Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
UWM TOEFL minimums by level
From the bachelor's English proficiency page and the master's and PhD English proficiency page.
| Level or admission type | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's: Full Admission | 74+ (before 21 Jan 2026) or 4.0+ (after) | Placed into the right English course on arrival |
| Bachelor's: Full Admission Foundation | 69 to 73, or 3.5 | Up to two semesters of EAP alongside degree courses |
| Master's and PhD: Regular Admission | 79, or 4.5 | Individual programmes may require more |
| Master's and PhD: Dual Admission | 68 to 78, or 4.0 | Six credits of coursework plus required EAP |
How UWM handles TOEFL scores
TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from ETS to school code 1473, and English test scores cannot be more than two years old. Both pages state that UWM does not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The graduate page stresses that its scores are the minimum to be considered and that individual graduate programmes may set higher ones.
For comparison, the bachelor's page gives full admission at IELTS 6.0, and the graduate page gives regular admission at IELTS 6.5.
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If your TOEFL score is below UWM's level
Graduate students admitted under Dual Admission (admission with English deficiency) take six credits of academic coursework plus English for Academic Purposes, and must show full proficiency within three semesters. They can do this with a TOEFL or IELTS score in the full admission range, or by reaching CEFR C1 through an EAP portfolio. Undergraduates in the Foundation band take up to two semesters of EAP while starting their degree.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UWM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does UW-Milwaukee require for undergraduates?+
74 or higher on tests before 21 January 2026, or 4.0 on later tests, for full admission.
What TOEFL score does UWM require for graduate study?+
79, or 4.5 on the new scale, for regular admission. 68 to 78, or 4.0, leads to Dual Admission.
Does UWM accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition?+
No. Both pages say the Home Edition is not accepted.
What is UWM's TOEFL code?+
1473.
Keep reading
Related
- UW-Milwaukee IELTS requirement
- Marquette TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL score scale (2026)
- IELTS vs TOEFL for the USA
- 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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