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-by-Step TOEFL Registration Process
- Visit the official ETS TOEFL website at
- www.ets.org/toefl
- and click on “Create Account” if you do not already have one.
- Enter personal details exactly as they appear on your passport, including your full name, date of birth, country of residence, and other contact information.
- Create a secure password, select security questions with answers, and review your details before submitting your account creation form.
- Log in to your new ETS account and start the test registration process by selecting “Register for a Test”.
- Choose your preferred TOEFL test type (iBT or Home Edition), select your country and city, and view available test dates and centers.
- Select a suitable test date, planning 2–3 months in advance to ensure score delivery aligns with university deadlines.
- Complete the registration form by accurately entering your personal details, background information, and study preferences.
- If required, indicate any special accommodations for documented disabilities or health-related needs and provide supporting documentation well in advance.
- On the payment page, pay the TOEFL registration fee using credit/debit card, PayPal, or voucher codes as available in your country (in India, the fee is generally around USD $195–$205; always check the latest amount).
- Carefully review all details, including your personal information, chosen test center and date, and score recipient universities (up to four included for free).
- Submit your registration. You will receive a confirmation email with your test details and further instructions.
Step 1: Create an ETS Account
Before you can register for the TOEFL exam, you’ll need to set up an account on the official ETS TOEFL portal. This account acts as your personal dashboard — from booking your test to viewing scores and sending them to universities.
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
Make sure the name you enter matches your passport word-for-word. Even a missing hyphen or initial could result in a denied entry on test day or score cancellation.
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
Once your ETS account is active, the next decision is choosing when and where to take your TOEFL exam. Though it may sound straightforward, picking the right test date and centre requires some strategy — especially if you’re applying to UK universities with fixed intake deadlines.
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
Once you’ve picked your test date and location, you’ll be taken to the TOEFL registration form. This is where you enter key details that ETS and universities will use to verify your identity, process your score and accommodate any special requirements. While it may look straightforward, errors here can be difficult to fix later — so take your time with this step.
Sections You’ll Need to Complete
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.
Whether you’re new to the process or trying to better understand how to apply for the TOEFL exam in a structured way, this form marks the point where your application becomes official.
Once this is complete, take a few moments to review everything before you lock it in — small errors at this stage can have big consequences later.
Step 4: Review and Submit Application
Before you hit the final ‘Submit’ button, it’s worth slowing down and double-checking every detail you’ve entered. It may sound obvious, but small errors — like a typo in your name or incorrect ID information — can lead to serious issues, including being turned away on test day or having your results invalidated.
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.
ETS does not allow you to edit certain key fields after submission — including your name and ID. If you spot an error after submission, your only option might be cancelling and starting over.
If you’re learning how to apply for the TOEFL exam step by step, this review stage is where you protect yourself from unnecessary delays or complications. Take your time and only proceed once you’re confident everything is accurate.
Once all is in order, the final step is completing the payment — which brings us to fees, methods and refund policies you should be aware of before you pay.
Fees and Payment Options
When planning for the TOEFL exam, it’s essential to budget not just time but also finances. The cost can vary slightly depending on your test location, but the standard fee in India for the TOEFL iBT is currently $195 USD (approx. ₹16,200, subject to currency rates). This fee covers the test itself, score reporting to four universities and access to online score reports.
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)
Being aware of these optional costs can help avoid last-minute surprises. For those planning how to apply for the TOEFL exam with minimal hiccups, factoring in the full cost early on is a smart move.
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)
Ensure that your payment is completed in one go — incomplete or failed transactions will not reserve your test seat.
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.
TOEFL Test Day Guidelines
After completing the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email from ETS. This message will include your test date, time, test centre address, and other essential details. It’s best to save a copy and print it, just in case you need to present it at the test venue or refer to it later.
You can also access the confirmation anytime through your ETS account under the “View Orders” section. Don’t overlook this step — if there’s any mismatch in the test centre or date, now is the time to raise it with ETS support.
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.
If you’ve followed each step so far in learning how to apply for the TOEFL exam, you’ll now be well-prepared to approach test day with confidence. All that remains is to perform at your best — and await your scores.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam
Recommended Study Materials and Practice Tests
- Use the official ETS TOEFL iBT Test Prep, which offers free practice tests, study plans and skill-building activities that mimic the actual test conditions.
