The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test measuring the English proficiency of non-native speakers for admission to English-speaking universities. The toefl test is widely accepted by academic institutions worldwide. This toefl exam evaluates your integrated skills across four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. You can start preparing with our free TOEFL practice tests or review our TOEFL Ielts: TOEFL Complete Guide 2026 for more details.

How much does the TOEFL cost?

The registration fee for the TOEFL exam varies by country but generally ranges from $180 to $325 USD. You can find the exact cost for your location on the official ETS website . Remember to also budget for preparation materials, such as our guides on TOEFL Speaking: Integrated Task Synthesis Questions and Answers , which can help you maximize your score on the toefl test.

How long does it take to prepare for the TOEFL?

The ideal preparation time for the TOEFL test depends on your initial English proficiency and target score, but most students study for 1 to 3 months. A structured study plan focusing on all sections is crucial for success on the toefl exam. To improve your score efficiently, focus on specific question types using resources like our TOEFL Reading: Rhetorical Purpose Questions Questions and Answers and our TOEFL Reading Practice Tes guide.

TOEFL Test Cost: Complete Fee Breakdown and Registration Guide 2026

TOEFL test costs $185-$325 depending on location. Full fee breakdown, registration steps, rescheduling fees, score report costs, and ways to save money.

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign LanguageBy Dr. Yuki TanakaApr 2, 20268 min read

TOEFL Test Cost: Complete Fee Breakdown and Registration Guide 2026

The TOEFL test cost is the registration fee for the exam, which varies by country but typically ranges from $200 to $300 USD. This standard price covers one administration of the TOEFL iBT test, either at a test center or at home. Additional fees apply for late registration, rescheduling, or extra score reports.

Language learners can benchmark their listening, reading, and writing skills with our Duolingo English test practice 2026, mirroring the question formats and difficulty levels used in the official exam.

Key Takeaways

toefl test cost: TOEFL Test Fees by Country and Format
toefl registration: How to Register for the TOEFL Test
toefl score: TOEFL Score Requirements by University
toefl exam price: Ways to Reduce Your TOEFL Exam Cost
toefl test: TOEFL Questions and Answers

Understanding the toefl test cost is the first step in your preparation journey. The toefl exam cost can vary significantly by location, so review this guide before your toefl registration and then try our free TOEFL practice tests.

TOEFL Test Fees by Country and Format

What is the TOEFL test cost in the United States?	The standard TOEFL iBT test cost in the USA is approximately $255 USD. This fee can vary slightly depending on the specific test center you choose. It's always best to verify the final toefl exam price on the official ETS website during registration.
What is the TOEFL exam cost in Canada?	In Canada, the TOEFL exam cost is typically around $325 CAD. This price is subject to change based on currency exchange rates and ETS pricing updates. The overall toefl test cost is comparable to that in the United States.

What is the TOEFL test cost in the United States?

The standard TOEFL iBT test cost in the USA is approximately $255 USD. This fee can vary slightly depending on the specific test center you choose. It's always best to verify the final toefl exam price on the official ETS website during registration.

What is the TOEFL exam cost in Canada?

In Canada, the TOEFL exam cost is typically around $325 CAD. This price is subject to change based on currency exchange rates and ETS pricing updates. The overall toefl test cost is comparable to that in the United States.

A person's hands are poised over a keyboard, with a blank, open passport on the desk, illustrating the TOEFL registration process.

Understanding the toefl registration process is the first step to securing your test date. This guide breaks down the steps, helping you manage the overall toefl test cost and prepare for all sections, including the TOEFL Speaking integrated tasks.

How to Register for the TOEFL Test

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Step 1

Create Your ETS Account

The initial phase of your toefl registration is creating a free account on the official ETS website. It's crucial that the name you use for your account perfectly matches the identification document (e.g., passport) you will bring on test day. Any discrepancies can prevent you from taking the exam.

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Step 2

Select Test Date & Center

Once your account is set up, you can search for the TOEFL iBT test. You'll be prompted to choose between taking the test at a center or the Home Edition. Select your preferred country and city to see a list of available test dates and locations. Seats can fill up quickly, so it's best to register 3-4 months in advance.

