University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Imperial College London?

Imperial College London sets two English levels. Standard needs TOEFL iBT 92 overall with at least 20 in every section, and Higher needs 100 with at least 22. For tests taken from 21 January 2026 the figures are 4.5 and 5.0, with the same minimum in every section. Your course page says which level applies.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

Imperial TOEFL minimums by level

From Imperial's English language requirements page. Imperial says it will keep accepting TOEFL iBT after 21 January 2026: tests taken from that date must meet the new requirement in full, and earlier tests are judged against the old one while they are within two years of your course start.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Standard level92 overall, minimum 20 in all elements; or 4.5 with 4.5 in all elementsIELTS equivalent on the same page: 6.5 with 6.0 in all elements
Higher level100 overall, minimum 22 in all elements; or 5.0 with 5.0 in all elementsIELTS equivalent on the same page: 7.0 with 6.5 in all elements

Imperial TOEFL test rules

Imperial accepts TOEFL iBT and the iBT Paper Edition, and notes that ETS at Home is accepted for admission. Scores are valid only if the test was taken within two years of your intended course start date. You must meet the requirement in one test from your scaled scores; MyBest scores will not be considered. Imperial asks you to email your TOEFL scores to the relevant admissions team and says score reports sent by post will not be processed.

For comparison, the same page sets IELTS Academic at 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all elements for Standard and 7.0 with at least 6.5 for Higher.

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If your TOEFL score is below Imperial's level

Imperial lists passing its Pre-Sessional English Programme as one way to meet the requirement, but for postgraduate students only. The Business School no longer runs its own pre-sessional courses or recognises other pre-sessional courses as a way to meet the requirement. You do not need a test result before you apply; Imperial will make the score an offer condition.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Imperial programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Imperial need?+

92 overall with at least 20 in every element for Standard level courses, and 100 with at least 22 for Higher level courses.

What is Imperial's requirement on the new TOEFL scale?+

4.5 with 4.5 in all elements for Standard, and 5.0 with 5.0 in all elements for Higher, for tests taken from 21 January 2026.

Does Imperial accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+

No. You must meet the requirement in one test.

Does Imperial accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+

Yes. The page notes that ETS at Home is accepted for admission.

Keep reading

Related

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.

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