University English requirements

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

The University of York lists an IELTS level for each course and gives the TOEFL iBT equivalent. Courses at IELTS 6.0 need TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5 needs 87 and IELTS 7.0 needs 96, with section minimums. Postgraduate courses at IELTS 7.5 need 102. On the new 1 to 6 scale the figures run from 4 to 5. Scores must come from one test.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

York TOEFL equivalents by IELTS level

From York's undergraduate IELTS equivalencies page and postgraduate IELTS equivalencies page. Each page gives a figure for TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026 and one for tests taken after January 2026.

Course IELTS levelTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
6.0 with 5.5 in each component (UG and PG)79 (listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 17) or 4 with 4 in each componentMost common entry level
6.5 with 6.0 in each component (UG and PG)87 with 21 in each component, or 4.5 with 5 in listening and 4.5 in the othersPostgraduate HYMS courses use the same figures
6.5 with 6.5 in writing, 6.0 in others (UG and PG)87 with 23 in writing and 21 in the others, or 4.5 (writing 5, reading 4.5, listening 5, speaking 4.5)
7.0 with 7.0 in each component (UG)96 with 24 in each component, or 5 with 5 in each component
7.0 with 6.5 in each component (PG)96 with 23 in each component, or 5 with 5 in each component
7.5 with 7.0 in each component (PG)102 with 24 in each component, or 5 with 5 in each componentHighest postgraduate level

York TOEFL test rules

Both pages say accepted scores must come from one test and not be combined from several tests; the only exceptions named are IELTS One Skill Retake (and, at undergraduate level, Oxford ELLT Skill Retake). That rules out TOEFL MyBest scores. The pages do not mention the TOEFL Home Edition or give an ETS institution code.

For comparison, the undergraduate page runs from IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component up to IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in each component, matching the TOEFL rows above.

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If your TOEFL score is below York's level

York says that if you have taken an accepted test but not met your department's requirement, you may be eligible for a pre-sessional English language course. The postgraduate page also lists TOEFL figures for lower IELTS levels, down to IELTS 5.0, for example 72 overall at the IELTS 5.5 level.

For an on-campus pre-sessional course with a student visa, York says you must take a UK government approved Secure English Language Test, so check which tests it names before you book.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does York need for IELTS 6.5 courses?+

87 with 21 in each component on tests before January 2026, or 4.5 with 5 in listening and 4.5 in the other skills on newer tests.

What is York's highest TOEFL requirement?+

102 with 24 in each component, for postgraduate courses at IELTS 7.5, or 5 with 5 in each component on the new scale.

Does York accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+

No. York says scores must be the result of one test, not combined from several.

Can I do a pre-sessional at York with a lower TOEFL score?+

Possibly. York says applicants who miss the departmental requirement may be eligible for a pre-sessional English course.

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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.

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