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byShubhankar Das Content Writer - Study Abroad
TOEFL average score depends on the program and university you are applying to. Universities often have their own TOEFL score requirements that can differ based on the program. Some universities might require an average TOEFL iBT score of 100, while others might accept 80. If you are aiming for a highly competitive program, a higher TOEFL score might strengthen your application. The average TOEFL score of Indian students is 91. Before applying, you will be advised to check the university's score requirements from their official website. TOEFL average scores for top universities like Harvard, Columbia, UC Berkeley, and Duke University range from 100 to 110 level.
Table of Contents |
TOEFL Average Score by Sections
TOEFL syllabus has 4 sections. Each sections of TOEFL exam pattern score ranges on 0 to 30 level. The overall TOEFL average score according to ETS can be stated as:
Sections | TOEFL Average Score |
---|---|
TOEFL Reading | 20.5 |
TOEFL Listening | 20.2 |
TOEFL Speaking | 20.4 |
TOEFL Writing | 20.9 |
Total TOEFL Score | 82 |
Therefore, 82 is the average score for TOEFL.
From the above table based on the average score for TOEFL, we have curated a few important points:
- Any TOEFL iBT score which is above 82 or 83 out of 120 can be termed as the above-average score.
- Any score below 81 is a below-average score.
- Therefore, 82 is the perfect average score of TOEFL.
- Each of the average scores of the four sections is rounded to either 20 or 21.
Note: Only whole numbers are considered in TOEFL. Therefore, any number which is 0 – 19 is termed as below average and any number which is 22 – 30 is considered above average.
TOEFL Average Scores by Academic Levels
The average score for TOEFL based on academic levels provides an idea of how the required TOEFL scores change according to the seniority of the educational programs.

From the above TOEFL Average Score chart, we can point out some vital factors:
- The highest TOEFL score is scored by the graduate students of both business and non-business – 86. (Since grad-level students prepare hard for their course curriculum)
- The lowest TOEFL average score is scored by high school students – 72. (Justified as their knowledge level is not equivalent to the grad students).
TOEFL Average Score by Genders
More than 12,500 institutions accept TOEFL scores. TOEFL cut-off varies and depends on the university and program you are applying to. The average scores for TOEFL have been explained according to the genders.

From the above graph of TOEFL average score based on genders, we have curated a few important factors:
- Females have scored better than men with a score higher by 1.1 points;
- Apart from the TOEFL reading section, each individual scores of females are higher than that of men;
As it is evident, the difference in scores is slight. Therefore, it can further be streamlined that there is no comprehensive difference in scores when it comes to gender.
TOEFL Average Score by Country
ETS offers TOEFL in more than 200+ countries worldwide. Achieving a good TOEFL score is important for the admission process. The countries mentioned here will give us an idea of TOEFL average scores by country.
