TOEFL for Undergraduate Admission Abroad: 2025 Guide for Indian Students

By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist
Published: January 3, 2025 | 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert

Introduction

The TOEFL IBT has established itself as the benchmark for Indian students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at leading universities worldwide. In 2025, institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries will be revising their TOEFL requirements. It is crucial for every aspirant to remain informed about these changes. This blog will explore various topics related to the TOEFL, eligibility for first-year studies abroad, scholarship trends, and the real-life experiences of Indian families navigating this process. Whether your goal is to gain admission to Ivy League institutions or emerging tech hubs, you will discover actionable insights, cost breakdowns in INR, and Gateway’s tested strategies for success.

Ready to Start Your TOEFL Journey?

Dream big and let Gateway International make the way easier for you. Start preparing for your undergraduate admissions today!

Start Now →

Why is TOEFL undergraduate crucial for Indian students in 2025?

The TOEFL undergraduate is not just a test but a door to an educational world of excellence. By 2025, TOEFL scores themselves will receive even more attention in bachelor’s degree admissions at universities worldwide, as the intensity of global competition increases and other programs, such as IELTS and Duolingo, gain even more popularity. Indian students cannot afford to underperform on the TOEFL because a good score on the test not only means admission, but it also opens the door to scholarships, better job opportunities in the country, and even better chances of acquiring permanent residency. This renders the TOEFL a requisite in the process of preparing for an international undergraduate experience.

We can deconstruct the reasons why TOEFL is such a big deal this year:

• Universality: There are over 12,000 universities and institutions throughout the world that accept TOEFL scores for admission to bachelor’s degrees.
• Convenience: TOEFL iBT(r) Test and TOEFL iBT(r) Home Edition are both widely accepted, which provides more options and convenience to Indian students.
• Score Trends: The highest scoring universities, like Cornell, have the lowest minimum scores of the likes of 100, and others, like Cal State University (CSU), have the lowest minimum scores of 61, depending on the program.
• Eligibility: To take the TOEFL Undergraduate test, any student who has completed Class XII in a recognised Indian board is able to do so.
• Substitutes: Although TOEFL is the gold standard, a lot of universities also accept IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English qualifications.

If you’re planning your bachelor’s degree, then understanding these dynamics is essential for a successful first year abroad.

How does TOEFL undergraduate compare globally for Indian students?

TOEFL for university entrance is considered a world-wide standard for English proficiency, but each country and university has its own cut-offs and preferences. For Indian students, this means you must tailor your TOEFL preparations to your dream destination.

• USA: Most universities require TOEFL scores between 80 and 100 for undergraduate admissions. However, Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Cornell typically expect higher scores, often 100 or above.

• UK: TOEFL scores between 74 and 90 are commonly accepted for undergraduate programs. That said, many UK institutions still prefer IELTS for visa compliance, so students should confirm individual requirements.

• Canada: Canadian universities generally accept TOEFL scores ranging from 79 to 90 for bachelor’s degree programs. A higher score can also boost chances for scholarships.

• Australia: Universities typically require TOEFL scores between 60 and 90, depending on the course. Always check university-specific cut-offs before applying.

• Europe: TOEFL is widely used as proof of English proficiency across European universities. Minimum scores vary, but many top-ranked institutions expect results closer to 90 or above.

Here’s a quick comparison of TOEFL cut-off scores for the top undergraduate.

For Indian students, this means that you should look into the requirements of each university for TOEFL and prepare accordingly for your bachelors TOEFL or UG TOEFL.

What are the 2025 TOEFL undergraduate eligibility and application requirements?

In 2025, the TOEFL criteria for Indian students are refreshingly simple. A candidate must’ve passed the XIIth standard from any recognized board. There’s no age limit or minimum score for taking the TOEFL exam for the Bachelor’s degree, but top universities set their own TOEFL cut-off.

• Academic Requirement: Applicants must have completed Class XII from a recognized board such as ICSE, CBSE, or a State Board.

• TOEFL Score Validity: TOEFL scores remain valid for two years and must be valid at the time of application submission.

• Test Formats: Most universities accept TOEFL iBT®, TOEFL iBT® Home Edition, and TOEFL Paper Edition. Students should confirm which formats their chosen institution accepts.

• Score Submission: Universities generally require scores to be sent directly from ETS. Some may allow self-reporting initially but will demand official reports before final admission decisions.

• Alternatives: While TOEFL remains the most widely recognized English-language test worldwide, many universities also accept IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English qualifications.

