TOEFL Scores for Studying in Europe – University Requirements 2026

You open the Oxford University admissions page and see: “TOEFL iBT minimum 100.” You click on Politecnico di Milano – 78. Then ETH Zurich – 100. Then Maastricht – 80. One exam, ten countries, with requirements ranging from 78 to 110 points. How do you choose a target score to aim for amidst this chaos? What’s more, starting in 2026, ETS is introducing an entirely new scoring system: a 1–6 Band scale alongside the traditional 0–120 scale. For the next two years, both scores will appear simultaneously on your score report, and universities are just beginning to adapt to the new thresholds.

The good news is: the TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted language certificates in Europe – and unlike the SAT, it is required (not just “accepted”) by almost every European university offering English-taught programs. If you’re planning to study in the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, or Scandinavia, TOEFL is your admission ticket. And a score of 90+, achievable for a Polish high school graduate (or any student) with B2/C1 English proficiency, opens doors to universities ranked in the QS Top 100.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete table of TOEFL requirements for over 25 European universities, an explanation of the new 1–6 Band system, a comparison of TOEFL with IELTS, preparation strategies, and answers to questions every international applicant planning to study on the continent asks themselves. All based on official university data from February 2026.

Four TOEFL Tiers in Europe

European TOEFL requirements can be divided into four distinct tiers. Each opens different doors, grants access to different universities, and demands a different level of language proficiency. Before we delve into country-specific details – here’s an overview.

Tier 1: TOEFL 78–85 – Entry into the European Game

Let’s be honest, a TOEFL score of 80 is a solid B2, but it won’t impress top universities in the UK or Switzerland. However, in continental Europe, the same score opens doors to universities ranked in the QS Top 200. Politecnico di Milano – one of the best polytechnics in Europe – accepts TOEFL from 78 points for English-taught engineering programs. University of Amsterdam starts at 80 (though some programs require 92). Maastricht University, a pioneer of PBL (problem-based learning) in Europe – accepts 80. KU Leuven in Belgium, the best university in the Benelux, accepts from 79 for many programs (though more selective courses require 94).

The key value of Tier 1: these are universities with tuition fees of 0–4,000 EUR/year for EU citizens and world-class education. With a TOEFL score of 80, you gain access to universities for which you would need 90+ in the Anglo-Saxon world.

Tier 2: TOEFL 87–94 – European Sweet Spot

This is the tier you should aim for if you want a wide range of choices. With a TOEFL of 90, the entire map of Europe opens up to you: TU Delft (90), Trinity College Dublin (90), Copenhagen Business School (91), Imperial College London (92), UCL (92–100), University of Edinburgh (92–100), and Stockholm School of Economics (90).

This is a tier where your prior education can give you a real advantage. If you have B2+ English proficiency, have taken an advanced English exam (like the Polish Matura’s extended English exam), and regularly read in English, 3–4 months of systematic preparation with prepclass.io should be enough to land you in the 88–95 range. The Reading and Listening sections of the TOEFL test analytical skills, where students – accustomed to text interpretation in their high school exams – perform surprisingly well.

Tier 3: TOEFL 93–100 – European Elite

With a score of 100, you’re playing in the top league. ETH Zurich, a global top 10 university – requires exactly 100. Sciences Po in Paris – 100. LSE, 100. Bocconi – 93, which might seem low compared to English universities, but remember that Bocconi offers many programs in Italian, and English doesn’t need to be at a native speaker level.

To achieve 100 points on the TOEFL, you need a solid C1 across all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The Speaking section is usually the most challenging for many students (as it requires fluency under time pressure), as is Writing (which demands an academic structure not typically taught in all high school curricula). Prepare for both sections with prepclass.io – the platform offers exercises that precisely model the tasks you’ll encounter on the actual test.

Tier 4: TOEFL 100–110 – Oxbridge and the Absolute Top

The pinnacle of the hierarchy. Oxford requires TOEFL 100 for most courses, but some departments (e.g., English Language and Literature, Law, Philosophy) raise the bar to 110. Cambridge, 100 as a minimum, but with a requirement of 25 in each of the four sections, which de facto raises the real threshold to 100–105.

