University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Old Dominion University?

Old Dominion University requires a TOEFL iBT score of 79 for exams before 21 January 2026, or 4.5 for exams on or after that date, and does not accept MyBest scores. Students below that level can enter ODU's Monarch English Transition Program or Intensive English Program, depending on their score, and conditional admission is offered to strong applicants.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

ODU TOEFL levels

From ODU's English proficiency page and the graduate catalogue's admission section.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Admission, exam before 21 Jan 202679MyBest not accepted; paper-based 550
Admission, exam on or after 21 Jan 20264.5MyBest not accepted
Monarch English Transition (MET) Program61 to 78 (before 21 Jan 2026); 4 (after)Academic and semi-intensive English courses
Intensive English Program (IEP)Below 61 (before 21 Jan 2026); 3.5 (after)English Language Center

How ODU handles TOEFL scores

ODU does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores. The graduate catalogue repeats the 79 iBT level and adds that non-native speakers who expect to hold a teaching assistantship must show oral English proficiency through the Test of Spoken English or the ETS SPEAK test.

For comparison, the proficiency page and the graduate catalogue both set IELTS at 6.5 overall.

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If your TOEFL score is below ODU's level

Conditional admission is offered only to highly qualified applicants who meet every requirement except English. The graduate catalogue says conditional admission is available to most graduate programmes for students in the Intensive English Program, and graduate students in the MET range take one graduate course alongside English Language Center work. IEP students can move into MET without a new TOEFL after finishing the top IEP level with a B or higher.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Old Dominion University need?+

79 for exams before 21 January 2026, or 4.5 for exams on or after that date.

Does ODU accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+

No.

What happens with a TOEFL of 70 at ODU?+

A score from 61 to 78 places you in the Monarch English Transition Program.

Do ODU teaching assistants need a speaking test?+

Yes. The graduate catalogue asks for evidence of oral English through the TSE or ETS SPEAK test.

Keep reading

Related

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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