TOEFL Information

Who Must Submit a TOEFL score? – All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Graduate applicants may be exempt from the TOEFL if they have completed at least two academic years of full-time study, as defined by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, within five years of the proposed date of enrollment (at the University of Illinois), in a country where English is the primary language and in a school where English is the primary language of instruction.

How do I submit my TOEFL score? – Applicants who have already taken the TOEFL should request the Educational Testing Service to send their scores to the Office of Admissions and Records immediately, using our institution code number 1836, and program office 00.

What is the minimum score? A minimum score of 550 (on the paper-based test), 213 (on the computer-based test), or 79 (on the internet-based test) is required. For admission purposes, TOEFL scores are valid for only two years before the proposed term of entry (example: Fall 2008 scores must be newer than August 2006.

What if I have a score lower than the minimum requirement? Applicants with a TOEFL score below 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) may receive conditional admission to the Program. To gain conditional admission, the applicant must submit a plan of English language study that would be expected to bring his/her TOEFL score to the minimum required by the time he/she enrolls. This can best be done by enrolling in an intensive English language institute, preferably in the United States. If this plan is approved by the Program, the applicant will be issued an I20/DS2019, conditional on successful completion of the planned English study and submission of an improved TOEFL score. Students who feel that their English background is weak and want to improve their background before applying to the Program may wish to attend the Intensive English Institute at the University of Illinois.

Who must take the English Placement Test (EPT)? If you are admitted but score below 613 (paper-based test), 257 (computer-based test), or 103 (internet-based test) on the TOEFL, an English Placement Test (EPT) will be required upon arrival at the University. On the basis of EPT results, students may be required to enroll in noncredit English courses and take a reduced academic load. Also, if you are admitted with an out-of-date TOEFL score, you will be required to take the EPT upon arrival at the University. On the basis of EPT results, students may be required to enroll in noncredit English courses and take a reduced academic load.

How to I find more information about the TOEFL? The TOEFL is administered under three testing programs, paper-based , computer-based and internet-based. For complete information about the form in which the examination is administered in your particular country, check out the TOEFL web site. A free information bulletin is available for each of the testing programs from the following sources:

• TOEFL Web site at http://www.toefl.org (download or order online)
• From the office serving the area (a list is on the Web site)
• United States Information Service offices
• Binational centers and private educational organizations, such as the Institute of International Education
• TOEFL Services
  • Mail: P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 U.S.A.
  • Telephone: (609) 771-7100: TTY: (609) 734-9362 If testing in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Territories: (800) 468-6335
  • E-mail: toefl@ets.org.