This tier is for students whose English is at a C1+/C2 level – who not only understand academic texts but can also discuss them, write argumentative essays, and deliver presentations in English effortlessly. If you’re aiming for Oxbridge, TOEFL is the least of your challenges, but you must pass it with a score that leaves no room for doubt.

New TOEFL Scoring System 2026 – The 1–6 Band Scale

Starting in 2026, ETS (Educational Testing Service, the creator of TOEFL) is introducing a new scoring system based on a 1–6 Band scale, which operates in parallel with the traditional 0–120 scale. This is the biggest change in TOEFL’s history, and simultaneously a source of considerable confusion among candidates. Let’s clarify it.

The new Band scale is mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) – the same system you might be familiar with from other language certificates. Band 4 corresponds to B2 level, Band 5 to C1, and Band 6 to C2. Sounds simple? In theory, yes. In practice, the transition is more complex because the boundaries between bands don’t perfectly align with round tens on the 0–120 scale.

Key information about the new system:

• Transition period 2026–2028: For two years, your score report will show both scores, the traditional (0–120) and the Band (1–6). Universities may require one or the other.
• European universities in 2026 still primarily use the 0–120 scale – don’t panic. Oxford still states “TOEFL 100,” not “Band 5.” But this will change.
• The Band score is calculated automatically, you don’t need to take a separate exam. The same TOEFL iBT test generates both scores.
• The new scale is more intuitive – Band 5 (C1) sends a clear message: “this student will cope well at an English-speaking university.” The 0–120 scale doesn’t convey this directly.

Why is ETS doing this? Because the 0–120 scale is arbitrary; what does “87 points” mean? No one intuitively knows. But “Band 5 – C1” immediately tells any recruiter worldwide: “this student has advanced language proficiency.” This simplifies communication and brings TOEFL closer to the format of IELTS (which has always used band scales).

What does this mean for you in practice? If you’re aiming for Tier 2 universities (TOEFL 87–94), your band score will be Band 4 at the lower end and Band 5 at the upper end. If you’re aiming for Tier 3 (95–100), you’ll land in Band 5 – which corresponds to C1. And this is precisely the level expected by prestigious European universities.

Practical advice: don’t worry about the bands during preparation. Practice for the 0–120 scale, as universities still define their requirements using it. The new scale is a bonus, not a complication. Learn more about the exam structure and strategies in our complete guide to TOEFL 2026.

TOEFL Requirements Country by Country

United Kingdom – Highest Thresholds in Europe

The UK is a market where TOEFL is required, not optional, and with the highest thresholds on the continent. British universities take English language proficiency very seriously: it’s not enough to simply “get by” – you must be able to write academic essays, participate in seminars, and present research in a language where any native speaker will immediately spot errors.

Oxford, an icon. TOEFL 100 for most courses, but beware: humanities departments (English Language and Literature, Law, Philosophy, Classics) often raise the threshold to 110. Oxford also requires a minimum of 22 in each of the four sections for “standard level” and 25 for “higher level.” This means it’s not enough to have excellent Reading and weak Speaking – you must be consistently strong across all areas.

Cambridge maintains a standard 100, but with a similar nuance: minimum scores in sections (25 in each) effectively raise the real requirements. If your Speaking is 23, and the rest are 28 – Cambridge won’t accept you, even if your total score is 107.

Imperial College London, the best polytechnic in the UK – requires 92 for most programs. Given that Imperial is a QS Top 10 university, the threshold is relatively accessible. This is because Imperial values technical skills more highly than perfect English – but don’t expect any concessions if you don’t reach 92.

UCL (University College London) uses a three-tier system: Standard (92), Good (96), Advanced (100). Your required level depends on the course; medicine and law require Advanced, while engineering and sciences require Standard. Check your specific program before registering for the TOEFL.

LSE (London School of Economics), 100 without exception. LSE is a university where writing is everything – essays, reports, analyses. It’s no surprise the threshold is high.

University of Edinburgh, 92 for most programs, but some courses require 100. Edinburgh is one of the best universities in the UK outside London and simultaneously the most “European” – with a large community of international students and a more liberal approach to linguistic diversity.

