TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria: Can You Take the Test?

Yes, you can. 

The TOEFL exam is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a US-based non-profit organization that develops and administers the test worldwide. There are no official academic or age restrictions for appearing in the exam. 

If you need to prove your English proficiency for studying, working, or immigration purposes abroad, you're eligible to register. Most Indian students take TOEFL after Class 12, during their undergraduate years, or while planning higher education or job opportunities overseas.

In this article, we’ll explain the complete details around TOEFL exam eligibility—including ID requirements, registration guidelines, and who typically takes the test. 

We’ll also cover differences in eligibility for TOEFL iBT vs. Home Edition, and answer common questions about test attempts, qualifications, and more.

TOEFL Exam Pattern – Not sure what the test includes? Here's how each section works.

TOEFL Accepted Countries – See where your TOEFL scores will take you around the world.

General TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria

The TOEFL is widely accepted by over 12,000 universities, colleges, and professional institutions in more than 160 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. The TOEFL iBT is available in more than 200 countries and territories, including India, where thousands of students and professionals appear for it every year.

There’s no need to worry about GPA, board marks, or formal qualifications when it comes to TOEFL exam eligibility. ETS has kept the criteria simple so more test takers can access global education opportunities.

Basic TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria

Criteria	Details
Academic Background	No minimum marks or degree required; most test takers are Class 12 or above
Nationality	Open to all; Indian students and professionals regularly take the test
Attempts Allowed	No limit; can retake after a 3-day gap
Language Background	No requirement to have studied in English-medium schools
Test Format Choice	TOEFL iBT (test center or home edition, based on preference and availability)
ID Requirement	Valid passport is mandatory for Indian test takers

Note for Indian test takers: The passport is the only accepted ID at TOEFL test centers in India. No Aadhaar, PAN, or driving license is allowed.

TOEFL Registration Steps – Ready to register? Here’s how to do it the right way.

TOEFL Guide – Too far from a center? Home Edition might work for you.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Minimum Age Requirement

There is no official minimum age limit to take the TOEFL exam, as per ETS (Educational Testing Service). In India, this means even school students can register for the test—as long as they have a valid passport. However, most test takers are at least 16 years old, as the exam is primarily taken for college admissions and study abroad programs.

What About Younger Students in India?

Students in Class 11 or 12 often take the TOEFL to apply for undergraduate programs abroad. There are no school certificates or minimum marks required to register. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian will need to complete your registration on the ETS platform and agree to the terms.

What Indian School Students Should Know

• TOEFL content is academic and best suited for Class 10 and above
• Passport is mandatory—no Aadhaar, voter ID, or PAN card is accepted
• Many Indian students take the TOEFL after board exams or during their application cycle for US, UK, or Canadian colleges

Planning to apply for an international UG program after school? Take TOEFL at least 6–9 months before your university deadlines.

TOEFL Preparation for Beginners – Starting your prep from scratch? This guide helps you build a plan.

Best TOEFL Preparation Books – Studying at home? These books actually help.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Academic Qualifications

ETS does not require any specific academic qualification to appear for the TOEFL exam. There’s no cutoff, minimum marks, or degree needed. This makes the TOEFL exam eligibility quite flexible—especially for Indian students from CBSE, ICSE, state boards, or open schooling.

Who in India Commonly Takes the TOEFL?

• Class 12 students applying for UG programs abroad
• College students or graduates applying for master's or MBA courses
• Working professionals who need English proficiency for jobs or visas abroad
• Healthcare or legal professionals appearing for licensing requirements in countries like the USA, UK, or Canada

What Universities Expect (Even if ETS Doesn’t)

While ETS allows anyone to take the test, universities abroad still expect certain academic standards. Based on your course level:

Level of Study	What Universities Look For
Undergraduate (UG)	Completion of Class 12 (or final year when applying)
Postgraduate (PG)	Completed bachelor’s or in final year of graduation
Professional / PR visa	Graduate or diploma qualifications + language proof

When Should Indian Students Take the TOEFL?

Student Type	Best Time to Take the Test
Class 12 student	After board exams or during college application season
Final-year UG student	6–8 months before MS or MBA application deadlines
Working professional in India	2–3 months before submitting visa or job applications

Pro tip for Indian test takers: Always check the application deadlines of your target universities and give yourself enough time for a retake, if needed.

Documents Required for TOEFL – Here’s everything you’ll need for the test day and registration.

ID Proof Requirements: TOEFL Exam Eligibility

Your ID plays a major role in TOEFL exam eligibility, especially during registration and on test day. ETS has strict rules, and any mismatch or invalid document can lead to disqualification—no exceptions are made on the test day.

