TOEFL exam preparation in 2026: format, fees and a study plan
- Study in
- Accepted by institutions in over 160 countries
- Levels
- All levels
- Funding
- Not a scholarship
- Covers
- English test for university admission
- Who can apply
- Students who need proof of English for university
- Run by
- ETS
On this page
The TOEFL iBT is an English test run by ETS. Universities use it to check that you can study in English. ETS says more than 13,500 institutions in over 160 countries accept it. The test changed in 2026, so older study guides and practice books may no longer match it.
Status: No single deadline. This is a test, not a scholarship. You book a date that suits your university deadline. In Nigeria, ETS points you to authorized agents. Fees differ by country, and the ETS Home Edition page does not list where the at-home test is available, so check when you register (checked November 3, 2026).
What the test looks like now
The test takes about 90 minutes without directions. ETS advises you to allow around two hours. The test adapts to you, so timing and question counts can vary.
| Reading | 50 items, 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Listening | 47 items, 29 minutes |
| Writing | 12 items, 23 minutes |
| Speaking | 11 items, 8 minutes |
How scoring changed
From 21 January 2026, you get four section scores and an overall score on a 1 to 6 scale, in half-point steps. For two years, your report also shows a comparable 0 to 120 overall score. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Check which scale your university uses. The University of Edinburgh AI MSc, for example, asks for an overall 5.0 on the new scale, or 100 on the old one, plus minimum section scores.
Key details
| Fee in Nigeria | 220,000 naira through authorized agents |
|---|---|
| Fee in India | 15,729 rupees |
| Fee in Ghana and Kenya | Select your location on the ETS fees page |
| Free score reports | Up to 4 institutions, chosen when you register |
| Official scores | About 3 days after the test |
| Test options | Test center or Home Edition |
How to prepare
- List your target universities. Note the minimum overall score, any section minimums and the date your score must arrive.
- Take a free practice test as a diagnostic. ETS offers an Interactive Sampler and two full-length practice tests on its preparation pages.
- Spend most of your time on your weakest section.
- Move to timed practice. Accuracy without a time limit does not prepare you for test day.
- Book your test early enough to retake it if you need to.
What to practise in each section
- Reading: Practise the task types Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life and Read an Academic Passage.
- Listening: Work on short responses, conversations, announcements and academic talks. Take brief notes.
- Writing: Practise Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion.
- Speaking: Practise Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. Record yourself and check clarity and pronunciation.
Tips before you apply
- Do not rely on old practice books. Check that your materials match the 2026 format.
- Avoid rigid memorised answers. Build responses you can adapt.
- If you plan to test at home, read the Home Edition rules. You need a private room, one screen, and a phone or tablet as a second camera. There are no breaks.
- Ask each university whether it accepts MyBest scores. ETS says this is each institution’s choice.
- Allow for delivery time. ETS says reports reach institutions within 11 business days after the test.
Related guides
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- 8 master’s degree pathways in Europe for an AI career (2027 entry)
- Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme 2027: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
Details are taken from the official ETS TOEFL website, checked on November 3, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.
