University English requirements

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

The University of Houston's undergraduate admissions page sets a TOEFL iBT minimum of 4.0. The Graduate School minimum is 79 on the 120 scale or 4 on the six-point scale, and some graduate programmes ask for more. Undergraduate scores expire two full years after the test, and the UH TOEFL code is 6870.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

Houston TOEFL minimums by level

From the undergraduate English language requirements and the Graduate School English proficiency page.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate4.0Page gives only the six-point figure
Graduate (university minimum)79 (120 scale) or 4 (six-point scale)Some programmes require more

How Houston handles TOEFL scores

Undergraduate TOEFL scores expire two full years after the test date and must come straight from the testing agency to UH under code 6870. Graduate scores must be valid and reportable when you submit the application, and are generally valid for two years.

The undergraduate page gives the minimum only on the new 1 to 6 scale; this guide does not convert it.

For comparison, the undergraduate page and the Graduate School page both set IELTS at 6.5.

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 Houston's level

Graduate applicants can meet the English requirement by completing Level 6 of the Intensive English Program at UH's Language and Culture Center instead of a test score. Undergraduates can also qualify through approved college-level courses. Neither page describes conditional admission.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Houston 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 Houston require for undergraduates?+

4.0 on the TOEFL iBT.

What TOEFL score does the UH Graduate School require?+

79 on the 120 scale or 4 on the six-point scale.

What is UH's TOEFL code?+

6870.

Is there an alternative to TOEFL for UH graduate admission?+

Yes. Completing Level 6 of the Intensive English Program at UH's Language and Culture Center.

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.

© 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