ID Requirements for Indian Test-Takers

For candidates testing in India, ETS only accepts a valid passport as proof of identity. It must be:

• Original (no photocopies or scans)
• Government-issued and unexpired
• Include your full name, photo, and signature

No other IDs such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driver’s licence are accepted for Indian citizens.

Common ID-Related Issues Faced by Indian Students

Issue	How It Affects Eligibility
Name mismatch (passport vs. registration)	Can lead to cancellation of test on exam day
Expired passport	You won't be allowed into the test center
Using Aadhaar or other non-passport ID	Automatically disqualified—only passport is accepted
No passport at the time of registration	You can’t proceed with TOEFL booking in India

Tip: If your name on the passport doesn’t match your school certificates or college documents, use the same name on all TOEFL-related forms to avoid complications later.

TOEFL Reading Section Tips – Targeting top schools? Your reading score needs to shine.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility Score for Top Universities

ETS doesn’t set any pass or fail score for the TOEFL exam. But universities do. Your score must meet the minimum English language requirement of the institution or course you're applying to. These requirements can vary based on country, university ranking, level of study (UG/PG), and program type.

For Indian students applying abroad, it's not just about clearing the TOEFL—your goal should be to match or exceed the score required by your target university.

What TOEFL Score Do Top Universities Expect?

Country	Top Universities (Examples)	TOEFL Score Range (iBT)
USA	MIT, Stanford, Harvard, UC Berkeley	100–110+ (most competitive schools expect 105+)
Canada	University of Toronto, UBC, McGill	90–105 (some courses may ask for 22+ in each section)
UK	University of Edinburgh, Manchester, King’s College	90–100 (accepted for admission, not for student visa)
Australia	University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW	79–100 (85+ preferred for competitive PG courses)
Germany	TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg	85–95 (English-taught programs only)
Singapore	NUS, NTU, SMU	90–100 (minimum 22 in Writing, in some courses)

Score Tips for Indian Students

• Target a 100+ score if you're applying to highly ranked programs or top-tier universities in the US, Canada, or Singapore.
• Section-wise minimums matter. A university may require at least 22–25 in Speaking or Writing, especially for business, law, or communication courses.
• Engineering and STEM programs usually focus more on Reading and Listening, while management and humanities may emphasize Speaking and Writing.
• Some universities offer conditional admission with a lower TOEFL score + additional English support courses—ask the admissions office.

Plan Ahead: Book your TOEFL test at least 6–8 months before application deadlines, especially if you're applying to multiple countries. This gives you time for a retake and avoids last-minute delays with sending scores.

Country-Specific Rules for TOEFL Exam Eligibility (For Indian Students)

TOEFL exam eligibility is simple in India, but what matters is how your TOEFL scores are treated by universities and visa authorities in different countries. Some countries accept all TOEFL formats, others don’t. Some universities may accept TOEFL for admissions but not for the student visa process. That’s where many Indian students get confused.

TOEFL-Accepting Universities in the USA – These are some of the top US universities that accept TOEFL.

Here’s a country-wise breakdown to help you apply with clarity.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: United States

Eligibility for Indian Students	Details
TOEFL Accepted For	UG, PG, PhD programs + student visa (F-1)
Format Accepted	TOEFL iBT (test center) and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Visa Rule	US Embassy accepts both formats; no issues for Indian applicants

Tip: Top US universities like MIT, Stanford, and NYU accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition if it meets their technical and identity standards.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Canada

Eligibility for Indian Students	Details
TOEFL Accepted For	UG, PG programs and SDS visa route (from August 2023)
Format Accepted	TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Visa Rule	IRCC now accepts TOEFL for SDS (Student Direct Stream) visa for Indians

Important: SDS is the fastest visa process for Indian students—TOEFL must be sent directly from ETS to be valid for SDS.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: United Kingdom

Eligibility for Indian Students	Details
TOEFL Accepted For	Admissions only, not for UK Student Visa (Tier 4)
Format Accepted	TOEFL iBT at test centers only
Visa Rule	UKVI does not accept TOEFL for visa purposes

Heads-up: Even if University of Manchester or UCL accepts TOEFL, you can’t use it alone for your UK visa. Plan accordingly.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Australia

Eligibility for Indian Students	Details
TOEFL Accepted For	University admissions and student visa
Format Accepted	TOEFL iBT only (Home Edition not accepted for visa as of 2024)
Visa Rule	Accepted by Australian Dept. of Home Affairs for student visa

Note: Check if your course is CRICOS registered (most are). TOEFL must be valid at the time of visa lodgment.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Germany

Eligibility for Indian Students	Details
TOEFL Accepted For	English-taught UG/PG programs in public universities
Format Accepted	TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition
Visa Rule	Accepted by German Embassy and DAAD for student visa

Pro Tip: Many German universities also accept IELTS or Duolingo, but TOEFL is widely used for engineering and management programs.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Singapore

Eligibility for Indian Students	Details
TOEFL Accepted For	UG, PG admissions at NUS, NTU, SMU
Format Accepted	TOEFL iBT and Home Edition
Visa Rule	No TOEFL requirement for student visa; admission is the main concern

TOEFL Writing Section Tips – Aiming higher next time? Strengthen your writing score first.