Now let’s look at the step-by-step process for applications for first-year abroad.

• Sign up for TOEFL on the official ETS website, using your passport as identification.
• Prepare with official TOEFL Preparation Materials or Gateway International’s free resources.
• A. Take the test (iBT or Home Edition) and make sure your name matches your passport and university application.
• Send the test scores directly to the universities.
• TOEFL, Bachelor’s, and Master’s applications, attaching all the required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and.
• Track your application status and respond to university requests for interviews or additional information.

Remember that each university may have unique requirements. So check their official site for the latest UG TOEFL policy.

What documents do Indian students need for TOEFL undergraduate admissions?

The TOEFL procedure for Indian students requires detailed documentation. Here’s what you’ll need for TOEFL and UG?

• Passport in force (with at least twelve months validity).
• TOEFL (official, less than 2 years old).
• Class X and XII Reports and Transcripts.
• Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) and Statements of Purpose (SOPs).
• Proof of funds (bank statements, education loan, or scholarship letter).
• Application and university documents.
• Passport-size photographs (as per university regulations).
• After receiving the offer letter, the visa documents.

Pro tip: Keep your documents in a digital folder and keep both scanned and hard copies ready. Many universities now accept digital copies of documents, but originals may be required for visa applications.

How much does TOEFL undergraduate cost for Indian students in 2025?

TOEFL under-graduate costs for Indian students include the examination fee, university application fee, and all other costs associated with TOEFL admissions. Here’s the breakdown in INR and USD:

This doesn’t include the fees and living expenses for the first year abroad. Gateway International helps Indian students to obtain both.

0, #7bb7d8); padding: 1rem 1.5rem; margin: 1rem 0; border-radius: 5px; font-family: ‘Poppins’, sans-serif;”>

Check Out: IELTS Reading Band: 2025 Updates and Success Strategies

What scholarships are available for TOEFL undergraduate Indian applicants?

Undergraduates in India who have taken TOEFL can avail themselves of a wide variety of TOEFL scholarships for bachelors and UG. Look, in 2025, universities and organisations are stepping up their support for the TOEFL, a first year abroad programme.

• University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities in the US, UK, and Canada offer merit-based scholarships to students with strong TOEFL scores. These awards often reduce tuition costs significantly for high achievers.

• TOEFL India Scholarship: ETS and partner organizations provide annual scholarships exclusively for Indian students who excel in the TOEFL test, supporting both tuition and living expenses abroad.

• Country-Specific Awards: Prestigious universities such as the University of Nottingham (UK) and Long Island University (US) offer scholarships of up to $20,000 per year for international students with outstanding TOEFL performance.

• Private and Government Scholarships: Several Indian government schemes and private foundations provide financial aid to students pursuing their first year abroad, particularly those with competitive TOEFL scores.

Here are some current scholarships for TOEFL undergrads:

Look, gateway International’s scholarship experts help you to increase your chances of getting a scholarship. What is the best free SOP generator?

What are the top TOEFL undergraduate universities for Indian students in 2025?

Students in India who aim to take the TOEFL in 2025 will have a vast choice, from the Ivy League giants to the new technological universities. Here are the top destinations for TOEFL and UG TOEFL:

• USA: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, you know, Cornell, the University of California (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and Davis), Penn State.
• UK: The University of Nottingham, the University of East London, the University at Portsmouth, the University.
• Canada: Universities of British Columbia, of Alberta, of Toronto.
• Australia: The University of Melbourne, Monash University and the University.
• Europe: ETH Zurich, University of Munich, University of Amsterdam.

Each university sets its own cut-off for TOEFL, so do your research and aim for a score that I mean, exceeds the minimum for your bachelor’s degree.

What are the main challenges and benefits of TOEFL undergraduate for Indian students?

Honestly, a TOEFL diploma opens the door, but the road isn’t without here’s a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of TOEFL for the Indian bachelor.

Key Benefits of TOEFL undergraduate

• Global Acceptance: TOEFL Undergraduate (TOEFL UG) is widely recognized for bachelor’s admissions by universities worldwide.

• Scholarship Opportunities: A high TOEFL score can open doors to merit-based scholarships and financial aid at top institutions.

• Career and Immigration Pathways: Strong TOEFL results support applications for post-study work permits and even pathways to permanent residence in many countries.

• Skill Development: Preparing for TOEFL helps improve academic English, communication skills, and overall confidence.

• Flexible Test Formats: Students can choose from TOEFL iBT®, TOEFL iBT® Home Edition, or TOEFL Paper Edition, depending on convenience and eligibility.