University of Manchester, 87 at the lower threshold (sciences, engineering), 100 at the higher (humanities, business). Manchester is one of the few Russell Group universities that accept TOEFL below 90.

King’s College London – 92 for most programs, up to 100 for the most selective courses. KCL, located in the heart of London, is particularly popular among international students of medicine and law.

St Andrews, 94 at the lower threshold, 100 at the higher. St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and one of the most prestigious in the UK – with a campus that looks like a film set.

University of Warwick, 92 for most programs, up to 100 for humanities courses. Warwick Business School usually requires a higher threshold.

Learn more about studying in the UK – requirements, costs, scholarships – in our guide to studying in the UK.

Netherlands, Accessible Thresholds, World-Class Quality

The Netherlands offers the best balance between language requirements and educational quality in Europe. Dutch universities offer hundreds of English-taught programs, have some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe for EU citizens (~2,530 EUR/year), and accept TOEFL from 80 points.

University of Amsterdam (UvA) – 80 for many programs, 92 for the most selective (e.g., Psychology, Communication Science). UvA is in the QS Top 60 and offers over 200 English-taught programs. With a TOEFL of 80, you gain access to a university that outranks many institutions requiring 100+.

Maastricht University, 80. Maastricht is a pioneer of Problem-Based Learning in Europe – students work in small groups on real problems instead of attending lectures. This format requires good English, but Maastricht is pragmatic: 80 points is their threshold, and they don’t make an issue of it.

TU Delft, 90. The best polytechnic in the Netherlands and one of the best globally (QS Top 50 in engineering). The higher threshold than UvA or Maastricht reflects the fact that TU Delft programs are technically intensive and require precise communication in English.

University of Groningen – 80 for many programs, up to 90 for the most selective. Groningen is a charming university city in the north of the Netherlands with a strong student scene and a growing reputation in AI and data science.

Learn more about Dutch universities in our guide to studying in the Netherlands.

Switzerland, Two Giants, Two Approaches

Switzerland boasts two giants: ETH Zurich and EPFL. Both universities are in the QS Top 20, both offer English-taught programs (mainly at master’s level, but increasingly at bachelor’s) – and both have different approaches to TOEFL.

ETH Zurich. TOEFL 100. The best university in continental Europe, consistently in the global Top 10 rankings. ETH requires a solid C1 – and this is justified: lectures, labs, and seminars are conducted at an intense pace, and students must write academic papers from their first year. Tuition fees: ~1,460 CHF/year (approx. 1,500 EUR / 1,600 USD), a fraction of what you’d pay in the UK.

EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) – TOEFL 87. EPFL is more flexible than ETH – the 87 threshold is achievable for an international student with solid B2+. EPFL offers some of the best engineering programs in the world, with an emphasis on computer science, robotics, and physics.

Learn more about Swiss universities and their specific entrance exams in our guide to studying in Switzerland.

Italy – Low Thresholds, High Quality

Italy is a country that offers the lowest TOEFL thresholds in Europe, while also hosting some of the best technical and business universities on the continent. Don’t be fooled by the low numbers – Italian universities have hundreds of years of tradition and a global reputation.

Bocconi University. TOEFL 93. Bocconi is the best business school in Italy and one of the best in Europe (Top 10 in Financial Times). The 93 threshold is lower than at LSE (100), but Bocconi treats English as a tool, not an end in itself – many students speak English with an Italian accent, and no one minds.

Politecnico di Milano. TOEFL 78. Yes, 78. This is the lowest TOEFL threshold among all universities in this guide – and simultaneously a university ranked in the QS Top 150 with some of the best engineering and architectural programs in Europe. Polimi focuses on technical and design skills, and B2-level English is considered sufficient.

Germany. TU Munich and Zero Tuition Fees

Germany is a country where tuition fees are 0 EUR at public universities (even for non-EU students) – and yet language requirements are not excessive.

Technical University of Munich (TUM). TOEFL 88. TUM is the best polytechnic in Germany and one of the best in Europe (QS Top 40). With a TOEFL of 88 and zero tuition fees, you gain access to a university for which you would pay 9,250 GBP/year in the UK – and would need TOEFL 92+.

