TOEFL Eligibility 2023: Eligibility Requirements for TOEFL Exam

TOEFL Eligibility 2023: The test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized exam designed for non-native speakers of the English language. The test is used by applicants aiming to study or settle abroad where the dominant language is English. Universities and many organizations worldwide demand a language test score and use it as an admission criterion. Hence, it is necessary to perform well in an English proficiency test before applying to international institutions. Conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS) the exam evaluates applicants’ language skills by assessing their ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English.

Also Check: TOEFL Registration

Moreover, ETS offers two test types, which are: TOEFL Essentials and TOEFL IBT. The purpose of both tests remains the same, the only difference is reflected in the exam pattern. Interested candidates may wonder whether they are eligible for the TOEFL test and question what is the TOEFL eligibility criteria. Just like GRE and other aptitude tests, the TOEFL exam does not have a specified eligibility requirement. Although, there are some conditions laid down by ETS that would have to be met by students. Continue reading to know the detailed eligibility structure of TOEFL. 

TOEFL Eligibility 2023

As discussed earlier, there is no stated eligibility requirement by ETS for the TOEFL exam; instead, it assesses the English language skills of those preparing to study abroad. The test is open to candidates from non-English speaking nations of all ages and educational levels. There is no restriction on how many times an individual may take the exam. The exam can be taken multiple times by students until they receive the desired score. 

TOEFL Eligibility: Age Limit

The lower age limit to be eligible for TOEFL is 18 years of age. Although, students below the age of 18 wishing to appear for the test can do so with the consent of their guardians. Furthermore, there is no set upper age limit for the exam. Many applicants who are older in age and have been professionally working for various years can also give the test. Put simply, there is no established age limit to give TOEFL by ETS. 

TOEFL Eligibility: Qualification

The minimum qualification requirement in order to give the exam is to have completed 10+2 education. Applicants planning to sit for the test need to have completed high-school level (till grade 12th) education from a recognized board by the government. This means students in the first year of college can also give register and appear for the TOEFL exam. 

TOEFL Eligibility: Scholarship

Indian students planning to apply for scholarship opportunities and have given the TOEFL exam need to be mindful of a few conditions, these include:

• During the time of application, the candidate must reside in India
• A GPA of 3.0 or 80/100 is compulsory
• Need to apply to universities registered under TOEFL Destination Search
• Need to have a valid TOEFL score

TOEFL Eligibility: At-home Requirements

The exam can be given in a registered test centre or even in the comfort of a home. Candidates must adhere to specific TOEFL eligibility rules regarding the necessary equipment to take the at-home test. The eligibility requirements for the at-home test for the TOEFL are listed below:

• A well-functioning computer or laptop which must be licensed
• For MAC: 10.5 or higher 
• For Windows: Versions 8 or 10
• The browser should be Chrome or Firefox
• The ETS secure test browser must be downloaded and used by candidates until they receive the message "Success! You have installed the ETS secure test browser."
• ProctorU®  Equipment Check before the TOEFL exam
• Usage of internal or external speakers avoid earphones
• The microphone should not be part of a headset
• 360-degree view of the testing room would be required to show to the Proctor
• No one else should be in the testing room
• Nothing that is not authorized for use during the test may be on the table or in the surroundings. 

TOEFL Eligibility: Exemptions

Selected candidates can stand exempted from giving the TOEFL exam and they would still be eligible for college admissions abroad. The factors that are taken into consideration when deciding who will be given a TOEFL waiver include: 

• If the candidate has completed a bachelor's education from: the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, or Australia.
• If the applicant is a graduate student of  CAPTE accredited physical therapist  program
• If this exemption applies to a candidate, their school is required to send an official transcript proving the degree was conferred on the specified date.

TOEFL Eligibility: Documents Required

Candidates may be asked to provide identification documents on the test day, such as a passport or other legal form of identification. Candidates must make sure the name on the identification (ID)  they want to use on test day exactly matches the name they give when creating their ETS account and registering for the exam.

Unless the students are testing at home, the ID requirements depend on the location where they intend to take the test and their citizenship. If taking the test at home, students must have a legitimate government-issued ID on hand.

For Indian students, candidates must carry the following documents:

• A valid and updated passport having the name, photograph, and signature of the student
• As a primary ID for students in India, ETS is temporarily accepting the Aadhaar Card until further notice. 

Unacceptable Documents include:

• Draft classification card
• International student ID
• Driver's license
• Mobile driver's license
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Employee ID card
• Any temporary ID card
• Notary-prepared letter or document
• Diplomatic, consulate, or embassy ID card
• Credit/debit card of any kind

Students may not be allowed to take the test, and their test cost will not be reimbursed, if the ID document is not written in English-language letters and the test centre supervisor fails to read it.

The presented documents should be:

• Original documents, printed or photocopied ID documents will not be accepted
• Physical in nature, electronic IDs will stand rejected
• Should be issued by the government and be a national ID
• Updated and valid, expired documents will not be accepted
• Include valid photographs and signatures
• Documents carried on the test day should match the documents used while the TOEFL registration