Program-level details
UIUC undergraduate admission grants full English proficiency status to applicants with TOEFL iBT 102 or higher (with at least 24 in Speaking); applicants scoring 79 to 101 are admitted with a requirement to take the English Placement Test (EPT) after arrival, with possible mandatory ESL coursework. The Graduate College sets a minimum of TOEFL iBT 79 (Speaking 20, all other sections without sub-score minimums) for full status, though departments — especially the Gies College of Business, the Grainger College of Engineering MS programs, and the Department of Computer Science — commonly require 102 or higher. International TAs must score 24 or higher in Speaking.
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. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)'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
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) typically accepts: IELTS 6.5 (undergraduate, no band below 6.0); IELTS 6.5 (graduate, with 6.0 in each band); Duolingo English Test 115. 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)? ▾
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 for undergraduate admission and 79 for most graduate programs. UIUC undergraduate admission grants full English proficiency status to applicants with TOEFL iBT 102 or higher (with at least 24 in Speaking); applicants scoring 79 to 101 are admitted with a requirement to take the English Placement Test (EPT) after arrival, with possible mandatory ESL coursework. The Graduate College sets a minimum of TOEFL iBT 79 (Speaking 20, all other sections without sub-score minimums) for full status, though departments — especially the Gies College of Business, the Grainger College of Engineering MS programs, and the Department of Computer Science — commonly require 102 or higher. International TAs must score 24 or higher in Speaking.
What if my TOEFL score is below the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) minimum? ▾
If you score below the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS 6.5 (undergraduate, no band below 6.0); IELTS 6.5 (graduate, with 6.0 in each band); Duolingo English Test 115), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)? ▾
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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) 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.