University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for the University of Illinois Chicago?

The University of Illinois Chicago sets a TOEFL iBT total of 80 or 4.5 for undergraduate applicants. The Graduate College asks for 4.5 on tests from 21 January 2026, with section minimums of 4 to 4.5, or 80 on earlier tests with section minimums of 17 to 21. Scores must be under two years old and go to code 1851.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

UIC TOEFL minimums by level

From UIC's international undergraduate requirements page and the Graduate Catalog.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate80 or 4.5 totalColleges may set higher minimums
Graduate (tests on or after 21 Jan 2026)4.5 totalReading 4, Listening 4, Speaking 4.5, Writing 4.5
Graduate (tests before 21 Jan 2026)80 totalReading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21
Graduate, with supplemental courseworkNo lower than 70Only programmes that choose to consider it

How UIC handles TOEFL scores

Scores must be reported directly from ETS to institutional code 1851; all programmes can see them regardless of department code. The Graduate College requires scores no more than two years old, notes that many departments set higher TOEFL minimums, and mentions the TOEFL iBT Home Edition as an online option.

For comparison, the undergraduate page and the Graduate Catalog both set IELTS Academic at 6.5 with 6.0 in each section.

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If your TOEFL score is below UIC's level

Undergraduate applications below the published minimums are not automatically denied, and applicants can study at UIC's Tutorium in Intensive English, which also offers an assessment UIC accepts. At graduate level, some programmes consider scores down to TOEFL iBT 70 with supplemental coursework, and some may defer admission so students can take the Intensive English Program first.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does UIC need for undergraduates?+

A total of 80 or 4.5.

What TOEFL score does the UIC Graduate College need?+

4.5 with section minimums of 4 to 4.5 on new tests, or 80 with section minimums of 17 to 21 on tests before 21 January 2026.

What is UIC's TOEFL code?+

1851.

Will UIC consider a TOEFL score below 80?+

Some graduate programmes consider scores no lower than iBT 70 with supplemental coursework, and undergraduate applications below the minimum are not automatically denied.

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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