- Try popular prep books like Barron’s TOEFL iBT and The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test for in-depth strategies and multiple full-length practice exams.
- Take several online practice tests on platforms like BestMyTest, Magoosh, Kaplan and TestDen to familiarise yourself with test structure and timing.
- Supplement your training with vocabulary flashcards, skill-targeted exercises, and free resources like TED talks or Scientific American podcasts to boost your reading and listening comprehension.
Time Management Tips for Each Section
- Reading: Skim passages first to get the main idea, then answer questions by referring back to the text. Attempt to spend about 1.5-2 minutes per question.
- Listening: Take effective notes and listen actively for main ideas and details; avoid rewinding or overthinking.
- Speaking: Prepare templates for common task types, speak clearly, and time yourself when practising responses to fit within the allotted 45–60 seconds.
- Writing: Allocate 3–5 minutes for planning, 15–18 minutes for writing the integrated task, and 20 minutes for the independent task. Keep a revision buffer of 2-3 minutes to edit answers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring timing and practice under untimed conditions, which can distort your real test readiness.
- Over-relying on memorized templates for speaking and writing instead of demonstrating actual language proficiency.
- Failing to review answer explanations or learn from mistakes in practice tests.
- Not reading all answer choices carefully, especially for reading and listening sections.
Understanding TOEFL Scoring and Results
How Each Section is Scored
- Reading & Listening: Each correct answer earns you points; with scores that are scaled to a 0–30 range for each section.
- Speaking: Scored using a combination of automated AI tools and human raters based on delivery, language use and topic development. This is also scored on a 0–30 scale.
- Writing: Writing is evaluated by both computer software and human raters. You will be assessed on clarity, coherence and grammar.
Overall Score Calculation
- Total TOEFL score is the sum of all four section scores (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing), with a maximum total of 120 points.
Score Requirements for Universities
- Most universities require scores between 80–100 for undergraduate admission and 90–105 for graduate programmes, but top institutions (including Ivy League and premier business schools) may require 100+ with minimums for each section.
After the TOEFL Exam: Next Steps
Receiving Your Scores
- TOEFL iBT scores are usually available online within 4–8 days of the test date; printed score reports (if ordered) arrive a week or two later.
Sending Scores to Universities
- You can list up to four universities during registration to receive your scores for free; additional recipients can be added for a fee after scores are released.
Retake Policies
- You may retake the TOEFL as many times as needed, but you must wait a minimum of 3 days between test dates.
- There is no lifetime limit, but most students improve significantly with targeted preparation before retesting.
Conclusion: Applying for the TOEFL Made Easy
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 About the TOEFL Exam
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.
The TOEFL registration process is as follows
- Create an ETS Account: Visit the official ETS TOEFL website and make a profile using your personal details. Please use a valid ID, as it will be required for test day verification.
- Choose Your Test: Select "TOEFL iBT" (internet-based test) or "TOEFL Essentials" as per your requirement.
- Select Test Center/Date: Pick a suitable location and date from available options. You’ll see the seat availability in real-time.
- Enter Personal Details: Fill in your name (exactly as on your passport), contact info and other relevant data. Review for accuracy before submission.
- Add Score Recipients: Before payment, you can designate up to four universities or organizations to receive your TOEFL scores at no extra charge.
- Pay Fees: Complete payment using a credit/debit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods. Registration fee depends on your country, usually ranging from $180 to $250 USD.
- Confirmation: Receive confirmation via email and in your ETS account. Print or save your registration details for reference.
- Rescheduling: You may reschedule your TOEFL test online via your ETS account, up to 4 days before your test date. A rescheduling fee (usually around $60 USD or INR 5,900) applies each time.
- Cancellation: You can cancel your registration up to 4 days before the exam. If you cancel, you are refunded 50% of your original test fee.
- Process: Both options require you to log in to your ETS account, review upcoming test appointments, and select ‘Reschedule’ or ‘Cancel’. It is a wise idea to check the official website for policy updates and country-specific rules.