Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
UBC TOEFL minimums by level
From UBC's undergraduate English Language Admission Standard page and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language test page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (0 to 120) | 90; Reading 22, Listening 22, Writing 21, Speaking 21 | TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
| Undergraduate (1 to 6) | 4.5; Reading 4.5, Listening 5, Writing 4.5, Speaking 4 | Same table on the undergraduate page |
| Graduate, tests before 21 Jan 2026 | 90; Reading and Listening 22, Writing and Speaking 21 | Some programmes require more |
| Graduate, tests from 21 Jan 2026 | 4.5; Listening 5, Reading 4.5, Writing 4.5, Speaking 4 | Some programmes require more |
How UBC handles TOEFL scores
UBC's institution code is 0965. Graduate applicants should pick "Graduate Organization" in Vancouver in the ETS score request and can use department code 99 if nothing fits. Scores must arrive electronically from ETS.
At graduate level the test must have been taken within 24 months of submitting the application. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted for UBC Vancouver, while TOEFL ITP and TOEFL Essentials are not. MyBest composite scores are not accepted, and the minimums must be met in a single sitting.
For comparison, both the undergraduate page and the graduate page set IELTS Academic at 6.5 with no component below 6.0.
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If your TOEFL score is below UBC's level
Neither page offers a conditional offer for a low TOEFL score. Undergraduate applicants can meet the standard in other ways, such as four years of English-medium schooling immediately before UBC, and the undergraduate page lets you ask for a waiver if you hold an unlisted online test result, with a 15 February deadline.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UBC programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does UBC need?+
90 overall with 22 in Reading and Listening and 21 in Writing and Speaking, or 4.5 overall with Listening 5, Reading and Writing 4.5 and Speaking 4.
Is UBC's TOEFL requirement different for graduate school?+
The general minimum is the same, but individual graduate programmes may set higher overall or section scores.
What is UBC's TOEFL institution code?+
0965.
Does UBC accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+
No. The graduate page says MyBest composite scores are not accepted and minimums must come from one sitting.
Keep reading
Related
- UBC IELTS requirement
- University of Toronto TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL MyBest scores explained
- TOEFL for Canada
- All 4564 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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