TOEFL Accepting Universities in UK 2026 – Complete List
Dreaming of studying at Oxford or Imperial College London? You are not alone. Thousands of students worldwide set their sights on UK universities every year. The UK offers world-class education, rich cultural diversity, and strong post-study opportunities. But one question often holds them back: “Is TOEFL accepted for UK studies?”
The answer is clear and positive. Every single university in the UK welcomes TOEFL iBT scores. This includes prestigious Russell Group members, such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. Your TOEFL result serves as valid proof of your English ability for academic admission across the country.
This guide explains everything about TOEFL accepting universities in UK. You will discover the minimum score requirements for top institutions. Learn the specific rules for various courses, such as Medicine or Engineering. Understand the latest UK visa regulations related to the TOEFL. Find practical tips for submitting your scores successfully. Your TOEFL score isn’t just a number; it’s your passport to historic campuses and cutting-edge research. Let’s begin your UK education journey.
Why Choose TOEFL for UK Universities?
Universal Acceptance Across All UK Institutions
The TOEFL acceptance rate in the UK stands at 100%. Every university in the UK recognises TOEFL iBT scores for admission to academic programs. This includes elite Russell Group members like:
- University of Oxford (Institution Code: 0490)
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London and UCL
No need to worry about your dream university rejecting your TOEFL score. It meets English proficiency requirements everywhere.
Streamlined UK Student Visa Advantages
TOEFL simplifies visa applications under the UK’s Student Route. Key facts:
- UKVI-approved centres administer the TOEFL for visa compliance.
- Meet the B2 CEFR level for degree programs with these minimums:
- Total Score: 72
- Reading: 18
- Listening: 17
- Writing: 17
- Speaking: 20
Universities sponsor your visa using TOEFL scores if you meet their program-specific requirements.
Practical Test-Taking Benefits
TOEFL saves time and offers flexibility:
- Single 2-hour session: Complete all sections in one sitting.
- Home Edition acceptance:
- Accepted by 90% of universities (e.g., Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh).
- Exception: The University of Manchester requires a test-centre TOEFL.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Key Differences for UK Applicants
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
| Test Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Format | Entirely online | Paper/computer + in-person speaking |
| Speaking Section | Respond to microphone | Face-to-face interview |
| UK Acceptance | 100% of universities | 100% of universities |
Academic Preparation Edge
TOEFL’s content mirrors university coursework:
- Lecture-based listening tasks simulate classroom lectures.
- Reading passages use academic journals and textbooks.
- Integrated writing tasks (e.g., summarising a lecture) build skills needed for essays and research.
This focus helps you transition smoothly into UK academic life.
Why Does This Matter for You?
Choosing TOEFL means:
- No acceptance surprises: All UK universities welcome your scores.
- Visa readiness: Meet language requirements efficiently.
- Convenience: Take the test at home or in one short session.
- Real-world prep: Tackle tasks that mirror your future studies.
Pro Tip: Always confirm sectional requirements with your university. For example, LSE requires a 27 in Writing, despite a total score of 107.
