University English requirements

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

The University of Delaware asks for a TOEFL iBT score of 79, or 4 for tests on or after 21 January 2026, for direct undergraduate admission. The Graduate College also sets 79, or 4 on the new scale, with a speaking minimum of 18 (or 4), but many programmes require 100, and teaching assistants need 100 or more.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

Delaware TOEFL levels

From UD's undergraduate international admissions page and the Graduate College's test scores page.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate, direct admission79 (before 21 January 2026) or 4 (on or after)TOEFL Essentials 8
Undergraduate, Academic Transitions pathway65 to 78, or 3 to 3.5Essentials below 8
Undergraduate, intensive English (pre-pathway)Below 65, or below 3English Language Institute
Graduate (university minimum)79 with speaking 18, or 4 with speaking 4Many programmes require 100
Graduate teaching assistant100 or higherOr the IELTS equivalent

How Delaware handles TOEFL scores

UD's code for test scores is 5811, with no department code. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee direct undergraduate admission, and UD can ask for more evidence or assign a pathway. Undergraduates scoring 79 to 89 are admitted and invited into the optional Accelerate-U Delaware first-semester programme, which adds no time or cost.

The Graduate College accepts the TOEFL at Home exam and the TOEFL Essentials test. English scores are valid for two years and are only marked received when they come directly from the testing service.

For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.5 for direct admission, and the graduate page says TOEFL 79 equals IELTS 6.5 with no speaking score below 6.0, and TOEFL 100 equals IELTS 7.0.

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If your TOEFL score is below Delaware's level

Undergraduates can apply for conditional admission through Academic Transitions at UD's English Language Institute, for any major except nursing. No TOEFL score is needed to apply, though 65 is suggested. Some graduate programmes consider otherwise admissible applicants through ELI-CAP, conditional admission based on reaching English proficiency.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does the University of Delaware need?+

79, or 4 on the new scale, for direct undergraduate admission and as the graduate minimum.

Do Delaware graduate programmes need TOEFL 100?+

Many do. Check your department, and teaching assistants need 100 or more.

Does the University of Delaware accept TOEFL Essentials?+

Yes. Undergraduates need 8, and the Graduate College accepts the Essentials test.

What is the University of Delaware's TOEFL code?+

5811, with no department code.

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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