Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
UMD TOEFL minimums by level
From UMD's undergraduate English language proficiency page and the Graduate School's English language proficiency requirements.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5 (1 to 6 scale) or 95 (0 to 120 scale) | 4.5 or lower (94 or lower) places you with the Maryland English Institute |
| Graduate, full enrolment (from 21 Jan 2026) | 5 overall | Reading 5, listening 5, speaking 4.5, writing 5 |
| Graduate, full enrolment (to 20 Jan 2026) | 96 | Reading 26, listening 24, speaking 22, writing 24 |
| Graduate with Advanced English Writing course | 5 overall, writing 4.5 (or 96, writing 20 to 23) | Other sections at the full-enrolment level |
| Graduate, English Bridge Program | 4.5 in every section (or 88 to 95) | Semi-intensive English in the first semester |
| Graduate, Intensive English (Fall only) | 0 to 4 (or 87 and below) | Not offered for Spring 2027 |
| M.M. and D.M.A. (School of Music) | 88 to be scheduled for an audition | M.M. needs writing 20 for full admission |
How UMD handles TOEFL scores
Both offices use reporting code 5814. Undergraduate admissions accepts TOEFL and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, wants scores less than two years old and is not accepting MyBest scores. The Graduate School accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and does accept TOEFL MyBest scores, but will not combine a TOEFL with an IELTS.
Graduate programmes may set stricter requirements, including only considering scores at the full-enrolment level. Online, hybrid and 12-week-term programmes require full-enrolment scores. Teaching assistants may also need to meet separate international teaching assistant English requirements.
For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 7, and the graduate page sets IELTS at 7 overall for full enrolment.
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If your TOEFL score is below UMD's level
Graduate applicants in the conditional ranges are admitted with an English condition through the Maryland English Institute: the Advanced English Writing Class in the second semester, the semi-intensive English Bridge Program in the first semester, or a semester of Intensive English with no academic coursework. The Graduate School says it will not offer Intensive English for Spring 2027.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UMD programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does UMD need for undergraduates?+
5 on the 1 to 6 scale, or 95 on the 0 to 120 scale.
What TOEFL score does the UMD Graduate School need?+
For full enrolment, 5 overall with reading 5, listening 5, speaking 4.5 and writing 5, or 96 for tests taken up to 20 January 2026.
Does UMD accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+
The Graduate School does. Undergraduate admissions is not accepting MyBest scores at this time.
What is UMD's TOEFL code?+
5814, for both undergraduate and graduate applications.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Maryland IELTS requirement
- Virginia Tech TOEFL requirement
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- TOEFL's new 1 to 6 score scale
- 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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