Program-level details
American University in Cairo (AUC) is a private liberal-arts and research university in New Cairo, Egypt. For 2026 entry it publishes a minimum TOEFL iBT of 76 for undergraduate admission, which maps to band 3.5 (CEFR B1) on the new 1.0-6.0 scale, and 79 for most graduate programs, which maps to band 3.5 (CEFR B1). Admitted international applicants are usually competitive from around band 4 upward, so treat the published minimum as a floor rather than a target.
AUC sets a TOEFL iBT minimum of 76 for undergraduate admission and 79 (with at least 21 in Writing) for graduate admission. Applicants below the minimum are not automatically rejected: undergraduates below 76 are placed in the English Language Institute (ELI) before progressing to credit-bearing coursework, and graduate applicants who otherwise qualify can be admitted conditionally and placed in an English language course.
Translating this score to the 2026 1-6 band scale
From January 2026, ETS reports the TOEFL iBT on a 1.0-6.0 band scale (in 0.5 increments) rather than the legacy 0-120 scale. American University in Cairo (AUC)'s undergraduate minimum of 76 corresponds to roughly band 3.5, which aligns with CEFR B1. The graduate minimum of 79 corresponds to band 3.5 (B1). For a more precise read on what these bands mean for your speaking, writing, listening, and reading, take a free TOEFLMock practice test — you'll see your score reported on both scales side-by-side.
Other accepted English tests
American University in Cairo (AUC) typically accepts: Academic IELTS (cut-offs published on AUC's language requirements page); Duolingo English Test; TOEFL MyBest Scores; IELTS One Skill Retake. Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test, and some accept Cambridge English Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2). Acceptance and minimum thresholds for alternative tests change frequently — verify against the current admissions page before relying on a specific alternative.
How to prepare for the American University in Cairo (AUC) TOEFL minimum
A target of 76 on the TOEFL iBT is a band 3.5 performance. Realistically, this means consistently scoring well across all four sections, since universities almost always set sub-section minimums (typically 22 in each of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing for top-tier programs). The fastest way to spot which section is holding you back is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and compare your section bands. From there, focused section practice is more productive than another full-length attempt.
- Take a free full-length TOEFL practice test to see your starting band
- Reading practice — 16 free 2026-format reading tests
- Listening practice — 16 free 2026-format listening tests with the new task types
- Writing practice — 16 free Build-a-Sentence + Email + Academic Discussion tests
- Speaking practice — 16 free Listen-and-Repeat + video Interview tests
Common questions
What is the minimum TOEFL score for American University in Cairo (AUC)? ▾
American University in Cairo (AUC) requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 76 for undergraduate admission and 79 for most graduate programs. AUC sets a TOEFL iBT minimum of 76 for undergraduate admission and 79 (with at least 21 in Writing) for graduate admission. Applicants below the minimum are not automatically rejected: undergraduates below 76 are placed in the English Language Institute (ELI) before progressing to credit-bearing coursework, and graduate applicants who otherwise qualify can be admitted conditionally and placed in an English language course.
What if my TOEFL score is below the American University in Cairo (AUC) minimum? ▾
If you score below the American University in Cairo (AUC) minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (Academic IELTS (cut-offs published on AUC's language requirements page); Duolingo English Test; TOEFL MyBest Scores; IELTS One Skill Retake), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does American University in Cairo (AUC) accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether American University in Cairo (AUC) accepts it depends on the program and the year — verify against the official admissions page linked above.
How do I send my TOEFL scores to American University in Cairo (AUC)? ▾
Official TOEFL scores are sent directly from ETS to the university you specify. You can list up to four institutions to receive your scores at no extra cost when you register for the test. Additional score reports cost a fee per institution.
Verify before applying
University admission requirements change. Always confirm the current TOEFL minimum on the official American University in Cairo (AUC) admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-05-11 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.