TOEFL scores. This includes all the most prestigious institutions in the country.
- Ivy League Universities: All eight Ivy League schools, including Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University, accept the TOEFL.
- Top Technology & Engineering Schools: World-renowned institutes like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) all welcome TOEFL scores for their competitive STEM programs.
- Major Public Universities: Leading public universities such as the University of California ( Berkeley), the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Austin also have high acceptance rates for the TOEFL.
Canada 🇨🇦
Dispelling a common myth, you don't only have to take the IELTS for Canada. 100% of Canadian universities accept TOEFL scores, and research shows that over 80% of graduate programs in Canada prefer it.
- U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities: All top research universities, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, accept TOEFL.
- Other Leading Institutions: Reputable universities like the University of Waterloo (a hub for co-op programs), McMaster University, and the University of Alberta all feature TOEFL in their admission requirements.
- Student Direct Stream (SDS): TOEFL iBT scores are also approved for Canada's SDS program, which offers expedited visa processing for Indian students.
United Kingdom (UK) 🇬🇧
The UK is another prime destination where TOEFL holds significant sway. For university admissions, 100% of UK universities accept TOEFL scores.
- Russell Group Universities: All 24 members of the prestigious Russell Group accept TOEFL. This includes the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
- Other Popular Universities: Institutions highly popular with Indian students, such as the University of Manchester, King's College London, and the University of Warwick, readily accept TOEFL for admission to their courses.
Australia & New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿
Down Under, the doors are wide open for TOEFL test-takers. All universities across Australia and New Zealand accept TOEFL scores for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
- Group of Eight (Go8) Australia: Australia's leading research-intensive universities, including the University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), and the University of Sydney, all accept TOEFL.
- Top New Zealand Universities: All eight universities in New Zealand, such as the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, accept TOEFL scores.
- Visa Acceptance: The Australian Department of Home Affairs also accepts TOEFL scores for various visa categories, including student visas.
European Hubs: Germany, France, and Beyond 🇪🇺
The appeal of Europe, with its rich culture and often lower tuition fees, is growing rapidly. TOEFL is a trusted name across the continent.
- Germany: A powerhouse for engineering and technology, Germany's top technical universities, such as the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and RWTH Aachen University, accept TOEFL for their English-taught programs.
- France: Prestigious institutions like HEC Paris and Sciences Po accept TOEFL scores.
- Ireland & Netherlands: In Ireland, universities like Trinity College Dublin, and in the Netherlands, schools such as the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), list TOEFL as a key admission requirement.
Understanding TOEFL Score Requirements in Accepting Countries
It's crucial to understand that there isn't a universal "passing" score for the TOEFL. Each university and, often, each department sets its minimum score. However, a general guideline is:
| Score | Score Description |
|---|---|
| 100+ | A highly competitive score for elite universities like MIT or Oxford. |
| 90-100 | A strong score, making you a competitive applicant for most graduate programs at universities like the University of Melbourne or McGill. |
| 80-90 | A solid score, generally sufficient for many undergraduate programs. |
Why TOEFL is a Top Choice for Countries Accepting International Students?
The TOEFL iBT is more than just an English test; it's a measure of your ability to use and understand English at the university level. The test's focus on academic English, combining reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, is highly valued by admissions officers. It demonstrates that you are ready for the linguistic demands of a fast-paced academic environment. Furthermore, its unbiased, AI-powered scoring system ensures fairness, and its widespread availability, including a Home Edition, offers unmatched convenience.
Your Next Steps to Study in a TOEFL-Accepting Country
The evidence is clear: the TOEFL test is a globally respected credential that opens doors to premier institutions worldwide. Its widespread acceptance provides you with the flexibility to apply to a diverse range of universities and countries.
Your journey begins with research. Identify the universities and programs that excite you, check their specific TOEFL score requirements for 2025/2026 admissions, and start your preparation. With a strong TOEFL score, you are one significant step closer to making your study abroad dream a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q. Is TOEFL easier than IELTS for Indian students?
Ans. The difficulty is subjective. Students comfortable with computer-based tests and academic-style questions may prefer TOEFL. It's best to take a practice test for both to see which format suits you.
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Q. Which country is best for a student with a TOEFL score of 95?
Ans. A score of 95 is very competitive and makes you eligible for excellent universities across the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia. You could target institutions like the University of Toronto, the University of Warwick, or the Technical University of Munich.
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Q. Can I use my TOEFL score for work visas?
Ans. Primarily, TOEFL is an academic test. However, some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, accept it for certain work and immigration visa categories. Always check the specific immigration requirements of the country.
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Q. How long is my TOEFL score valid in these countries?
Ans. Your TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date. Ensure your scores are valid when you submit your university and visa applications.
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