University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for USF?

The University of South Florida asks international graduate applicants for TOEFL iBT 4.5 for tests after 21 January 2026, or 79 for earlier tests. TOEFL Essentials at 8.5 is also accepted. Scores must be earned within two years of your entry term, and applications below the minimum are denied. First-year undergraduates prove English through SAT, ACT or CLT scores, not TOEFL.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

USF TOEFL minimums by level

From USF's international graduate academic requirements and the international first-year academic requirements.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Graduate (after 21 Jan 2026)4.5TOEFL Essentials 8.5 also accepted
Graduate (before 21 Jan 2026)79
First-year undergraduateTOEFL not accepted for this requirementSAT Reading and Writing 490, ACT English 17 and Reading 19, or CLT 38

How USF handles TOEFL scores

Graduate English scores must have been earned within two years of your intended term of entry. Applications with scores below the minimum will be denied. The page does not give an ETS institution code or a section minimum.

The TOEFL or IELTS requirement may be waived if you meet another listed requirement, for example a B or higher in the equivalents of ENC 101 and ENC 102 at a US regionally accredited institution. Other alternatives are listed in the USF academic catalog.

For comparison, the graduate page sets 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 USF's level

The graduate page does not describe conditional admission for a low score: it says applications with English scores below the minimum will be denied. For first-year applicants, the page says English tests such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo cannot substitute for the SAT, ACT or CLT minimums.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does USF need for graduate school?+

4.5 for tests after 21 January 2026, or 79 for earlier tests.

Does USF accept TOEFL for undergraduate admission?+

Not for the first-year language requirement. USF uses SAT, ACT or CLT scores and does not accept English tests as substitutes.

Does USF accept TOEFL Essentials?+

Yes, for graduate admission, at 8.5 or higher.

How old can my TOEFL score be for USF?+

It must have been earned within two years of your intended term of entry.

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