Program-level details
Northeastern University undergraduate admission requires a minimum TOEFL iBT of 92 with no section below 22. Graduate admission requirements vary significantly by college: the D'Amore-McKim School of Business and most engineering and computer science programs at the Khoury College of Computer Sciences require a minimum TOEFL iBT of 100; the College of Professional Studies, College of Engineering MS, and most graduate programs in social sciences accept 79 to 100 depending on the specific degree. Northeastern also offers a Global Pathways program for applicants below the direct-admission threshold.
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. Northeastern University's undergraduate minimum of 92 corresponds to roughly band 4.5, which aligns with CEFR B2 high. The graduate minimum of 100 corresponds to band 5.0 (C1). 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
Northeastern University typically accepts: IELTS 6.5 (undergraduate, no band below 6.0); IELTS 7.0 for most graduate programs; PTE Academic 65 (graduate); Duolingo English Test 125. 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 Northeastern University TOEFL minimum
A target of 92 on the TOEFL iBT is a band 4.5 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 Northeastern University? ▾
Northeastern University requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 92 for undergraduate admission and 100 for most graduate programs. Northeastern University undergraduate admission requires a minimum TOEFL iBT of 92 with no section below 22. Graduate admission requirements vary significantly by college: the D'Amore-McKim School of Business and most engineering and computer science programs at the Khoury College of Computer Sciences require a minimum TOEFL iBT of 100; the College of Professional Studies, College of Engineering MS, and most graduate programs in social sciences accept 79 to 100 depending on the specific degree. Northeastern also offers a Global Pathways program for applicants below the direct-admission threshold.
What if my TOEFL score is below the Northeastern University minimum? ▾
If you score below the Northeastern University minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS 6.5 (undergraduate, no band below 6.0); IELTS 7.0 for most graduate programs; PTE Academic 65 (graduate); Duolingo English Test 125), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does Northeastern University accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether Northeastern University 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 Northeastern University? ▾
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 Northeastern University admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-05-19 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.