Program-level details
The university-wide TOEFL iBT floor is 79 overall for both Bachelor and Master applications, but most faculties publish higher programme-specific minimums. The Faculty of Science requires 94 overall with sub-scores Reading 19, Listening 18, Speaking 19, Writing 21 for Master programmes. The Master of International Business requires TOEFL 90 with 20 in each sub-score, and the Master of Law double degree with Zurich requires 100 overall. Only the in-person, Home Edition or Paper Edition TOEFL iBT is accepted; MyBest scores and the Duolingo English Test are not accepted. The Faculty of Engineering Science publishes a new-scale (post-21-January-2026) requirement of 5 overall with no sub-score below 4.5.
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. KU Leuven's undergraduate minimum of 79 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
KU Leuven typically accepts: IELTS Academic 6.5 in-person (One Skill Retake not accepted); Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE); ITACE C1 or C2 (Belgium only). 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 KU Leuven TOEFL minimum
A target of 79 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 KU Leuven? ▾
KU Leuven requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 for undergraduate admission and 79 for most graduate programs. The university-wide TOEFL iBT floor is 79 overall for both Bachelor and Master applications, but most faculties publish higher programme-specific minimums. The Faculty of Science requires 94 overall with sub-scores Reading 19, Listening 18, Speaking 19, Writing 21 for Master programmes. The Master of International Business requires TOEFL 90 with 20 in each sub-score, and the Master of Law double degree with Zurich requires 100 overall. Only the in-person, Home Edition or Paper Edition TOEFL iBT is accepted; MyBest scores and the Duolingo English Test are not accepted. The Faculty of Engineering Science publishes a new-scale (post-21-January-2026) requirement of 5 overall with no sub-score below 4.5.
What if my TOEFL score is below the KU Leuven minimum? ▾
If you score below the KU Leuven minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS Academic 6.5 in-person (One Skill Retake not accepted); Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE); ITACE C1 or C2 (Belgium only)), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does KU Leuven accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether KU Leuven 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 KU Leuven? ▾
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 KU Leuven admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-05-05 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.