Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026
APU TOEFL iBT minimums by programme
From APU's English requirements page for international students.
| Programme group | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation; Diplomas in Hotel, Events, Psychology; APIIT certificates | 30 to 31 | IELTS 4.0 |
| Diplomas in ICT, Accounting, Design & Media | 33 | IELTS 4.5 |
| Most IT, Computer Science, Engineering and Architecture degrees; MSc Actuarial Science | 40 | IELTS 5.0 |
| Business, HRM, Psychology, Game Development degrees; MSc AI, Cyber Security; Master of Accounting | 46 | IELTS 5.5 |
| Banking and Finance, FinTech; MBA; Project and Technology Management; most PhDs; DBA | 60 | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Finance; PhD in Finance | 79 | IELTS 6.5 |
Test rules at APU
The page sets no section minimums, validity period or institution code. Its English equivalency chart also lists TOEFL Essentials (Online), from 5 at the IELTS 4.0 level to 9.5 at the IELTS 6.5 level. Students from English-speaking countries, and those with English-taught qualifications such as IGCSE, A-Levels, IB or an American High School Diploma, are exempt with supporting documents.
TOEFL iBT score reports issued since January 2026 also carry a 1 to 6 band score alongside the 0 to 120 total; see our guide to the new TOEFL score scale. The page above gives only 0 to 120 figures, so that is what this guide reports.
On the same page, each TOEFL level sits next to an IELTS level, shown in the table above.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
If your TOEFL score falls short
Under Ministry of Higher Education rules, students without the required level can enrol in APU's English Language Certification programme on arrival in Malaysia and then sit IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or MUET. Students who do not reach the level within 12 months cannot continue to the main programme.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your APU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does APU Malaysia need?+
It depends on the programme: 30 to 31 for foundation, 40 for most computing and engineering degrees, and up to 79 for the Master of Finance.
What TOEFL score does APU need for the MBA?+
TOEFL iBT 60.
Does APU accept TOEFL Essentials?+
Its equivalency chart lists TOEFL Essentials (Online) scores from 5 to 9.5.
What if my TOEFL score is below APU's level?+
You can join APU's English Language Certification programme and must reach the level within 12 months.
Keep reading
Related
- APU Malaysia IELTS requirement
- TOEFL fee in Malaysia
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale (2026)
- All 5495 guides
Guide updated on 2 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy