Program-level details
Trinity uses a Band B / Band C structure: Band B (standard) requires TOEFL iBT 90 overall with 21 in each section; Band C (higher) requires 100 overall with 23 in each section. Trinity Business School taught Masters (MSc Marketing, MSc International Management, MSc Digital Marketing Strategy) sit at Band C, as do Medicine, Dental Science and most Health Sciences programmes. The School of Education publishes a department-specific PhD floor of 88. For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 on the new TOEFL scale, Band B is 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each section and Band C is 5.0 overall with 4.5 in each section.
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. Trinity College Dublin's undergraduate minimum of 90 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
Trinity College Dublin typically accepts: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no section below 6.0 (Band B); Duolingo English Test 120 with no section below 100 (Band B); PTE Academic 69 with no section below 59; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180 with no section below 170. 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 Trinity College Dublin TOEFL minimum
A target of 90 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 Trinity College Dublin? ▾
Trinity College Dublin requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 for undergraduate admission and 100 for most graduate programs. Trinity uses a Band B / Band C structure: Band B (standard) requires TOEFL iBT 90 overall with 21 in each section; Band C (higher) requires 100 overall with 23 in each section. Trinity Business School taught Masters (MSc Marketing, MSc International Management, MSc Digital Marketing Strategy) sit at Band C, as do Medicine, Dental Science and most Health Sciences programmes. The School of Education publishes a department-specific PhD floor of 88. For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 on the new TOEFL scale, Band B is 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each section and Band C is 5.0 overall with 4.5 in each section.
What if my TOEFL score is below the Trinity College Dublin minimum? ▾
If you score below the Trinity College Dublin minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS Academic 6.5 with no section below 6.0 (Band B); Duolingo English Test 120 with no section below 100 (Band B); PTE Academic 69 with no section below 59; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180 with no section below 170), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does Trinity College Dublin accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether Trinity College Dublin 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 Trinity College Dublin? ▾
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 Trinity College Dublin 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.