Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
UMass Boston TOEFL minimums by programme
From UMass Boston's international first-year page and the international graduate applicants page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 4 (after 21 Jan 2026) or 79 (before) | Provisional admission possible |
| Most other graduate programmes | 4 (after 21 Jan 2026) or 79 (on or before) | iBT or iBT Home Edition |
| College of Management, Applied Linguistics MA, Biology, English MA, History MA, Instructional Design, International Relations MA | 4.5 or 90 | Graduate |
| Applied Linguistics PhD, Early Childhood Education and Care PhD | 5 or 100 | Graduate |
How UMass Boston handles TOEFL scores
UMass Boston uses code 3924 for the SAT and TOEFL and accepts only official reports sent directly by the testing agency. Graduate admissions accepts the TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.0+, and the graduate page sets IELTS Academic at 6.0 for most programmes, rising to 6.5 or 7.0.
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If your TOEFL score is below UMass Boston's level
UMass Boston may offer provisional admission to an international undergraduate who meets all other criteria but whose TOEFL or IELTS score falls short, with referral to the University Preparation ESL programme; this is not offered for nursing, engineering or management. Graduate applicants with at least two years of full-time study at an English-language institution in the US or a listed country do not need a score.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UMass Boston programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does UMass Boston need for undergraduates?+
4 on tests after 21 January 2026, or 79 on earlier tests.
What TOEFL score does UMass Boston need for graduate study?+
79 or 4 for most programmes, 90 or 4.5 for programmes such as the College of Management, and 100 or 5 for two PhDs.
What is UMass Boston's TOEFL code?+
3924.
Does UMass Boston offer provisional admission?+
Yes for undergraduates who meet all other criteria, except in nursing, engineering and management.
Keep reading
Related
- UMass Boston IELTS requirement
- UConn TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL score scale (2026)
- IELTS vs TOEFL for US universities
- All 3797 guides
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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