Top TOEFL-Accepting Universities & Minimum Scores (2026)
Comprehensive University List
All UK universities accept TOEFL iBT scores for degree programs, including every Russell Group institution. Below is a tiered comparison of 50 universities, using the latest QS rankings and verified 2025 requirements:
Table: TOEFL Requirements at UK Universities (2026)
| University | QS Rank 2025 | Min TOEFL iBT | Popular Courses |
| Top 5 Universities | |||
| University of Oxford | 3 | 100 | Law, Medicine, PPE |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | 100–105 | Engineering, Computer Science |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 92 | Data Science, Medicine |
| University College London | 9 | 100 | Architecture, Neuroscience |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 | 92 | AI, Literature |
| Russell Group Highlights | |||
| University of Manchester | 34 | 90 | Business, Engineering |
| King’s College London | 40 | 100 | Medicine, International Relations |
| London School of Economics | 50 | 109 | Economics, Politics |
| University of Bristol | 54 | 88 | Law, Aerospace Engineering |
| University of Warwick | 69 | 92 | Business, Accounting |
| University of Glasgow | 78 | 90–100 | Medicine, Business |
| University of Southampton | 80 | 90 | Computer Science, Maritime Law |
| University of Birmingham | 80 | 72 | Dentistry, Business |
| University of Leeds | 82 | 92 | Engineering, Journalism |
| Durham University | 89 | 92 | Law, Theology |
| Other Top Universities | |||
| University of St Andrews | 104 | 92 | Economics, Philosophy |
| University of Nottingham | 108 | 92 | Pharmacy, Nursing |
| Queen Mary University London | 120 | 92 | Medicine, Law |
| Newcastle University | 129 | 90 | Medicine, Supply Chain Management |
| University of York | 184 | 88 | History, Biology, Computer Science |
| Cardiff University | 186 | 92 | Journalism, Architecture |
| University of Bath | 150 | 90 | Management, Architecture |
| University of Exeter | 169 | 90 | Business, Environmental Science |
| University of Liverpool | 165 | 88–89 | Medicine, Engineering, Business |
| University of Sheffield | 105 | 90 | Engineering, Architecture |
| Lancaster University | 150 | 87 | Marketing, Psychology |
| University of Aberdeen | 236 | 90 | Law, Energy Engineering |
| University of Reading | 172 | 90 | Agriculture, Finance |
| University of Sussex | 246 | 92 | Neuroscience, International Development |
| University of Leicester | 236 | 90 | Genetics, Space Science |
| University of Surrey | 305 | 85 | Hospitality, Veterinary Medicine |
| Queen’s University Belfast | 202 | 90 | Pharmacy, Irish History |
| University of Strathclyde | 281 | 92 | Business, Renewable Energy |
| Loughborough University | 224 | 90 | Sports Science, Design |
| Lower-Score Options | |||
| University of East Anglia | 332 | 79 | Creative Writing, Climate Science |
| University of Hertfordshire | 851–900 | 72 | Aerospace Engineering, Animation |
| University of West London | Not ranked | 72 | Music, Hospitality Management |
| Coventry University | 526 | 89 | Health Sciences, Automotive Engineering |
| University of Stirling | 452 | 78 | Sports Science, Criminology |
| Teesside University | Not ranked | 72 | Computer Science, Art |
| London Metropolitan University | 1001–1200 | 72 | Law, Social Sciences |
| University of Bedfordshire | 1001–1200 | 72 | Nursing, Media Studies |
| Nottingham Trent University | 501 | 83 | Design, Education |
| University of Greenwich | 701 | 80 | Accounting, Marine Biology |
| University of Central Lancashire | 801 | 90 | Forensic Science, Journalism |
| University of Plymouth | 601 | 85 | Oceanography, Dentistry |
| University of Brighton | 601 | 80 | Pharmacy, Digital Media |
| Oxford Brookes University | 601 | 80 | Architecture, Motorsport Engineering |
| Ulster University | 601 | 78 | Biomedical Science, Tourism |
Visa Note: For UK Student Route visas, standard TOEFL iBT is accepted for degree programs if your university sponsors your visa. Scores must meet CEFR B2 level (72+ total, with sectional minimums: Reading 18, Listening 17, Writing 17, Speaking 20).
Key Insights for Students
- Competitive programs demand higher scores:
- Law/Medicine at Oxford/Cambridge requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 110.
- LSE mandates 27 in Writing despite a 109 total score.
- Lower scores still unlock quality education:
- Universities like Hertfordshire (72) or West London (72) accept scores below 80.
- STEM programs often have lower thresholds than humanities (e.g., Birmingham Engineering: 72 vs. Dentistry: 100).
- 2025 score trends:
- Average requirements rose 5 points since 2023 due to application surges.
- Russell Group universities now commonly require minimum scores in individual sections (e.g., 22 in Speaking at the University of Warwick).
Pro Tip: Always check sectional requirements! Some programs reject applicants with strong overall scores but weak writing or speaking skills.
Questions to Consider
- Does your dream program require minimums for each section?
- Could a pre-sessional course help if you’re 5–10 points below the requirement?
- Have you verified if your university accepts the TOEFL Home Edition? (Note: Manchester and LSE do not).
Next Steps: Use this table to shortlist 3-5 universities matching your scores. Confirm requirements on their admissions pages before applying.
