Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
LSE TOEFL minimums by level
From LSE's undergraduate English requirements page and the graduate English requirements page, which list the old 0 to 120 scale and the updated scale side by side. Each graduate programme page says which requirement applies; LSE notes that not every MPhil/PhD uses the Research level.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 100 (writing 27, reading 25, listening 24, speaking 24) or 5.5 (5 in each section) | One exam sitting only |
| Graduate A. Standard (incl. MPhil/PhD Statistics) | 100 (reading 23, listening 22, writing 24, speaking 22) or 5.5 (reading 5, listening 5, writing 5, speaking 4.5) | IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component |
| Graduate B. Higher | 100 (reading 25, listening 22, writing 24, speaking 22) or 5.5 (5, 5, 5, 4.5) | IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in reading |
| Graduate C. Research MPhil/PhD (except Law and Statistics) | 100 (reading 25, listening 22, writing 27, speaking 22) or 5.5 (5, 5, 5.5, 4.5) | IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in reading and writing |
| Graduate D. Law (all Law Department programmes) | 109 (reading 25, listening 24, writing 27, speaking 27) or 5.5 (5, 5, 5.5, 5.5) | IELTS 7.5 with 7.0 in each component |
LSE TOEFL test rules
Both pages accept TOEFL iBT including the Home and Paper Editions. The undergraduate page says TOEFL scores must come from one sitting and that individual component scores from several tests are not accepted; the graduate page says LSE expects you to reach the level at a single setting of the test. TOEFL results must be less than two years old on the programme start: 1 September for undergraduates, and 1 October 2027 for graduate entry in 2027/28.
For comparison, the undergraduate page asks for IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each component.
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If your TOEFL score is below LSE's level
Graduate applicants set an English condition may be able to take a pre-sessional course at the LSE Language Centre. If you cannot take one of LSE's preferred tests, the graduate page says it may be possible to take an alternative test and add the LSE Language Centre Assessment, by request. Graduate applicants can be considered without a test, with any offer conditional on the required score.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your LSE programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does LSE need for undergraduates?+
100 overall with 27 in writing, 25 in reading and 24 in listening and speaking, or 5.5 with 5 in each section on the updated scale.
What TOEFL score does LSE Law need?+
109 overall with 25 reading, 24 listening, 27 writing and 27 speaking, or 5.5 with 5, 5, 5.5 and 5.5.
Does LSE accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Yes. LSE accepts TOEFL iBT including the Home and Paper Editions.
Can I combine TOEFL scores from two tests for LSE?+
No. LSE expects the required scores from a single sitting.
Keep reading
Related
- LSE IELTS requirement
- King's College London TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale
- 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.
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