Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
UNSW TOEFL iBT minimums by faculty
From the TOEFL table on UNSW's English language requirements page. For a cross-faculty double degree, the higher requirement applies.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most programs (Engineering, Science, Medicine & Health, Arts, UNSW Canberra) | 90; writing 23, reading, listening and speaking 22 | Undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and most research |
| Business (undergraduate and postgraduate coursework) | 94; writing 25, others 23 | Business research: 96, writing 27, others 23 |
| Law & Justice | 94; writing 25, others 23 | Criminology & Criminal Justice: 90; Law research: 96 |
| Arts, Design & Architecture research | 94; writing 25, others 23 | |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary), (Primary) (Honours), Master of Teaching | 102; writing 27, reading 24, listening 28, speaking 26 | |
| Social Work, Vision Science, Nutrition/Dietetics | 94; writing 27, reading and listening 24, speaking 23 | |
| BMed/MD, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and listed health degrees | 94; writing 25, others 23 | |
| Master of Psychology (Clinical & Forensic), Clinical Neuropsychology | 91; writing 23, reading and listening 22, speaking 24 | |
| Study Abroad and Exchange | 90 overall | Section minimums do not apply |
UNSW TOEFL rules: Home Edition, MyBest and the new format
UNSW accepts the TOEFL iBT including the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, in the TOEFL for Australia version only. It says TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted.
The page also states that the new TOEFL format is under review and is not being accepted until further notice; to keep your result valid for UNSW, select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when you register. Tests must be taken no more than two years before your intended start date, counted from 1 January, 1 May or 1 August two years earlier for Terms 1, 2 and 3.
For comparison, the same page sets most programs at IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each subtest.
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If your TOEFL score falls short
UNSW College runs the University English Entry Course and an Essential Academic English course for students who need more English before their degree. From Term 1, 2027 UNSW will also accept LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UNSW programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does UNSW need?+
TOEFL iBT 90 with 23 in writing and 22 in reading, listening and speaking for most programs; Business and Law & Justice need 94.
Does UNSW accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Yes, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted in its TOEFL for Australia version only.
Does UNSW accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+
No. UNSW says MyBest scores are not accepted.
Does UNSW accept the new TOEFL format?+
Not for now. UNSW says it is under review and asks you to select Taking TOEFL for Australia when you register.
Keep reading
Related
- UNSW IELTS requirement
- University of Sydney TOEFL requirement
- UTS TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL for an Australian visa
- 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.
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