Course-Specific TOEFL Requirements: From Engineering to MBA
Key Discipline Requirements (2026)
Table: TOEFL Requirements by Field
| Field | Typical Min TOEFL | Top University Example | Special Sectional Requirements |
| Medicine | 110 | University of Oxford | 25+ Speaking & Listening |
| Law/LLM | 105–110 | London School of Economics | 27 Writing, 25 Reading |
| Business/MBA | 100 | University of Warwick | 22 Writing, 21 Speaking |
| Engineering | 90–92 | Imperial College London | 19 All Sections |
| Social Sciences | 88–92 | University of York | 18+ All Sections |
Discipline-Specific Insights
1. Medicine (110+)
- Top Programs: Oxford/Cambridge require an overall score of 110. The Birmingham Medical School requires a score of 95+ with no section scoring below 23.
- Critical Skills: High Speaking (25+) and Listening (25+) scores ensure clear patient communication. The UK General Medical Council (GMC) validates this for clinical safety.
- 2025 Update: Some universities (e.g., Edinburgh) phased out PTE Academic; TOEFL or IELTS only.
2. Law/LLM (105–110)
- Writing Emphasis: LSE requires a 27 in Writing (despite 107 total) for legal drafting precision.
- Program Examples:
- Bar Practice Course (BPC): 7.5 IELTS equivalent (110 TOEFL).
- LLM: 88–100 at lower-ranked universities.
3. Business/MBA (90–100)
- Top MBAs vs. Average:
- Cambridge/Oxford: 110.
- Glasgow/Stirling: 79–85.
- Scholarship Tip: Scores 5+ above minimums boost funding chances (e.g., Imperial’s £50K scholarship).
4. Engineering (90–92)
- Flexible Requirements: Imperial accepts 92 overall with sectional flexibility (minimum 19 in each section).
- Visa Note: UKVI accepts the TOEFL for Student Route visas if a B2 level is achieved (with a minimum overall score of 72 and a minimum score of 18 in Reading).
5. Social Sciences (88–92)
- Lowest Thresholds: York accepts 88 overall (Psychology, Education) with 18 or more per section.
- Exceptions: Competitive programs, such as those offered by LSE Economics, require a minimum score of 105 or higher.
Critical Advice for Applicants
Why Higher Scores for Medicine/Law?
- Communication Intensity: Medical consultations and legal arguments demand advanced fluency. This explains 10–15 point gaps versus STEM.
- Sectional Thresholds Matter:
- LSE’s 27 Writing requirement applies even with a total of 107.
- Oxford Medicine rejects candidates below 25 in Speaking, regardless of overall score.
Strategic Tips
- Competitive Programs: Aim 5–10 points above minimums (e.g., 115 for Oxford Law).
- Sectional Balance: Prioritise weak areas, e.g., Law applicants should focus on writing practice.
- Alternatives:
- Indian CBSE students with a score of 70% or higher in English can waive the TOEFL requirement at the University of Bristol/Leeds.
- Pre-sessional courses (e.g., Durham) accept scores 5 points below the degree requirements.
Key Takeaway: Your TOEFL strategy should align with the communication demands of your field. STEM prioritises technical comprehension; the humanities demand persuasive fluency. Always verify sectional cutoffs; your total score alone won’t secure admission.
Navigating UK Visa Rules with TOEFL Scores
SELT vs. Non-SELT Tests
- Foundation/Pre-sessional Courses:
- Requires a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR B1 level (equivalent to IELTS 4.0).
- Tests must be taken at UKVI-approved centres (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert SELT).
- Degree Programs (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD):
- Standard TOEFL iBT accepted if:
- Your university sponsors your visa.
- You meet the institution’s TOEFL requirements.
- Your scores align with UKVI’s B2 level: 72 overall (Reading 18, Listening 17, Writing 17, Speaking 20).
- Standard TOEFL iBT accepted if:
Home Edition Acceptance
- Accepted by 90% of UK universities, including:
- University College London (UCL)
- University of York
- Imperial College London
- Exceptions:
- University of Manchester and LSE reject TOEFL Home Edition.
- Rules for Home Edition:
- Use a desktop/laptop (not a tablet).
- Install the ETS Secure Test Browser.
