TOEFL iBT
The ETS academic English test, widely accepted by universities in the United States and elsewhere. Since January 2026 it is shorter and adaptive, with scores on a 1 to 6 scale shown alongside a comparable 0 to 120 score during a two-year transition.
Platform
Career Growth
ETS
About 2 hours
All
Free
What it is
TOEFL iBT is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, delivered online at test centres or at home, and made by ETS, the same organisation that runs the GRE. It measures reading, listening, writing and speaking in academic settings. It is accepted by a very large number of universities, and it is particularly common in the United States.
What changed in January 2026
As of 2026-09 the official ETS page describes a new format: the test takes about two hours, sections adapt to your level, and it reports four section scores and an overall score on a 1 to 6 scale. For a two-year transition after January 2026, ETS also reports a comparable score on the old 0 to 120 scale. This matters because programmes may state their requirement on either scale for a while. Read each programme's current English requirements page, and if it is unclear which scale it uses, ask the admissions office.
Who it is for
Applicants to programmes that accept TOEFL, especially in the United States. Some visa routes have their own rules about which tests are accepted; for example, Australia asks TOEFL takers to indicate the test is for Australia when registering, as of 2026-09. Check your visa route's official page.
How to prepare
- Use the official ETS practice materials for the new format. Books and videos made for the older test describe tasks that no longer exist.
- Take a timed practice test to find your weakest section.
- Practise speaking responses aloud and writing under time limits.
- Plan your test date two to four months before your first deadline, with time for a retake.
Is it worth it?
If your programmes accept it, yes. The shorter format is easier to schedule. The main risk during the transition is confusion over score scales, so write down the requirement for each programme on both scales if they give both.
Free or paid
The test fee varies by country; the ETS fees page shows the price for your location. Official practice resources include free materials.
Common questions
How long are scores valid? ETS reports scores for two years after the test date.
Can I take it at home? A home edition exists; check that your universities and visa route accept it before choosing it.
Ready to start?
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