About the TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most recognised English test for academic study in the world. If you have never heard of it, here is the plain-language version.
What is it?
The TOEFL iBT measures how well you can use English in a university setting — listening to lectures, reading academic texts, and speaking and writing like a student, not like a test-taker. It is not a grammar quiz: it is built around the real tasks of classroom life.
Who made it, and who takes it?
The TOEFL is made by ETS, the US testing organisation behind it for more than 60 years. It is taken by students who want to study at universities where English is the language of instruction — at home or abroad. More than 40 million people have taken it.
When do you take it?
You can register throughout the year and sit it at a test centre or online from home. Results are ready in as little as 3 days, and a single score stays valid for two years — so one test can cover several applications.
Where is it accepted?
TOEFL scores are recognised by more than 13,500 institutions across 160+ countries. Whether you are applying to one university or a shortlist across several countries, one score works everywhere it is accepted.
Why do people take it?
Universities use it to know your English is strong enough for lectures, research and class discussion. One consistent, globally trusted score removes a major source of uncertainty when you apply abroad.
How does it work?
The test has four parts — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — each scored from 0 to 30, for a total out of 120. It takes about two hours and is computer-based, online or in a centre. You get a clear score report showing exactly where you stand in each skill.
Know your target score already?
Tell us the band you need and we will build the plan to get you there.