- Show your testing room via a 360° camera during the exam.
Key 2025 Updates
- LanguageCert SELT replaces ESOL for UK visas (effective January 2025).
- PTE Academic UKVI has been phased out at the University of Edinburgh and other Russell Group universities.
- TOEFL Home Edition validity:
- Scores remain valid for 2 years for both academic admission and visa applications.
Application Strategies: Beyond Minimum Scores
TOEFL score submission process UK
- Free reports: Send scores to 4 universities at no cost during TOEFL registration.
- Extra reports: Pay £20 per institution for additional submissions via the ETS portal.
- Score recovery: Reinstated cancelled scores within 60 days for a fee.
Alternatives to the TOEFL
- English waivers:
- Available for English-medium education (e.g., India’s CBSE/ISC with 70%+ in Class 12 English).
- Universities offering waivers: Bristol, Leeds, Southampton.
- Other accepted tests:
| Test | Minimum Score | Where Accepted |
| Duolingo | 120+ | York, Warwick |
| PTE Academic | 59+ | UCL, Edinburgh |
| IELTS | 6.0+ | All UK universities |
Pro Tips
- Competitive programs: Aim for 5-10 points above the minimums (e.g., Oxford Law: 110 vs. the standard 100).
- Pre-sessional courses:
- Ideal for scores slightly below requirements (e.g., Durham’s 7-week course for ≤85).
- Cost: £1,500–£2,000.
- Timeline: Apply 6 months early to secure scholarships and CAS letters.
TOEFL vs. UKVI-Approved Tests
| Requirement | TOEFL iBT | UKVI SELT (e.g., IELTS for UKVI) |
| Degree Programs | Accepted | Not required if the university sponsors a visa |
| Foundation Courses | Not accepted | Mandatory (B1 level) |
| Test Format | Home/Test Centre | In-person only at UKVI centres |
Check this first: 90% of UK universities accept TOEFL Home Edition – but confirm your course’s policy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use TOEFL for a UK student visa?
Yes! You can use TOEFL for a UK student visa if your university sponsors your visa application and you meet their score requirements. For foundation or pre-sessional courses, you need a UKVI-approved TOEFL test. Always confirm your university’s policy first.
Do UK universities prefer IELTS or TOEFL?
Both tests are accepted for admission to academic programs. However, IELTS is more common for visa processing because it aligns with UK immigration standards. TOEFL remains equally valid for university entry across all UK institutions.
Is TOEFL Home Edition accepted in the UK?
Yes, 90% of UK universities accept the TOEFL Home Edition, including the University of London’s Imperial College and UCL. Exceptions include the University of Manchester and LSE, which require test-centre scores. Verify your university’s policy before booking.
What if my TOEFL score is below the requirement?
Options include: Enrolling in pre-sessional English courses (e.g., Ulster University’s 7-week program). Applying to universities with lower requirements, like East London (70+) or Hertfordshire (72). Always contact admissions for advice.
How long are TOEFL scores valid?
TOEFL scores expire two years after your test date. Ensure your scores remain valid throughout your application and visa process.
Can I combine TOEFL scores from multiple attempts?
No. Universities typically review scores from a single test sitting. Most institutions accept your highest attempt, but policies vary. Confirm directly with your chosen university.
Are there TOEFL waivers for Indian students?
Yes. Indian students with CBSE/ISC Class XII English scores of 70% or higher are eligible for waivers at universities such as the University of Bristol, the University of Leeds, and the University of York. Submit your academic transcripts with your application.
Your UK Education Journey Starts Now
Your TOEFL score opens doors across the UK. From Oxford’s historic spires to Manchester’s innovation hubs, this result is your key. Every UK university accepts TOEFL iBT scores. Your dream program is within reach.
Follow these steps next:
- Match your score: Use this guide’s university tables. Find programs fitting your TOEFL result.
- Check course rules: Verify requirements for your field. Medicine or law often requires higher scores.
- Apply early: Submit your applications promptly to secure scholarships and expedite visa processing time.
This guide covered TOEFL Accepting Universities in UK. You learned about minimum scores, visa rules, and waiver options. You discovered paths for every result.
The UK’s classrooms welcome global students like never before. Your place is ready. Start your application today!
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