byAnurag
The TOEFL test plays a key role in admissions and visa processing for students planning to study in the UK, with universities typically expecting 72-95+. TOEFL has implemented a drastic change in the scoring system. The new TOEFL test scores scale ranges from 1.0 to 6.0, aligning with the CEFR levels (European language standard). Due to the recent changes in the TOEFL score band, some universities, such as Oxford, are not accepting TOEFL scores as proof of language proficiency.
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TOEFL Scores for the UK Universities 2026
TOEFL scores are widely accepted by the UK admission universities. The standard average TOEFL score required ranges between 4.0 and 5.5 in the new score band and 72-107+ in the old score band. Some competitive programs and universities can have a mandatory section-wise fixed score requirement.
Applicants should also keep in mind that some universities, such as Oxford, do not accept the TOEFL as proof of language proficiency. Students should visit the university website for specific requirements.
| UK University | QS World University Ranking 2027 | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (Old Scale of 0-120) | Minimum TOEFL Score Requirement (New Scale of 1-6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | #=4 | UG/PG (CS): 110 overall with Reading 24, Writing 24, Listening 22, Speaking 25 | TOEFL iBT tests from Jan 21, 2026, onwards are not accepted until the review is complete. |
| University of Cambridge | #=6 | UG: 110 overall with 25 in each section MS Computer Science: 107 overall with 25 in each section for CS MBA: 110 | Not accepted |
| Imperial College London | #=2 | Standard: 92 overall with 20 in each section (MS Applied Computational Science) Higher: 100 overall with 22 in each section (B. Engg. CS, MS Management) | Standard: 4.5 overall and in each section Higher: 5 overall and in each section |
| UCL | #=8 | 96 overall with Reading 24, Writing 24, Speaking 22, Listening 22 (MS Software Engineering, MS Finance) | 5 overall with 5 in each section |
| LSE | #=62 | UG: 100 overall, Writing 27, Reading 25, Listening 24, Speaking 24 PG: 100 overall, Reading 25, Listening 22, Writing 24, Speaking 22 | UG: 5.5 overall with 5 in each section PG: 5.5 overall, Reading 5, Listening 5, Writing 5, Speaking 4.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | #=35 | UG: 92 overall with 20 in each section PG: 100 overall with 23 in each section | UG: 4.5 overall with 4 in each section PG: 5 overall with 4.5 in each section |
| University of Manchester | #=40 | UG: 100 overall with 22 in each section PG: 100 overall with 22 in each section | UG: 5 overallPG: 5 overall |
| King's College London | #=37 | 92 overall with 23 in Writing and 20 in each of the other sections for Engineering | 4.5 overall with 4 in each section |
| University of Bristol | #=57 | 103 overall with Reading 24, Writing 24, Listening 22, Speaking 25 | 5.5 overall with 5 in each section |
| University of Warwick | #=68 | 100 overall with Listening 21, Writing 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23 | 5 overall with 4.5 in each section |
Note:
- Oxford and Cambridge are NOT accepting TOEFL iBT taken after January 21, 2026; the scores mentioned in the table are for earlier tests.
- The University of Manchester does not mention the score on the new TOEFL scale for some courses (MS Finance). For that, the score mentioned in the table are taken from the official concordance table.
TOEFL Scores for the UK Student Visa 2026
TOEFL is not a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) required for UK visa purposes. However, it can be used for student visa purposes only if the university in which the student is taking admission accepts TOEFL as a standard requirement for language proficiency.
To get a UK student visa, students must provide proof of an English B2 level with an overall score of 72+, which is 4.0+ in the new band score. If all the criteria are met by the student, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter, which is used to obtain a student visa.
Tip for Students Planning for the UK in 2026
Applicants planning to study in the UK should start the application process well in advance to ensure a smooth visa application process. Here are some tips for those planning to go to Germany in 2026.
- Take the test early: Students should aim to attend the exam well before 3-4 months, if targeting Oxford or Cambridge, to avoid issues.
- Target above minimum: Add 5-10 points (old) or 0.5 (new) for competitiveness, as the visas are points-based. Higher English language proficiency can get higher scores.
- Sub-scores matter: Sub-scores in TOEFL Speaking or Writing for visas and university matter a lot for approval and permits.
- Home Edition: Widely accepted by universities, but applicants must confirm from the official site of the institution and the visa.
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TOEFL remains widely accepted in the UK, with universities generally requiring 72-107+ (old scale) or 4.0-5.5 (new band) for admission. A minimum B2 level (72+ or 4.0+) is essential for the UK Student Visa, provided the university accepts TOEFL for issuing the CAS letter.
FAQs
Ques. What happens if my TOEFL score is slightly below the university’s minimum?
Ans. Universities set their own requirements, which are usually higher requirements for admission. The visa B2 minimum is only the baseline. You must meet your university’s specific score to receive a CAS.
Ques. Do I need a UKVI SELT (like IELTS for UKVI) if I submit TOEFL?
Ans. No, if your university is a Higher Education Provider and assesses your English via TOEFL for your CAS, a separate SELT is generally not required for the Student visa.
Ques. Can Indian students use TOEFL for a UK Student Visa without a SELT?
Ans. Yes, for degree-level courses or above, your university (as a Higher Education Provider) can assess your English using TOEFL iBT and confirm it in your CAS. A separate UKVI SELT is not required in most cases.
Ques. Do all UK universities accept the new TOEFL format (post-21 Jan 2026)?
Ans. Most universities accept the new format with updated score equivalents, but some (like Oxford and Cambridge) are not accepting tests taken after 21 January 2026 until their review is complete.
Ques. Can I use MyBest scores from TOEFL for UK universities?
Ans. No. Most UK universities do not accept TOEFL MyBest scores. They require a single test date score
*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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