Region/Country | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ethiopia | 17 | 19 | 20 | 18 | 75 |
Kenya | 19 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 82 |
Nigeria | 18 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 78 |
South Africa | 23 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 99 |
Uganda | 17 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 80 |
Argentina | 23 | 24 | 22 | 22 | 91 |
Brazil | 22 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 87 |
Mexico | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 86 |
Panama | 19 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 83 |
United States | 21 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 89 |
China | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 79 |
India | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 93 |
Japan | 18 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 71 |
Singapore | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 96 |
Thailand | 19 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 78 |
Finland | 23 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 95 |
France | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 87 |
Germany | 23 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 97 |
Spain | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 89 |
Turkey | 19 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 78 |
Egypt | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 85 |
Iran | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 83 |
Jordan | 18 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 79 |
Saudi Arabia | 14 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 64 |
United Arab Emirates | 17 | 20 | 22 | 20 | 79 |
Australia | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 91 |
New Zealand | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 96 |
Hereafter studying the average TOEFL iBT score by the country we can witness that the Western and North-European countries are on the highest ranks and not even the most famous English speaking nations:
- New Zealand: 96
- Canada: 95
- UK: 94
- Australia: 91
- US: 89
Average TOEFL Score for Different Programs
TOEFL score for different programs may vary. TOEFL score validity is 2 years, and you have to apply to universities within this valid time frame. Here is the table that provides an idea about the TOEFL Score and different programs that the candidate can opt for:
TOEFL Score | Percentile Ranks for TOEFL iBT – Undergraduate Level | Percentile Ranks for TOEFL iBT – Graduate Level (Non-Business) | Percentile Ranks for TOEFL iBT – Graduate Level (Business) |
---|---|---|---|
120 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
116 | 99 | 99 | 99 |
112 | 97 | 95 | 95 |
108 | 93 | 90 | 90 |
104 | 87 | 83 | 83 |
100 | 81 | 75 | 75 |
96 | 74 | 66 | 66 |
92 | 67 | 57 | 57 |
88 | 59 | 48 | 48 |
84 | 52 | 40 | 40 |
80 | 45 | 32 | 32 |
76 | 39 | 26 | 26 |
72 | 33 | 20 | 20 |
68 | 27 | 15 | 16 |
64 | 22 | 12 | 12 |
60 | 18 | 9 | 9 |
56 | 14 | 6 | 7 |
52 | 11 | 5 | 5 |
48 | 8 | 3 | 3 |
44 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
40 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
36 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
32 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
>=28 | 1 | . | . |
Is the TOEFL Average Score Enough for Admissions?
After studying the TOEFL average scores on the basis of genders, academic levels, and countries, candidates will be curious to know if the average scores range for TOEFL would be suitable for their admission. Every student prepares for TOEFL to achieve a high score, and a good TOEFL score is the one that meets the TOEFL requirements of the universities. Every university has their set TOEFL sectional scores determined according to the programs. Therefore, for a candidate to figure out if the average score for TOEFL is enough for securing admission, they have to research the required and recommended TOEFL scores of their selected universities.
Points to remember:
- Always search for the recommended TOEFL scores and try to score higher than that;
- A university might state a minimum requirement of a TOEFL score 70 but only considers applications of scores higher than 80;
- Try to achieve a TOEFL score of around 100 which is accepted by certain renowned universities like Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, and more.
FAQs
Ques: What is a good score for TOEFL?
Ans: A "good" TOEFL score depends on the university you're applying to. The average score range falls between 80-90 out of 120, but universities set their requirements.
Ques: Is 100 a good TOEFL score?
Ans: Ans: A score of 100 wouldn't be considered a competitive TOEFL score for most universities. Search your preferred university's TOEFL score requirements from their official website.
Ques: What is the average TOEFL score in India?
Ans: The average TOEFL score achieved by Indian students is 91. Candidates with a good grasp of the English language and with effective preparation can easily achieve 100+ TOEFL scores.
Ques: Is 70 a bad TOEFL score?
Ans: Some universities might accept 70, but for competitive programs, it might be low. Research specific requirements of the courses by visiting the official website.
Ques: Is 100 TOEFL score easy?
Ans: A 100 TOEFL score requires strong English skills. You can achieve 100+ TOEFL scores with dedicated preparation, but it's not easy.
Ques: What is IELTS 7 equal to TOEFL?
Ans: An IELTS 7 is generally considered equivalent to a TOEFL score in the high 94 to 101. You can check online IELTS to TOEFL score calculator online from the official websites.
Ques: What is a perfect TOEFL score?
Ans: The highest possible score is 120. This score is very rare and requires exceptional English proficiency and dedicated preparation.
Ques: What is the most common TOEFL score?
Ans: There's no single most common score due to the wide range of abilities among test-takers. According to recent data on average most candidates achieve 90 in TOEFL.
Ques: What is the TOEFL passing score?
Ans: There are no passing or failing scores on TOEFL. Universities set their requirements based on their programs.
Ques: Is it hard to get 90 in TOEFL?
Ans: A 90 score requires strong skills, but it's achievable with good preparation. Focus on your weaknesses and practice with official resources.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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