TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT test has four sections. The total time is about 90 minutes, with no breaks.

• Reading – Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, and Read an Academic Passage – ~30 min.
• Listening – Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, and Listen to an Academic Talk – ~29 min.
• Writing – Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion – ~23 min.
• Speaking – Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview – ~8 min.

From 21 January 2026, the TOEFL iBT uses a new score scale – from 1 to 6 (in half points). It matches the CEFR language levels directly. Each section is scored separately. Your overall score is the average of the four sections.

During the transition period (until 2028), your certificate will show both scores – the new 1–6 scale and the old 0–120 scale. So you do not need to convert anything.

Typical scores needed for European universities:

• Most universities in the Netherlands and Belgium ask for about 80–100 points (0–120 scale) or 4–5 points (1–6 scale).
• Always check the exact requirements on the website of your chosen university.

Your results are valid for 2 years from the test date.

You can take the TOEFL iBT in two ways:

• At a test centre – TOEFL test centres are available in most European countries. This is the recommended option – most universities accept this version.
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition – the same test, taken at home with online monitoring. The price is the same as at a test centre.

You can find test centres, upcoming test dates, and available places on the ETS registration page.

The easiest way to register is online on the ETS website. You pay the full test price during registration.

• The test price in most European countries is about 250–300 USD (it depends on your country and VAT). You will see the exact price during registration.
• With the Kastu discount code LTU1000102 you save 5%.
• You can pay by credit/debit card, PayPal, or Alipay.
• If you register less than 7 days before the test, there is an extra 49 USD fee – so register early.
• During registration, you can choose up to 4 universities that will receive your results for free.

Your official results appear in your ETS account 3 days after the test. You can download the PDF certificate 1 day after your results are published.

If you need to send your results to more universities later, each extra score report costs 29 USD.

• A valid ID document (passport or identity card) – this is the only thing you can bring in.
• Your photo will be taken before the test – it appears on your test certificate.
• Your phone and other electronic devices must stay with your personal belongings.
• The test centre gives you paper for notes.

Start with the official ETS materials – they show the exact test format:

• Official ETS preparation resources – free practice tests and sample questions.
• TOEFL TV (YouTube) – the official ETS channel with tips and test walkthroughs.

AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful when preparing for the TOEFL test:

• Ask it to simulate a speaking test – practise answering out loud.
• Write essays and ask for feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and structure.
• Ask it to explain tricky grammar rules in simple language.

These tools are available 24/7, so you can practise at your own pace.

You do not need to sit with a textbook every day. The key is daily contact with the language:

• Watch series and films in English with English subtitles.
• Follow social media accounts in English.
• Switch your phone language to English.
• Listen to podcasts in English – about topics you enjoy.

Do not study the night before the test. Let your brain rest. A good night of sleep will help you more than last-minute cramming.

Focus on the process, not the result – you are preparing to study in English, so enjoy the journey.

Yes – the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is equal to the test taken at a test centre. The same universities accept the results. However, we recommend checking the requirements of your specific program before registering. Some universities still prefer the test centre version.

Most universities ask for 80–100 points (0–120 scale) or 4–5 points (1–6 scale). The exact requirements depend on the university and the program. Always check the official website of your chosen university, or ask us at kastu.eu/contacts.

Sometimes, yes. Many Kastu partner universities in the Netherlands accept a recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate from certain European countries as proof of English. In that case, you do not need TOEFL or IELTS. The requirements depend on the university and on your country. Check all your options on the English requirements page.

If your chosen university accepts your Secondary School Leaving Certificate as proof of English, you can submit it instead of TOEFL. You do not need to submit both – one is enough. Always check the requirements of your specific university first.

Both tests are widely accepted. If your university accepts both, we recommend TOEFL – the whole test is done on a computer, and Kastu students get a 5% discount. If your university only accepts IELTS, choose the IELTS Academic version.

In most cases, yes – you can submit your application first and upload your TOEFL certificate later. Just make sure your results arrive before the deadline set by your chosen university. Check the deadline on the official university website.