Program-level details
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a private research university in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. For 2026 entry it publishes a minimum TOEFL iBT of 90 for undergraduate admission, which maps to band 4.5 (CEFR B2 high) on the new 1.0-6.0 scale, and 90 for most graduate programs, which maps to band 4.5 (CEFR B2 high). Admitted international applicants are usually competitive from around band 5 upward, so treat the published minimum as a floor rather than a target.
Washington University in St. Louis requires a minimum TOEFL iBT composite of 90 for both undergraduate and graduate admission. The most competitive undergraduate applicants usually present scores well above the minimum. For graduate programs, WashU does not accept superscored TOEFL MyBest results. The university also accepts the Duolingo English Test and, for some divisions, the GATEWAY English Test.
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. Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)'s undergraduate minimum of 90 corresponds to roughly band 4.5, which aligns with CEFR B2 high. The graduate minimum of 90 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
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) typically accepts: IELTS Academic 6.5; Duolingo English Test 125; GATEWAY English Test 495 (select divisions). 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 Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) 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 Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)? ▾
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 for undergraduate admission and 90 for most graduate programs. Washington University in St. Louis requires a minimum TOEFL iBT composite of 90 for both undergraduate and graduate admission. The most competitive undergraduate applicants usually present scores well above the minimum. For graduate programs, WashU does not accept superscored TOEFL MyBest results. The university also accepts the Duolingo English Test and, for some divisions, the GATEWAY English Test.
What if my TOEFL score is below the Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) minimum? ▾
If you score below the Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS Academic 6.5; Duolingo English Test 125; GATEWAY English Test 495 (select divisions)), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) 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 Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)? ▾
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 Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-07-03 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.