Common Challenges for Indian Students

• High Competition: Admission to top universities, including Ivy League schools, requires exceptionally strong TOEFL scores.

• Test Anxiety: Many students face stress and unfamiliarity with the computer-based exam format.

• Financial Costs: The combined expenses of the exam, application fees, and related processes can be overwhelming.

• Complex Documentation: Gathering all required academic, financial, and visa documents can be time-consuming and confusing.

• Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to new teaching methods, academic systems, and cultural environments abroad can be challenging.

Gateway International helps you overcome these challenges by expert counselling, free mock tests and end-to-end support for TOEFL and the first year abroad.

How does Gateway International help with TOEFL undergraduate admissions?

TOEFL has enabled over 50,000 students from India to pursue their undergraduate and graduate degrees. We’ll make your TOEFL journey smooth and successful.

Step-by-Step Consultancy Support

1. Profile Analysis and Customisation: We thoroughly examine your academic history, personal motivations and ambitions in life to suggest the most suitable universities to pursue an undergraduate program.
2. Country/ Course Selection: Our professional counsellors reduce the confusing options so that your selected country and undergraduate degree fit your goals, finances and future.
3. Application/ Visa Guidance: We offer step-by-step guidance to you in your application, starting with writing a good Statement of Purpose (SOP) and finally guiding you through the visa procedure.
4. Scholarship & Funding Support: We assist you in finding appropriate scholarships, assist you in the application process and refer you to reputable education loan providers to secure a loan.
5. Pre-Departure Services: To help you get settled in the foreign country, our team organises for you by taking you through orientation programs, providing travel advice and accommodation services.
6. Post-Arrival Support: We do not leave you alone because even after you reach your destination, we are still with you and we provide you with further guidance, to enable you to adapt to your new setting, connect with resources and succeed in your new environment.

Success Story Spotlight

Meet Rohan from Bombay. Initially confused between IELTS and TOEFL, after expert counselling he chose TOEFL iBT and scored 106. He was admitted to a highly ranked American university and is now a student of the TOEFL program.

Gateway’s 17 years of experience, exclusive university tie-ups and free tools like the SOP generator, make us the preferred partner for Indian students who want to pursue their first year abroad.

Student Queries & Direct Q&A

Q1: What is the minimum TOEFL undergraduate score for Ivy League universities?

For admission to bachelor’s degree, most I mean, of the Ivy League universities require a TOEFL score of 100 or higher. Always check your target university’s official website for the latest UG TOEFL cut-offs.

Q2: Can I use TOEFL iBT Home Edition for my TOEFL first year abroad?

Yes, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted by most universities in the United States, Canada, and other major countries for admission to bachelor’s and UG programs. It will be required for admission.

Q3: How long is my TOEFL undergraduate score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Please make sure that your score is still valid when you know, you apply for your bachelor’s.

Q4: What if my TOEFL undergraduate score is below the university’s minimum?

Some universities offer conditional admission or English support courses if your TOEFL score is slightly below the required level. Contact the admissions office for other options.

Q5: Can I get scholarships with a high TOEFL undergraduate score?

No, universities and educational institutions offer scholarships to Indian students who score high on TOEFL for their bachelor’s degree or toEFL if they’re going abroad for a higher.

Q6: Is TOEFL undergraduate mandatory for all countries?

TOEFL is the English language test that’s most widely accepted, although some countries and universities prefer IELTS or Always check the TOEFL requirements for your bachelor’s degree destination.

Q7: How do I send my TOEFL undergraduate scores to universities?

To send your TOEFL scores to your chosen universities, you must’ve them sent directly from Some of them allow self-reporting in the first stage, but require official results.

Conclusion

In 2025, the TOEFL was the foundation for Indian students’ access to international education. With changing policies, flexible formats and increasing competition, mastering your Bachelors TOEFL and UG TOEFL journey has become more important than ever. From the requirements for eligibility and the necessary documentation to scholarships and success stories. This guide will cover every aspect of your TOEFL first year abroad dream. Gateway International stands ready to support you at every step of the way with expert counselling, unique tools, and a proven track record of student success.

Start your TOEFL iBT undergraduate journey today. Because your global future begins with the right guidance, preparation, and support.

About the Author

By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist
Abhinav Jain has guided 50,000+ students to global success. As a serial entrepreneur and AI-in-business specialist, he is dedicated to making world-class education accessible for Indian students. Connect on LinkedIn.