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 programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, direct admission | 79 (before 21 January 2026) or 4 (on or after) | TOEFL Essentials 8 |
| Undergraduate, Academic Transitions pathway | 65 to 78, or 3 to 3.5 | Essentials below 8 |
| Undergraduate, intensive English (pre-pathway) | Below 65, or below 3 | English Language Institute |
| Graduate (university minimum) | 79 with speaking 18, or 4 with speaking 4 | Many programmes require 100 |
| Graduate teaching assistant | 100 or higher | Or 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
- University of Delaware IELTS requirement
- West Virginia University TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale explained
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- 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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