Program-level details
University of Leeds is a public research university (russell group) in Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. For 2026 entry it publishes a minimum TOEFL iBT of 87 for undergraduate admission, which maps to band 4.0 (CEFR B2) on the new 1.0-6.0 scale, and 92 for most graduate programs, which maps to band 4.5 (CEFR B2 high). Admitted international applicants are usually competitive from around band 4.5 upward, so treat the published minimum as a floor rather than a target.
The University of Leeds requires a minimum TOEFL iBT of 87 for most undergraduate programmes, with subscore minimums of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing. Postgraduate programmes typically require 92, with subscore minimums of 23 in Reading, 21 in Listening, 23 in Speaking, and 22 in Writing. Leeds does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores or the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition; all scores must be from a single test sitting. Requirements may vary by programme band.
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 Leeds's undergraduate minimum of 87 corresponds to roughly band 4.0, which aligns with CEFR B2. The graduate minimum of 92 corresponds to band 4.5 (B2 high). 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 Leeds typically accepts: IELTS 6.0 (undergraduate) / 6.5 (postgraduate), PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, LanguageCert. 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 Leeds TOEFL minimum
A target of 87 on the TOEFL iBT is a band 4.0 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 Leeds? ▾
University of Leeds requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 87 for undergraduate admission and 92 for most graduate programs. The University of Leeds requires a minimum TOEFL iBT of 87 for most undergraduate programmes, with subscore minimums of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing. Postgraduate programmes typically require 92, with subscore minimums of 23 in Reading, 21 in Listening, 23 in Speaking, and 22 in Writing. Leeds does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores or the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition; all scores must be from a single test sitting. Requirements may vary by programme band.
What if my TOEFL score is below the University of Leeds minimum? ▾
If you score below the University of Leeds minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS 6.0 (undergraduate) / 6.5 (postgraduate), PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, LanguageCert), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does University of Leeds accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether University of Leeds 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 Leeds? ▾
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 Leeds admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-06-16 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.