Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Illinois State TOEFL minimums
From International Admissions' requirements page and the Department of English's master's admissions page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University minimum | 81; new TOEFL 4.5 | TOEFL Essentials 8.5 |
| English MA | 100; new TOEFL 5.5 | TOEFL Essentials 11 |
| Graduate teaching assistant | Speaking section 26 | TOEFL Essentials speaking 9 |
How Illinois State handles TOEFL scores
Scores must be dated within two years of your application. PDF copies can be used for evaluation, and admitted students then have official scores sent electronically from the testing agency. The teaching assistant speaking level comes from a State of Illinois requirement for non-native English-speaking TAs.
For comparison, the requirements page sets IELTS 6.5 (8.0 for teaching assistants), and the English MA page asks for IELTS 7.5.
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If your TOEFL score is below Illinois State's level
Neither page offers conditional admission for a low score. International Admissions publishes English waiver guidelines and a list of waiver-eligible anglophone countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Illinois State programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Illinois State need?+
81 on the iBT or 4.5 on the new TOEFL; TOEFL Essentials 8.5.
What TOEFL do Illinois State teaching assistants need?+
A TOEFL iBT speaking score of at least 26, or 9 in TOEFL Essentials speaking.
What TOEFL does the Illinois State English MA need?+
100, or 5.5 on the new TOEFL.
How old can my TOEFL be for Illinois State?+
Dated within two years of your application.
Keep reading
Related
- Illinois State University IELTS requirement
- Northern Illinois TOEFL requirement
- Loyola Chicago TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale
- All 3989 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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