Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
Leeds TOEFL minimums by level
From the University of Leeds entry requirements page, which gives one figure for tests taken before 21 January 2026 and one for tests taken on or after that date. The same page lists TOEFL equivalents for every IELTS level used on course pages, up to IELTS 7.5 (TOEFL 103 with 26 in speaking, or 5.5 with 5.5 in speaking).
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degrees | 80 overall (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 19) or 4 overall with 4 in each skill | Equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component |
| Masters degrees | 88 overall (reading 20, listening 19, speaking 22, writing 21) or 4.5 overall with 4 in each skill | Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each component |
| Research degrees | 80 overall (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 19) or 4 overall with 4 in each skill | Same as the undergraduate figure |
| Course at IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component | 95 overall (reading 22, listening 22, speaking 24, writing 22) or 5 overall with 4.5 in each skill | Check your course page for its IELTS level |
| Pre-sessional entry (IELTS 4.0 level) | 50 overall (reading 9, listening 12, speaking 16, writing 13) or 3 with 3 in each skill | Pre-sessional English courses only, for students who do not need a SELT |
Leeds TOEFL test rules
Leeds says you must meet the requirement through a single TOEFL iBT test taken in a test centre. It does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores or the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, and it cannot accept a result that is over two years old at the start date of your course.
For comparison, the same page sets IELTS Academic at 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component for undergraduate degrees and 6.5 with no less than 6.0 for masters degrees.
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 Leeds' level
Leeds lists TOEFL scores for each pre-sessional entry level, starting at 50 overall (or 3 on the new scale), so a lower score can lead to a pre-sessional English course with the Language Centre. The Language Centre handles pre-sessional entry questions.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Leeds programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Leeds need for undergraduates?+
80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 19 in writing, or 4 overall with 4 in each skill on the 1 to 6 scale.
What TOEFL score does Leeds need for a masters?+
88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing, or 4.5 overall with 4 in each skill.
Does Leeds accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+
No. You must meet the requirement in a single TOEFL iBT sitting taken in a test centre.
How old can my TOEFL result be for Leeds?+
No more than two years old at the start date of your course.
Keep reading
Related
- Leeds IELTS requirement
- York TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale
- TOEFL for UK study and visas
- All 4564 guides
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