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Step 3

Complete Registration & Pay

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your registration form. You'll be asked to provide background information and select up to four institutions to receive your scores for free. The final step is to pay the toefl test cost. The toefl exam price varies by country, so confirm the specific toefl exam cost for your region during this step. Payment can typically be made via credit/debit card, e-check, or PayPal.

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Step 4

Receive Confirmation

After your payment is successfully processed, ETS will send a confirmation email. This email contains vital information, including your test date, time, test center address, and other important instructions. Be sure to save this email and print your admission ticket if required by your test center.

Take the TOEFL Speaking: Integrated Task Synthesis Questions and Answers

TOEFL Score Requirements by University

Understanding the required TOEFL Score for your target universities is as crucial as managing the toefl test cost. The score you need directly impacts your study plan and determines the value of your investment. While the toefl exam price is a standard fee, admission standards for the TOEFL iBT can vary dramatically from one institution to another.

Before you finalize your toefl registration, it's essential to research the specific requirements of the programs you're applying to. This research helps justify the toefl exam cost. Here’s a general guideline for minimum TOEFL iBT scores:

Ivy League and other top-tier universities: Typically require a total score of 100 or higher, often with minimums of 25 in each section.
Most public and private universities: Generally look for scores in the 80-100 range.
Community colleges and less selective programs: May accept scores between 61 and 79.

Many universities also set minimum scores for individual sections. For example, a program might require a total score of 90 but also a minimum of 22 on the TOEFL Speaking section. This is a critical detail to verify, as the toefl exam price is non-refundable. Failing to meet a sectional minimum can lead to rejection, regardless of your total score. The overall toefl test cost feels much higher if you have to retake the exam for just a few points in one section. To meet these high standards, focus on mastering specific skills, such as those covered in our guide to TOEFL Reading: Rhetorical Purpose Questions Questions and Answers.

Ultimately, your target toefl score should guide your preparation strategy. The toefl exam cost is an investment in your future, so ensure you know the exact goal. For more tips on hitting your target, explore our TOEFL Reading Practice Test and Score Improving Tips and compare proficiency tests with our TOEFL Ielts: TOEFL Complete Guide 2026. Always confirm the latest requirements on each university's official admissions website before completing your toefl registration to make the most of the toefl test cost.

TOEFL iBT candidates often also strengthen their English skills with our ELPAC practice test 2026, since both assessments measure English language proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking domains.

A top-down view of a piggy bank next to several small, separate stacks of coins, symbolizing a breakdown of TOEFL test fees.

Understanding the full TOEFL test cost is crucial, but there are several strategies to lower the overall TOEFL exam price. Before finalizing your TOEFL registration, be sure to download our free TOEFL practice test PDF to ensure you're ready and avoid paying for a retake.

Ways to Reduce Your TOEFL Exam Cost

🗓️ Register Early: Finalize your TOEFL registration at least 7 days before the test date to avoid the $40 late fee, a common addition to the standard TOEFL test cost.💰 Seek Financial Aid: Research fee reduction vouchers from ETS or scholarships from organizations that can cover part of your TOEFL exam cost.📚 Utilize Free Prep Resources: Cut down on study expenses by using free official guides and practice tests instead of costly courses.✅ Aim for a High Score on Your First Attempt: Prepare thoroughly to pass on your first try, saving you the full TOEFL test cost of a retake.💳 Check for Hidden Bank Fees: Pay with a card that has low or no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges on top of the official TOEFL exam price.

Free TOEFL Practice Test — Start Now

TOEFL Questions and Answers

More TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language Resources

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

TOEFL Speaking

About the Author

Dr. Yuki TanakaPhD Applied Linguistics, MA TESOL

Applied Linguist & Language Proficiency Exam Specialist

Georgetown University

Dr. Yuki Tanaka holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and an MA in TESOL from Georgetown University. A former language examiner with the British Council, she has 18 years of experience designing and teaching language proficiency preparation courses for TOEFL, IELTS, CELPIP, Duolingo English Test, JLPT, Cambridge FCE/CAE, and Versant assessments worldwide.