What TOEFL or IELTS score do I need for MIT as an international applicant?
MIT expects approximate scores of TOEFL iBT 90 to 100 plus (undergraduate) and 100 plus (graduate), and IELTS 7.0 to 7.5 plus (undergraduate) and 7.0 plus (graduate). Graduate minimums are set by departments, the TOEFL scale changed in January 2026, and MIT graduate admissions does not list PTE.
MIT accepts IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo and Cambridge English, plus PTE for undergraduates, and its English expectations are high. The scores below are approximate ranges for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Approximate English test scores
| Test | Undergraduate (approx.) | Graduate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 90 to 100+ | 100+ (set by department) |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 to 7.5+ | 7.0+ |
| PTE Academic | 65 to 70+ | Not listed by MIT graduate admissions |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 to 125+ | 135+ |
| Cambridge English | 185 to 190+ | 190+ |
Points to note
- For undergraduates, the lower score is the minimum and the higher score is the recommended one.
- MIT's TOEFL reporting scale was updated again in January 2026, and graduate minimums are set by individual departments.
- Some applicants may be exempt, depending on their English-medium education, so check the official page.
My Advice
Target the recommended score rather than the bare minimum, and book your test early enough for a retake. Confirm your exemption status on MIT's official page before deciding whether to sit a test.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which US universities you still qualify for.
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