Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Columbia TOEFL minimum
From Columbia's undergraduate English proficiency requirements page. This guide covers undergraduate admission only; Columbia's graduate schools publish their own English rules.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, test on or before 20 Jan 2026 | 105 | 0 to 120 scale |
| Undergraduate, test on or after 21 Jan 2026 | 5.5 | 1 to 6 scale |
Columbia's TOEFL rules
The score must reach Columbia directly from ETS under report code 2116. Columbia takes TOEFL iBT results by test administration date, meaning full results from one sitting, and does not accept MyBest scores. Online results from the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition are accepted, and you may send more than one result.
For comparison, the same page requires a minimum of 7.5 on IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic for UKVI.
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If your TOEFL score is below Columbia's level
The page lists no conditional admission or English pathway. Your options are to retest, since Columbia accepts multiple results, or to use another accepted test if you meet its level.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Columbia programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Columbia require?+
105 for tests taken on or before 20 January 2026, or 5.5 for tests on or after 21 January 2026.
What is Columbia's TOEFL code?+
Columbia's undergraduate report code is 2116.
Does Columbia accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+
No. Columbia takes full results from a single test administration only.
Does Columbia accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Yes, it accepts online results from the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.
Keep reading
Related
- Columbia University IELTS requirement
- Cornell University TOEFL requirement
- IELTS vs TOEFL for US universities
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- All 3797 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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