Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026
NCKU TOEFL iBT levels
From NCKU's admission prospectus for international students, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 and the English Proficiency Test Comparison Chart it refers to.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University minimum (CEFR B1) | 42 to 71 on NCKU's chart | Applies where a department sets no higher level |
| CEFR B2 on NCKU's chart | 72 to 94 | Asked by many departments |
| CEFR C1 on NCKU's chart | 95 to 113 | Chart band |
| Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literature, master's and PhD | 80 or above | Valid for 2 years |
| Dept. of Industrial and Information Management, bachelor's | 72 or above | Favourable for review, not required |
Test rules at NCKU
The prospectus states the English requirement as a CEFR level and sends applicants to the comparison chart for test scores. The chart says online tests such as the Duolingo English Test, EF SET and British Council EnglishScore are not accepted.
On the same chart, CEFR B2 corresponds to IELTS 5.5 and above.
TOEFL iBT score reports issued since January 2026 also carry a 1 to 6 band score alongside the 0 to 120 total; see our guide to the new TOEFL score scale. The prospectus and chart give only 0 to 120 figures, so that is what this guide reports.
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If your TOEFL score falls short
The prospectus sets out conditions under which applicants can be exempt from a language test or submit other documents instead, such as a previous degree taught in the relevant language. Some departments exclude that substitution, so check your department's entry.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your NCKU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does NCKU need?+
The university minimum is CEFR B1, which NCKU's chart places at TOEFL iBT 42 to 71. Many departments ask B2, which the chart places at 72 to 94.
Which NCKU department asks TOEFL 80?+
The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature asks graduate applicants for an official TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above.
Does NCKU accept Duolingo instead of TOEFL?+
No. NCKU's chart says Duolingo, EF SET and British Council EnglishScore results are not accepted.
How long is a TOEFL score valid for NCKU?+
The Foreign Languages and Literature entry says scores are valid for two years.
Keep reading
Related
- National Cheng Kung University IELTS requirement
- National Taiwan University TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL fee in Taiwan
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- All 5495 guides
Guide updated on 2 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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