TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is preferred by US universities over IELTS for undergraduate admissions. If your target is studying in the USA, TOEFL is often the better choice. This guide covers the 2026 TOEFL format, target scores for top US universities, and how to prepare effectively from Nepal.

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is preferred by US universities over IELTS for undergraduate admissions. If your target is studying in the USA, TOEFL is often the better choice. This guide covers the 2026 TOEFL format, target scores for top US universities, and how to prepare effectively from Nepal.

TOEFL iBT Format (2023 Revised)

ETS revised the TOEFL in 2023, reducing the total duration to approximately 2 hours. The revised test:

Section Duration Questions Score
Reading 35 minutes 20 questions (2 passages) 0–30
Listening 36 minutes 28 questions 0–30
Speaking 16 minutes 4 tasks 0–30
Writing 29 minutes 2 tasks 0–30
Total ~2 hours — 0–120

TOEFL Score Requirements by Institution

Institution Type Minimum TOEFL Competitive Score
US Community Colleges 61–70 75+
US State Universities 70–80 85+
US Top 50 Universities 80–90 100+
US Ivy League / Elite 100+ 110+
UK Universities 80–92 95+
Japan Universities (English programs) 72–80 85+

TOEFL Test Centers in Nepal

TOEFL iBT is available at Pearson VUE test centers in Kathmandu. You can also take TOEFL at Home. Register at ets.org/toefl. Kathmandu test center availability varies — book 4–6 weeks in advance. TOEFL Home Edition is a reliable alternative with the same scoring validity.

TOEFL vs IELTS for the USA

While most US universities accept both, TOEFL has historically been the preferred test for US institutions. The integrated writing task and speaking tasks in TOEFL are designed to assess academic language skills in a US academic context — which aligns well with US university requirements. If you are applying exclusively to US universities, prepare for TOEFL. If you are applying to a mix of US and UK/Australia/Canada institutions, IELTS or PTE is more versatile.

EVEC TOEFL Support: EVEC counselors advise on test selection and can connect you with TOEFL preparation resources. For US university applications, EVEC provides complete application support including TOEFL score submission coordination.

Is TOEFL accepted in Australia and UK?

TOEFL iBT is accepted by most Australian and UK universities but is less commonly required than IELTS or PTE. Always check the specific test requirements for each institution before registering for TOEFL.

How long is TOEFL score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. ETS does not extend score validity — if your score expires before your enrollment date, you must retake the test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is TOEFL accepted in Australia and UK?

TOEFL iBT is accepted by most Australian and UK universities but is less commonly required than IELTS or PTE. Always check the specific test requirements for each institution before registering for TOEFL.

How long is TOEFL score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. ETS does not extend score validity — if your score expires before your enrollment date, you must retake the test.

Get Expert Guidance from EVEC

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