University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Queen's University Belfast?

Queen's University Belfast asks for TOEFL iBT 90 for most courses, 80 for linguistically less demanding courses and 95 for more demanding ones, each with at least 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing. On the new scale the levels are 4.5, 4 and 5. The iBT Special Home Edition is accepted.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

Queen's TOEFL minimums by course type

From the Queen's English language requirements page. A second table on the same page, given as a guide, shows TOEFL levels for programmes that need higher sub-scores; Coursefinder lists each programme's requirement.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Linguistically less demanding courses80 (L17, R18, S20, W17) or 4 with no less than 4 in any componentIELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in all elements
Most courses90 (L17, R18, S20, W17) or 4.5 with no less than 4 in any componentIELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in all elements
Linguistically more demanding courses95 (L17, R18, S20, W17) or 5 with no less than 4 in any componentIELTS 7.0 with 5.5 in all elements
Guide: IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in all elements95 (L20, R19, S21, W20) or 5 with no less than 4Programmes needing higher sub-scores
Guide: IELTS 7.5 with 6.5 in all elements105 (L23, R21, S22, W23) or 5.5 with no less than 4.5Programmes needing higher sub-scores

Queen's TOEFL test rules

Queen's accepts the TOEFL iBT internet-based test and the iBT Special Home Edition, valid for two years. It does not accept a combination of IELTS or TOEFL tests. If you defer and your TOEFL test will be more than two years old by the new start date, you should take a new test that meets the requirements for the new year.

For comparison, the same page sets IELTS Academic at 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all four elements for most courses.

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If your TOEFL score is below the Queen's level

Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre runs pre-sessional English, on campus and online, and pathway programmes. The page asks applicants for those courses to contact the International Study Centre directly about English requirements.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Queen's University Belfast need?+

90 for most courses, 80 for less demanding courses and 95 for more demanding ones, each with L17, R18, S20 and W17.

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

4.5 for most courses, 4 for less demanding and 5 for more demanding courses, with at least 4 in any component.

Does Queen's accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+

Yes. The iBT Special Home Edition is accepted.

Can I combine two TOEFL tests for Queen's?+

No. A combination of TOEFL tests is not accepted.

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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