University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for the University of Aberdeen?

The University of Aberdeen asks undergraduates for TOEFL iBT 78 with writing 21, speaking 20, reading 18 and listening 17. Postgraduate Standard and Higher programmes need 90, and Medicine (MBChB) needs 100. On the new scale, postgraduates need 4.5. Aberdeen accepts MyBest scores and the Home Edition, and its DI code is 0818.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
Take a free mock →Read the guide

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

Aberdeen TOEFL minimums by level

From Aberdeen's undergraduate English requirements page and postgraduate English requirements page, with figures for tests taken before and after 21 January 2026, reproduced as published.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate78 (L17, R18, S20, W21); new scale: overall 4 to 4.5, 4 in L, R, S and 4.5 in writingIELTS 6.0 with 6.0 writing, 5.5 others
Medicine (MBChB)100 (L21, R22, S28, W21); new scale as published: overall 4 to 4.5, writing 4.5IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 speaking
Postgraduate Standard90 (L17, R18, S20, W21) or 4.5 with 4 in each skillIELTS 6.5 with 6.0 writing, 5.5 others
Postgraduate Higher90 (L17, R21, S20, W21) or 4.5 with 4 in each skillIELTS 6.5 with 6.0 reading and writing

Aberdeen TOEFL test rules

Aberdeen accepts TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (online). It accepts MyBest scores as well as scores from a single test date, and gives its TOEFL DI code as 0818. Certification must be within the two years before your course starts. Postgraduate Higher is used by Schools including Business, Law, Education and Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History; the Standard level covers Schools including Biological Sciences, Engineering and Natural and Computing Sciences.

For comparison, the undergraduate page asks for IELTS Academic 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other skills.

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

If your TOEFL score is below Aberdeen's level

A pass in a University of Aberdeen Academic English pre-sessional programme meets the requirement and is valid for one year. Aberdeen also accepts pre-sessional programmes at other UK universities passed at CEFR B2 within one year of the course start.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Aberdeen need for undergraduates?+

78 overall with listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20 and writing 21.

What TOEFL score does Aberdeen need for a masters?+

90 overall for both Postgraduate Standard and Higher, or 4.5 with 4 in each skill on the new scale.

Does Aberdeen accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+

Yes, as well as scores from a single test date.

What is Aberdeen's TOEFL DI code?+

0818.

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.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy