Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
Royal Holloway TOEFL minimums by subject group
From Royal Holloway's English language requirements page, which lists scores for every subject. The page gives only the 0 to 120 scale. New TOEFL iBT score reports also carry a 1 to 6 score alongside the 0 to 120 total; see the new TOEFL score scale explained.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Courses at IELTS 6.5 with no subscore below 5.5 (e.g. Computer Science) | 88 (R18, L17, S20, W17) | |
| Courses at IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 writing (e.g. Accounting and Financial Management BSc) | 88 (R18, L17, S20, W19) | |
| Courses at IELTS 6.5 with no subscore below 6.0 (e.g. many taught masters) | 88 (R22, L20, S22, W24) | |
| Postgraduate research (PhD and Masters by Research) | 88 (R18, L17, S20, W26) | IELTS 6.5 with 7.0 writing |
| MSc (Pre-Registration) Occupational Therapy | 97 (R25, L25, S25, W25) | IELTS 7.0 with no sub-score below 6.5 |
Royal Holloway TOEFL test rules
Royal Holloway accepts TOEFL iBT including the Special Home Edition. Your certificate must have been issued no more than two years before the start of your course. The page notes that TOEFL iBT cannot be used as a SELT, and Royal Holloway may ask for more evidence of your English in individual cases.
For comparison, the same page asks research students for IELTS 6.5 overall with 7.0 in writing and no other subscore below 5.5.
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If your TOEFL score is below Royal Holloway's level
International students who do not meet the requirement for an undergraduate course can apply for a preparation programme at the Royal Holloway International Study Centre. Royal Holloway's pre-sessional English programmes are described in IELTS terms on the page.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Royal Holloway programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Royal Holloway need?+
88 overall for most degrees, with section minimums that vary by subject.
What TOEFL score does Royal Holloway need for a PhD?+
88 overall with reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20 and writing 26.
Does Royal Holloway accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Yes. TOEFL iBT including the Special Home Edition is accepted.
Can TOEFL be used as a SELT at Royal Holloway?+
No. The page says TOEFL iBT cannot be used as a SELT.
Keep reading
Related
- Royal Holloway IELTS requirement
- Goldsmiths 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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