Can You Retake TOEFL? What Are the Rules?

Yes, you can retake the TOEFL—as many times as you need. ETS has a very flexible retake policy, which is helpful if you're aiming for a higher score to meet university or visa requirements. That said, there are a few rules and timelines you need to follow to avoid registration issues.

TOEFL Retake Policy for Indian Students

Factor	Details
Minimum time between attempts	3 days (72 hours) from your last test date
Maximum number of attempts	No official limit
Fees per attempt	₹17,539 ($205) – same fee applies each time
Score usage	You can send your best score to universities; all scores stay in your ETS account
Score validity	2 years from the test date
Can you cancel a score?	Yes, right after the test or within a limited time through your ETS account

Tip for Indian students: If your target university has early deadlines (like for Fall 2025), plan your first attempt at least 6–8 months in advance. This gives you space for 1–2 retakes if needed—without affecting your application timeline.

IELTS vs TOEFL – Which One’s Better for You? – Stuck between IELTS and TOEFL? This helps you decide fast.

Who Should NOT Take the TOEFL Exam?

While the TOEFL exam is accepted by thousands of institutions globally, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Indian students and professionals should always double-check university and visa requirements before registering.

Candidates Who May Want to Skip TOEFL

Category	Why TOEFL May Not Work	Better Alternative
UK Student Visa Applicants	UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) does not accept TOEFL for student visas—even if your university does	IELTS UKVI
Applying to Non-TOEFL Accepting Universities	Some institutions in France, Spain, and smaller EU countries require IELTS or local tests	IELTS, institutional English tests
Healthcare or PR Licensing Candidates	Licensing bodies in Canada, Australia, NZ often require IELTS Academic or OET; TOEFL not accepted	IELTS Academic, OET
Test-Optional/English Waiver Programs	If the university accepts Indian students with CBSE/ICSE or English-medium background, TOEFL isn’t required	No test, or submit school transcripts

Always check both the university admission policy and the visa English requirement for your destination country—these don't always match.

What Happens If You’re Not Eligible?

If you don’t meet the TOEFL exam eligibility due to age, ID issues, or university/program mismatches, don’t worry—there are alternatives. The goal is to pick the test that suits your target country and course requirements, not just what’s popular.

Common Eligibility Issues and What to Do

Issue	What You Can Do
Underage / no valid passport	Wait until you have a valid passport or turn 16+; TOEFL requires original ID
Applying to UK (visa restrictions)	Choose IELTS UKVI instead of TOEFL
Applying to universities that reject TOEFL	Consider PTE Academic, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
Tech issues for Home Edition	Opt for a test center-based TOEFL iBT or alternative test with fewer setup requirements

Alternative English Proficiency Tests

• IELTS Academic – Accepted for most countries; includes UK visa eligibility
• PTE Academic – Accepted in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada (increasingly popular)
• Duolingo English Test (DET) – Quick, affordable, and accepted by many US/Canadian universities
• OET (Occupational English Test) – Preferred for healthcare professionals

Plan ahead: Always check both university and visa English requirements before registering for any test. Avoid last-minute surprises that could delay your study abroad plans.

Download the Free TOEFL Guide eBook – Want everything in one place? This free guide covers it all.

TOEFL Resources on upGrad Abroad

Getting ready for the TOEFL? Or confused about which English test is right for your study abroad plan? upGrad Abroad helps Indian students with the right information, expert support, and test-specific resources—so you can make confident decisions without wasting time.

Here’s how upGrad Abroad can help:

• Get access to free TOEFL guides, university lists, and country-wise score requirements
• Access in-depth articles on other major English language tests like IELTS, PTE, Duolingo English Test (DET), OET, and more
• Book a 1:1 counseling session to decide the best test format, study timeline, and country based on your profile
• Use expert tips to avoid common mistakes in TOEFL registration, timing, and score reporting

Get a free TOEFL consultation from upGrad Abroad’s expert counselors today.