Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
Heriot-Watt TOEFL minimums by level
From Heriot-Watt's English language requirements page, which gives figures for tests taken before and from 21 January 2026.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation (One-Year) | Not accepted; SELT required | |
| Foundation (Four-Year) | 72 (R18, L17, S20, W17) or 4 with no score below 4 | |
| Undergraduate | 79 (R18, L17, S20, W21) or 4 with no score below 4, writing 4.5 | IELTS 6.0 with no score below 5.5 |
| Actuarial Mathematics (UG and PGT) | 85 (R20, L19, S20, W21) or 4.5 with no score below 4, writing 4.5 | IELTS 6.5 with no score below 6.0 |
| Postgraduate taught (STEM, Design and non-STEM) | 79 (R18, L17, S20, W21) or 4 with no score below 4, writing 4.5 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5, or 6.0 in writing for non-STEM |
| Postgraduate Interpreting and Translating | 90 (R22, L21, S23, W23) or 5 with no score below 4.5 | IELTS 7.0 with no score below 6.5 |
Heriot-Watt TOEFL test rules
Heriot-Watt accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition but not MyBest or superscore results, and the minimum scores must be achieved in one sitting. The test should have been passed within two years of the start date of your degree. You upload your original certificate with your application so the result can be verified.
For comparison, the same page sets IELTS Academic at 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 for undergraduate entry.
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 is below Heriot-Watt's level
Completing one of Heriot-Watt's Pre-Sessional English Language Programmes within 19 months of the degree start date meets the requirement. Heriot-Watt also accepts another UK university's BALEAP-accredited pre-sessional course completed in the UK within one year of enrolment, or a UK university pre-masters qualification completed within one year.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Heriot-Watt programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Heriot-Watt need for undergraduates?+
79 overall with reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20 and writing 21, or 4 with 4.5 in writing.
What TOEFL score does Heriot-Watt need for a masters?+
79 for most taught programmes, 85 for Actuarial Mathematics and 90 for Interpreting and Translating.
Does Heriot-Watt accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+
No. It does not accept MyBest or superscore results; minimums must be met in one sitting.
Does Heriot-Watt accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Yes.
Keep reading
Related
- Heriot-Watt IELTS requirement
- Strathclyde TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL score report explained
- TOEFL for UK study and visas
- All 4750 guides
Guide updated on 1 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