Introduction
Every year, thousands of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds set their sights on top universities abroad, especially in the UK. While academic qualifications matter, one factor often becomes the deciding point in an application: English proficiency. That’s where the TOEFL comes in. Recognised by more than 12,000 institutions globally, including a growing number in the UK, the TOEFL exam serves as a standard measure of how well a student can use English in real academic contexts — not just memorise words or follow grammar rules.
It’s not just about passing a test. For many, a strong TOEFL score is the ticket to competitive postgraduate programmes, scholarships, or even visa clearance. And with universities placing greater emphasis on language readiness for coursework, seminars and research, knowing how to apply for the TOEFL exam has never been more important.
But before we explore the application process in detail, it’s essential to get familiar with what the test covers and what sets it apart from other English language exams.
Understanding the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is designed to assess how effectively non-native speakers can use English in academic settings. What sets it apart is its focus on integrated language use — how well you listen, read, speak and write in combination, as you would in a university environment. The test is especially relevant for students applying to UK institutions that require proof of English proficiency from applicants whose prior education wasn’t in English.
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most widely taken version. It consists of four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — and lasts just under two hours after recent streamlining. Scores for each section range from 0 to 30, with a combined total out of 120. UK universities generally look for a total score between 88 and 100though this varies by course and institution. Importantly, the test is accepted by the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) when taken at a TOEFL-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre.
For anyone planning to study abroad, especially in the UK, understanding how to apply for the TOEFL exam — and why it matters — starts with knowing if you’re eligible in the first place.Eligibility Criteria for TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a widely accepted English proficiency test for study, work, or immigration abroad. Unlike other exams, it has minimal eligibility barriers, but understanding the requirements—especially for ID documents—is crucial to avoid last-minute hurdles. Below, we break down the criteria to help you confidently manoeuvre how to apply for the TOEFL exam.
1. No Formal Prerequisites
The TOEFL exam has no strict academic or professional requirements, making it accessible to:
- High school graduates
- University students
- Working professionals planning to study abroad
2. Recommended Age
- ETS (the test provider) suggests test-takers be at least 16 years old.
- The exam content reflects university-level English, so younger test-takers may find it challenging.
3. ID Requirements (Critical for Registration)
- You must present a valid, government-issued ID that exactly matches the name on your ETS account.
- For Indian citizens:
- Only a valid passport is accepted (Aadhaar, PAN cards, or school IDs are not valid for international TOEFL testing).
- Ensure your ID is not expired or mismatched, or you may be denied entry on test day.
4. Special Considerations for UK Applicants
- If you’re applying for UK universities, pay extra attention to ID requirements.
- A small oversight (e.g., mismatched names or expired documents) can delay your entire application process.
5. Next Step: Setting Up Your ETS Account
- Once eligibility is confirmed, the first practical step in how to apply for the TOEFL exam is creating your ETS account—where your TOEFL journey begins.
Step 1: Create an ETS Account
Where to Start
- Go to the official TOEFL iBT page on the ETS website
- Click on ‘Create Account’ at the top right corner
- Use a personal and accessible email ID you check regularly
What You’ll Need
Have the following details ready before you begin:- Full name exactly as in your passport, including any middle names
- Date of birth, country of residence and ID details
- A secure password and answers to security questions for account recovery
Fill in the Background Info
ETS will ask for academic details, preferred field of study and potential destination countries. While this step isn’t mandatory, it’s useful — especially if you opt into the TOEFL Search Service which allows universities to discover your profile based on your interests.
If you’re trying to figure out how to apply for the TOEFL exam, this is the first and most essential step. Without an ETS account, nothing else can move forward — not even checking available dates. Once your account is set up, the next decision is equally important: selecting the right test date and location to suit your timeline.Step 2: Select Test Date and Location
How to Check Availability
- Log into your ETS TOEFL account
- Go to the “Register for a Test” section
- Choose TOEFL iBT
- You’ll be prompted to select your preferred country and city
- The calendar will display available test dates and centres nearby
Tips for Selecting the Right Test Date
- Plan 2–3 months in advance, especially if you’re targeting September or January UK intakes
- Allow time for score delivery, which takes around 6–10 days electronically and longer by post
- Consider potential delays — retakes, rescheduling, or technical issues are not uncommon
Test Centre or Home Edition?
ETS offers both in-centre testing and a Home Edition. While most UK universities accept both, it’s crucial to double-check with your target institution, especially if you’re applying for visa purposes through UKVI.
