Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Fordham TOEFL minimums by level
From Fordham's undergraduate international students page and the GSAS international students page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (from January 2026) | 4.5+ | Code 2259 |
| Undergraduate (scores before January 2026) | 90+ | TOEFL ITP with Vericant (China only): 575+ |
| GSAS, most programmes | 5.0 (on or after 21 Jan 2026) or 100 (before) | iBT, Home Edition or Essentials accepted |
| GSAS computer science, cybersecurity and data science programmes | 4.5 (on or after 21 Jan 2026) or 85 (before) | PhD and MS Computer Science, MS Cybersecurity, MS Data Science, data science certificate |
How Fordham handles TOEFL scores
Undergraduates may self-report scores but must send official results on enrolment; to count as official, scores must come directly from the testing organisation and be less than two years old. GSAS accepts the TOEFL iBT including the Home Edition, the Paper Edition if less than two years old, and TOEFL Essentials, with scores sent to ETS code 2259.
For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 7.0+, and GSAS asks for 7.0, or 6.5 for the computer science and data science programmes.
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If your TOEFL score is below Fordham's level
Undergraduates in the New York City area can take Fordham's ESL placement evaluation (FELT) at the Institute of American Language and Culture instead. At GSAS, applicants whose scores fall short may be admitted on condition of taking the FELT, and the institute may recommend extra coursework; students can take two GSAS courses while completing it, usually in their first semester.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Fordham programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Fordham need for undergraduates?+
4.5 or more from January 2026, or 90 or more on earlier tests.
What TOEFL score does Fordham GSAS need?+
5.0 on or after 21 January 2026 (100 before), or 4.5 (85 before) for computer science, cybersecurity and data science programmes.
What is Fordham's TOEFL code?+
2259.
Does Fordham GSAS accept TOEFL Essentials?+
Yes. GSAS lists TOEFL Essentials among accepted tests but gives no separate Essentials minimum.
Keep reading
Related
- Fordham University IELTS requirement
- Hofstra TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL score scale (2026)
- IELTS vs TOEFL for US universities
- 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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