TUM offers a growing number of English-taught bachelor’s programs, though most are still taught in German. Check the specific program before you start preparing for the TOEFL; you might find you need TestDaF, not TOEFL.

Learn more about German universities in our guide to studying in Germany.

Scandinavia – Top-Tier Business Schools

Scandinavia offers top-tier English-taught programs, with zero (Sweden, Finland, Norway for EU citizens) or symbolic tuition fees. Two key names in the context of TOEFL:

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) – TOEFL 91. CBS is one of the largest business schools in Europe and one of the few with triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). Denmark offers generous SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte, the Danish student support program), but note – tuition fees for EU citizens are 0 DKK only for Danish-taught programs. English-taught bachelor’s programs may have fees.

Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) – TOEFL 90. SSE is the most selective business school in Scandinavia, with an acceptance rate below 10%. The 90 threshold is a minimum; realistically, admitted students have a median closer to 100. Tuition fees: 0 SEK for EU citizens.

Learn more about Scandinavian universities in our guide to studying in Scandinavia.

Ireland – Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin. TOEFL 90. The best university in Ireland (QS Top 100), with a campus in the heart of Dublin, strong programs in CS, business, and humanities. Trinity accepts TOEFL 90, but some programs (e.g., Clinical Speech and Language Studies) require more. Tuition fees for EU citizens: ~3,000 EUR/year – exceptionally affordable for a university of this caliber.

Learn more about Irish universities in our guide to studying in Ireland.

France. Sciences Po

Sciences Po in Paris – TOEFL 100. The best political science university in continental Europe. Sciences Po offers English-taught programs (and bilingual English-French ones) and requires a solid C1. The 100 threshold is on par with Oxbridge, reflecting Sciences Po’s ambition to compete with LSE and Harvard Kennedy School.

Belgium – KU Leuven

KU Leuven. TOEFL 79 for many programs, 94 for the most selective. KU Leuven is the best university in Belgium and the only Belgian university consistently in the QS Top 100. The system is flexible – check the specific program, as differences between courses are significant.

TOEFL vs IELTS, Which University Prefers What?

One of the most common questions from international students: TOEFL or IELTS? The short answer: most European universities accept both. The longer answer: there are subtle differences that might sway your choice.

TOEFL is a 100% computer-based exam – you read on screen, type on a keyboard, and speak into a microphone. If you’re someone who feels more comfortable with a computer than in a face-to-face conversation, TOEFL is for you. IELTS (Academic) has a computer-based version, but its Speaking section is always a conversation with an examiner, which for some is an advantage (real-time feedback) and for others, a source of stress.

British universities historically preferred IELTS – but that has changed. Since the UK left the EU, UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration) requires an “approved SELT” for visa purposes, and TOEFL is on that list. In practice: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Edinburgh, Manchester, KCL, St Andrews, and Warwick all accept both TOEFL and IELTS. There is no preference – the score is what matters.

The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia are even more open, accepting TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency), and often the Duolingo English Test as well. Choose the exam where you have the best chance of achieving a good score.

A detailed comparison of both exams – format, scoring, and selection strategy – can be found in our dedicated article: TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Certificate for Studying in Europe?.

Strategy – What Score to Aim For?

The rule is simple: aim 10 points above the minimum. Why? Three reasons.

Firstly, universities state minimum requirements, and a minimum is not a recommendation. If Oxford requires 100, don’t apply with 100. Apply with 105–110. A minimum score says “you’re at the threshold” – and it’s easy to fall short at the threshold. Admitted students at selective universities usually have scores 5–15 points above the official minimum.

Secondly, your TOEFL score can fluctuate by 3–5 points between attempts, even with the same level of English. This is normal statistical variability. If you aim for the exact minimum, you risk scoring 2–3 points less on exam day and having to retake it. Aiming higher gives you a safety margin.

Thirdly, many universities have minimum requirements per section, not just an overall score. Oxford requires a minimum of 22 (or 25) in each of the four sections. Cambridge – 25 in each. UCL – depends on the level. Even if your total score is 105, but your Speaking is 20, you won’t meet the requirements. Aiming 10 points higher overall reduces the risk of any section “dropping” you below the threshold.

