The TOEFL iBT, administered by ETS, remains one of the most widely recognized assessments of English-language proficiency for non-native speakers. For Indian students seeking admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs in English-speaking countries, achieving a competitive TOEFL score is often a critical component of the application process.
A “good” TOEFL score depends on what your chosen university requires. Most students score between 80 and 90 out of 120. For top universities, you usually need a higher score to make your application stronger. A high TOEFL score shows that you can use English well in an academic setting.
However, universities also look at other things, such as your Letters of Recommendation (LOR), Statement of Purpose (SOP), and GPA. In general, a score of 100 or above is considered very good. Before you apply, make sure to check the TOEFL score requirements on the university’s official website.
This article provides a detailed, formal overview of TOEFL scoring, benchmarks for “good” performance, institutional requirements, and strategic considerations specific to Indian applicants in 2025.
What is a Good TOEFL Score in 2026?
Understanding what qualifies as a “good” TOEFL score can help you plan your preparation better. Since requirements vary widely across programs and countries, your score should not only meet, but ideally exceed, the minimum cutoff by 8-15 points to stay competitive.
| Score Range | Proficiency | Institution Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| 110-120 | Exceptional | Ivy League, Oxbridge, top-tier research universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, etc.) |
| 100-109 | Very Strong | Highly selective universities (Yale, UCLA, University of Toronto, University of Melbourne, NUS, etc.) |
| 90-99 | Competitive | Majority of ranked universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and Europe |
| 80-89 | Acceptable | Moderately selective programs; may trigger conditional admission or English support courses |
| Below 80 | Restricted | Limited direct-admission options; often requires pre-sessional English programs |
Note: Many institutions impose section minimums (commonly 20-26 per section, with Speaking and Writing frequently scrutinised for graduate teaching or research roles).
Good TOEFL Score: Country and University-Specific (2026)
Good TOEFL score expectations differ significantly across study abroad destinations. The table below highlights the minimum scores for each country and the recommended ranges for Indian students aiming for competitive programs.
| Destination | Typical Minimum TOEFL Score Required | Recommended for Indian Applicants | Notable Examples & Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 80-100 | 102-110+ | Ivy League & Top 20: 100-110+; Top public universities: 79-100; |
| Canada | 80-100 | 95-105 | University of Toronto, UBC, McGill: 89-100 |
| UK | 90-110 | 100-110+ | Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial: 110+; Russell Group average: 95-105;Note: some UKVI purposes still prefer IELTS |
| Australia | 79-94 | 90-102 | Group of Eight (Melbourne, Sydney, ANU): 85-100;TOEFL is now fully accepted for student visas. |
| Germany (English-taught courses) | 80-100 | 90-100 | TU Munich, Heidelberg (Master’s in English): 80-95 |
| Singapore | 90-100 | 100+ | NUS, NTU: 100+ recommended |
Important: You are strongly advised to consult the official admissions webpage of each program or utilise the ETS TOEFL Destinations Search tool, as requirements are subject to annual revision.
TOEFL iBT Structure & Scoring Pattern
Before estimating your target score, it’s important to understand how the TOEFL iBT is scored. The test evaluates 4 essential language skills, each contributing equally to the total score of 120. The 4 core language skills are:
- Reading (0-30)
- Listening (0-30)
- Speaking (0-30)
- Writing (0-30)
Must Read: TOEFL Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The total score ranges from 0 to 120, with each section contributing equally. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. ETS also provides MyBest scores, a superscore combining the highest section scores obtained across all valid test attempts within the 2-year window. An increasing number of institutions now accept MyBest scores, offering candidates greater flexibility.
There is no universal passing threshold; acceptability is determined solely by the receiving institution and program.
TOEFL Percentile Ranking & Global Benchmarks
TOEFL Percentile rankings show how your score compares to other test-takers worldwide. These benchmarks help you evaluate your competitiveness for top universities. Approximate percentile ranks based on ETS’s most recent global test-taker population are given below:
| Total Score | Approximate Percentile | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 100th | Perfect score |
| 110-119 | 95th-99th | Outstanding |
| 100-109 | 80th-94th | Highly competitive |
| 90-99 | 60th-79th | Strong or Competitive |
| 80-89 | 40th-59th | Average or Acceptable |
| Below 80 | <40th | Limited competitiveness |
Tip: For Indian test-takers, the national mean typically falls between 92 and 98, reflecting strong preparation ecosystems in the country.
Tips for Indian Students for a Good TOEFL Score
Indian test-takers generally perform well in Reading and Listening but may need additional focus in Speaking and Writing. The following strategies can help you reach (or exceed) a 100+ score.
- Target Setting: Identify shortlisted programs early and aim for scores 10-15 points above the published minimum to mitigate risk and enhance scholarship eligibility.
- Sectional Balance: Indian test-takers frequently achieve high Reading and Listening scores but may need focused practice in Speaking (fluency, pronunciation, coherence) and Writing (task achievement and grammatical range).
- MyBest Scores: Leverage multiple attempts; most North American and many Commonwealth institutions now accept superscores.
- Preparation Timeline: 8-16 weeks of structured preparation using official ETS materials, supplemented by reputable Indian coaching platforms, typically yields significant improvement.
- Scholarship and Visa Implications: Scores of 100+ materially strengthen applications for merit-based awards (e.g., Fulbright, Inlaks, institutional scholarships) and streamline student visa processing under programs such as Australia’s streamlined visa framework.
Check: TOEFL Preparation Tips
A good TOEFL score in 2026 depends on your target country and university, but aiming for 100+ helps you stay competitive for most top global programs. Understanding score ranges, percentile ranks, and country-specific cutoffs can guide your preparation more effectively. With the right strategy and consistent practice, Indian students can confidently achieve the score required for their study abroad goals.
FAQs
Ques. How long does it take to get TOEFL scores in 2026?
Ans. You usually receive your TOEFL iBT scores within 4-8 days after the test date. MyBest (superscore) is automatically updated once all section scores are available.
Ques. Does TOEFL have any limit on the number of attempts?
Ans. No. There is no lifetime limit, but you must wait 3 days before retaking the test. Many students take 2-3 attempts to maximize their score.
Ques. Is a TOEFL score of 95 good enough for top universities?
Ans. A 95 is considered solid, but elite institutions typically require 100-110+. For moderately selective universities, 90-100 is usually sufficient.
Ques. Do scholarships consider TOEFL scores?
Ans. Yes. Several universities and external scholarship bodies use TOEFL scores as part of their evaluation. Higher scores (100+) can improve your chances of merit-based awards.
Ques. Do all universities accept MyBest TOEFL scores?
Ans. Not all, but a growing number do, especially in the USA and Canada. Some top universities may still prefer a single-attempt score, so always check the policy on the official program page.
*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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