TOEFL for Canada Student Visa: Accepted Score & Cut-Off

The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is widely accepted by Canadian universities and designated learning institutions (DLIs) as proof of English proficiency. For a Canada student visa, formally a study permit, the language requirement is set by the institution at admission, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not set a universal TOEFL cut-off score.

This guide covers theTOEFL exam, its role in Canada study permit applications, score requirements, and a comparison of TOEFL and IELTS for Canada.

Key Highlights: 

• Undergraduate programmes in Canada typically ask for a total TOEFL iBT score of 80 to 100 on the 0 to 120 scale, and graduate programmes generally ask for 90 to 100.
• TOEFL iBT results have been reported on a 1 to 6 scale since 21 January 2026, with an equivalent 0 to 120 score shown on score reports during a two-year transition.
• The new scale maps to CEFR levels, with 5 to 5.5 corresponding to C1 and 4 to 4.5 to B2.
• TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are both accepted at most Canadian institutions, so the choice usually depends on test format and the programme’s list of accepted tests. 

TOEFL Exam Overview

The TOEFL iBT is a computer-delivered English proficiency test from ETS that measures your Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking skills in an academic setting. The test takes around 2 hours and reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale.

The table below provides a brief overview of the TOEFL exam.

Why Take TOEFL for Canada Student Visa?

As an international student intending to study in Canada, you need to acquire a study permit from IRCC. To apply for one, you need a letter of acceptance from a Canadian college or university, and almost every institution asks you to prove your English proficiency with a test like TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo before it issues that letter. 

Here are three reasons why you should choose the TOEFL exam for a Canada student visa.

• Acceptance: 100% of Canadian colleges and universities accept TOEFL iBT scores. So one score works for every institution on your shortlist.
• Graduate preference: More than 80% of graduate programmes in Canada prefer the TOEFL iBT test over other tests, according to an ETS survey of 44 graduate admissions officers at Canadian universities.
• Score volume: More TOEFL iBT scores reach Canadian universities than all other English tests combined, based on an ETS survey of 107 admissions officers at Canadian universities.

Is the TOEFL iBT Test Mandatory for a Canadian Student Visa?

No, the TOEFL iBT test is not mandatory for a Canadian student visa, because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not require a specific English test or minimum score for a study permit. Your university sets the English requirement, and you need its acceptance letter to apply for the permit.

IRCC expects you to provide proof of your ability to study and communicate effectively in English, and TOEFL iBT is one accepted way to do it. Canadian universities also accept alternatives such as IELTS Academic and the Duolingo English Test, so the right test depends on your shortlist and preference.

Expert Insight: Not every university accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. UBC, Waterloo, and Ottawa accept it, while the University of Alberta does not accept it for undergraduate admissions. So check university requirements before booking your TOEFL slot.

TOEFL Requirements for Canada Student Visa

Canada does not set a single national, government-mandated TOEFL score for a study permit. Instead, your chosen Designated Learning Institution (DLI) determines minimum scores.

Here are the general TOEFL requirements for Canadian institutions: 

• Undergraduate Programmes: Most universities and colleges typically require a TOEFL iBT score of 80-100 (4.0 to 5.0).
• Graduate Programmes: Master’s and PhD programmes generally look for scores of 90-100 (4.5 to 5.0).
• College and Diploma Programmes: Some technical and community colleges may accept lower scores of around 70-80 (3.5 to 4.5).

TOEFL Requirements for Canadian Universities

Universities in Canada generally require TOEFL iBT scores in the range of 80-100 (4.0 to 5.0), depending on the university and programme. The minimum TOEFL scores can vary depending on whether the test was taken on the traditional 120-point scale or the newer 6-point scale (implemented on January 21, 2026). 

The table below provides minimum TOEFL score requirements for top universities in Canada.

Note: The table above shows university-wide TOEFL score requirements. Programme-level requirements may vary, so check the requirements for your specific programme before booking your test.

Suggested: For more details on TOEFL requirements in Canada, explore our guide to TOEFL Accepting Universities in Canada.

How to Send Your TOEFL Scores for Canada Visa and University Applications?

For a Canadian study visa application, you do not need to send your TOEFL score directly to IRCC through ETS as you would when reporting scores to universities. Your university’s acceptance letter reflects your admission and English-language assessment and supports your visa application.

You can send TOEFL scores to Canadian universities directly from your ETS account, using each institution's TOEFL code. Your TOEFL exam fee includes up to four free official score reports. Add the institutions through your ETS account by 10 p.m. before your test day. Each additional institution costs INR 2,500 through your ETS account.

For a step-by-step process, check our detailed guide on how to send TOEFL scores to universities.

TOEFL vs. IELTS for Canada Student Visa: Which Test is Right for You?

Both the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are accepted by 100% of colleges and universities in Canada for student visa and admission purposes. So you can choose either test based on your preferences and target universities.

• Choose TOEFL if: You prefer a fully computer-based exam format, excel at North American academic English, and plan to apply to US universities.

• Choose IELTS if: You prefer a live/in-person speaking test or want the flexibility of a single-section retake option.

The table below provides a list of key differences between TOEFL and IELTS

Note: To transition your student visa to permanent residency (Canada PR) later, CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, or PTE Core scores are required. TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores are not accepted for Canadian immigration or Express Entry points.

From the Desk of Yocket

Choosing the right TOEFL test is only the first step. You also need to understand your target university’s score requirements, prepare for the latest test format, and practise the question types you will encounter on test day. 

Yocket Prep helps you build a structured study plan with practice resources, exam strategies, and guidance for each section of the test. Explore TOEFL preparation resources to prepare with a clear understanding of the exam format and what each section demands.