Practical strategy based on your goal:

• Aiming for Tier 1 (78–85): Prepare for a TOEFL of 90. This gives you a huge safety margin and simultaneously opens doors to Tier 2.
• Aiming for Tier 2 (87–94): Prepare for a TOEFL of 100. With a score of 95–100, you’ll be comfortable – and automatically in the running for Tier 3.
• Aiming for Tier 3 (95–100): Prepare for a TOEFL of 105–110. This requires a solid C1 in all sections and a minimum of 3–4 months of intensive work.
• Aiming for Tier 4 (100–110): Prepare for a TOEFL of 110+. This is a level where you need to use English daily; read, write, listen, speak.

Remember: TOEFL is valid for 2 years from the exam date. If you plan to apply for studies in October 2027, take the TOEFL no later than September 2027 – but ideally earlier, to allow time for a potential second attempt.

TOEFL Preparation Plan

How much time do you need? It depends on your starting point. Here are realistic estimates:

• C1 English (advanced high school exam 85%+): 4–6 weeks, refining the format, strategy per section, 2–3 full practice tests.
• B2+ English (advanced high school exam 70–84%): 2–3 months – strengthening Speaking and Writing, academic vocabulary, 4–6 practice tests.
• B2 English (advanced high school exam 55–69%): 3–5 months, building fluency, intensive reading, regular practice with academic phrases.
• B1 English (basic high school exam): 6+ months – first build your language foundation, then prepare for the TOEFL format.

Common Mistakes by International Students on TOEFL

After years of working with international candidates, we observe recurring patterns:

1. Neglecting Speaking. Many students excel at reading and listening, but speaking under time pressure (45–60 seconds per response) is a different league. Speaking requires automatism – you need ready-made answer frameworks, transitional phrases, and the ability to organize your thoughts in seconds. Practice speaking aloud, record yourself, and listen back.

2. Writing in a “native language” style in English. While many educational systems teach essay writing with a thesis, arguments, and counter-arguments, the Anglo-Saxon format is distinct. TOEFL essays require a clear structure (thesis statement → topic sentences → supporting details → conclusion) and academic connectors. It’s not enough to be right – you need to structure it correctly.

3. Ignoring the new TOEFL 2026 task types. Starting in 2026, TOEFL features new formats in each section: Listen & Repeat in Speaking, Build a Sentence in Writing, Complete the Words in Reading. If you only practice with old materials, you won’t be prepared for what awaits you on the actual exam.

4. Starting preparation too late. “TOEFL is just an English test, I’ll pass without preparation” – no, you won’t. Or rather – you might pass, but with a score of 70–75, which won’t be enough for any reputable university in Europe. Even if you speak fluently, the TOEFL format requires specific strategies.

FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions

Summary – TOEFL is Your Ticket to Europe

The TOEFL iBT exam is the most widely accepted language certificate at European universities, and also an exam that an international student with B2+ English proficiency can pass with a good score after 2–3 months of preparation. A score of 90 opens doors to Imperial College, TU Delft, Copenhagen Business School, and Trinity College Dublin. A score of 100 – to Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, Sciences Po, and LSE. And the new 1–6 Band scale doesn’t change the game; it’s merely additional information on your score report.

The key to success: start early, practice all four sections, and aim 10 points above the minimum. On prepclass.io, you’ll find full practice tests, section-specific exercises, and detailed explanations – everything you need to prepare for the TOEFL from home.

Next Steps

1. Take a diagnostic test on prepclass.io or using the official ETS tool to determine your starting point.
2. Set a target score – based on the universities you want to apply to (use the table in this article).
3. Read our complete guide to TOEFL 2026: TOEFL Exam 2026 – A Complete Guide with descriptions of new task types.
4. Compare TOEFL with IELTS: TOEFL vs IELTS – Which Certificate for Studying in Europe?.
5. Plan your preparation, at least 2–3 months before your planned exam date.
6. Register for the exam – at ets.org/toefl or take the Home Edition.
7. Familiarize yourself with universities: browse our guides to studying in the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.

Need help with your application to a specific university? Check out okiro.io – our platform supporting international high school graduates in the process of applying to study abroad. Good luck – and remember, TOEFL is a test of skill, not talent. Consistency wins. Always.