If you’re figuring out how to apply for the TOEFL exam efficiently, this step deserves careful thought. An early, well-planned booking can save you from unnecessary stress later in the admission cycle. With your date and location finalised, the next step is filling in the actual registration form — where details matter just as much.Step 3: Complete the Registration Form
Sections You’ll Need to Complete
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Personal Details
- Make sure your name matches your passport exactly, including spellings, hyphens, and initials.
- Double-check your date of birth, gender, and contact information.
- These details will appear on your score report.
Background Questions
- You’ll be asked about your educational background, academic interests, and study plans.
- This data is also used if you opt into the TOEFL Search Service, where universities may reach out based on your profile.
Special Accommodations (if applicable)
- ETS offers support for candidates with documented disabilities or health-related needs
- Requests must be submitted well in advance and must include relevant documentation.
- Examples include extended time, screen readers, or extra breaks.
Payment Section
- In India, the TOEFL iBT fee is around US $195 (check the latest amount on ETS).
- Payment options include credit/debit cards, PayPal, or voucher codes.
- Make sure your payment goes through successfully to secure your seat.
Step 4: Review and Submit Application
What You Should Review Carefully
- Personal Information: Ensure your name, date of birth, and ID details exactly match your passport.
- Test Date and Location: Confirm you’ve selected the correct test centre and time slot.
- Score Recipients: Double-check the university codes and names if you’re sending scores directly to institutions.
- Special Requests: If you’ve requested accommodations, confirm they’ve been correctly applied.
Fees and Payment Options
Additional Costs to Consider
- Late Registration: $40 (if registering less than 7 days before the test)
- Rescheduling Fee: $60
- Additional Score Reports: $25 per institution
- Speaking/Writing Score Review: $80 (per section)
Accepted Payment Methods
ETS accepts a variety of payment options:- Debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB)
- PayPal
- Electronic cheques (e-cheques) from US banks
- TOEFL vouchers (available through authorised agents in some countries)
Is Financial Aid Available?
While ETS offers a TOEFL Fee Reduction Service, it is currently available only to eligible test-takers in the United States. However, some education consultancies and university partnerships may offer voucher codes or discounts, so it’s worth checking with your consultant if any local aid options exist. Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an official confirmation email — and from there, it’s all about preparing for test day.Confirmation and Test Day Instructions
What to Carry on Test Day
Whether you’re taking the TOEFL iBT at a test centre or at home (via the Home Edition), preparation goes beyond just English proficiency. Here’s what you’ll need:- A valid passport with your full name exactly matching your registration details.
- Confirmation email or a screenshot of your ETS dashboard (optional but helpful).
- No stationery is required — everything is provided digitally or on-site.
For test centre candidates, it’s advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes early. For home test-takers, ensure your system meets ETS’s requirements and that you’ve completed the ProctorU equipment check in advance.
Test Day Tips That Make a Difference
- Eat beforehand: Once the test begins, breaks are limited and timed.
- Dress in layers: Test centres can be cold, and you may not be allowed to carry outerwear once inside.
- Stay calm and focused: The TOEFL isn’t about tricks — it’s about clarity and structure.
Conclusion
Applying for the TOEFL exam may seem like a straightforward process on the surface, but as you’ve seen, each step requires care, attention to detail, and good timing — especially if you’re working towards university deadlines in the UK. From setting up your ETS account to making sure your ID matches perfectly, it’s these finer points that often make the difference between a smooth journey and an avoidable setback.
If you’re still wondering how to apply for the TOEFL exam in the most strategic way — factoring in application cycles, scholarship windows, or course-specific requirements — getting expert guidance can be invaluable.
At Fateh Education, we’ve helped thousands of students not just prepare for TOEFL, but position their scores in a way that strengthens their entire university application. Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your last few details, our counsellors are here to support you at every stage.
Ready to make your study abroad goals a reality? Reach out to Fateh Education today — and take the first step with confidence.
FAQs
Yes, you can reschedule your TOEFL exam up to 4 days before your test date via your ETS account. A rescheduling fee of $60 applies. Changes made after the deadline are not permitted.
Your TOEFL iBT scores are typically available within 4 to 8 days after your test. You'll receive an email when they’re ready, and you can view them through your ETS account.
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 4 days before the test. You’ll receive a 50% refund of the original test fee. No refunds are given for late cancellations or no-shows.
The most important document is a valid passport. Your name must match exactly across all registration fields. No other form of ID is accepted in India unless specified by ETS.