Three UK universities will not accept the new TOEFL.
Cambridge dropped the TOEFL entirely. Oxford is reviewing. Glasgow no longer accepts TOEFL iBT for postgraduate study. If you are applying to any of these for the 2026/27 academic year, this changes what test you need to take.
Last verified: 21 May 2026 · Cross-checked against official admissions pagesThe three schools, with verbatim policy quotes.
University of Cambridge
Does not accept TOEFLCambridge undergraduate admissions does not list the TOEFL iBT as evidence of English language proficiency for entry. Cambridge accepts IELTS Academic (minimum 7.5 with no element under 7.0 typically), C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency.
The University of Cambridge does not accept the TOEFL test as evidence of English language proficiency.Source: Cambridge undergraduate entry requirements
University of Oxford
Under reviewOxford accepts TOEFL iBT scores from candidates who took the test before January 21, 2026. The university is reviewing whether to accept the new 2026 format. Applicants should check the specific course requirements before submitting an application that depends on a 2026 TOEFL.
Oxford recognises a range of English language tests including IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. Applicants taking the TOEFL test from January 2026 should check the specific requirements of their chosen course.Source: Oxford English language requirements
University of Glasgow
Dropped TOEFL for PGTGlasgow no longer accepts the TOEFL iBT for postgraduate study. Accepted tests are IELTS Academic and a small list of equivalents. The change took effect for 2026 entry.
The University of Glasgow no longer accepts the TOEFL iBT test for the purposes of meeting our English language requirements for postgraduate study.Source: Glasgow postgraduate English language requirements
If you have to switch tests, this is the IELTS Academic conversion.
Use as a rough planning guide only. Each university sets its own minimum band requirement per course.
| TOEFL iBT (old, 0–120) | IELTS Academic equivalent | Typical Cambridge / Oxford band |
|---|---|---|
| 110+ | 8.0 | Top-tier course minimum |
| 100–109 | 7.5 | Cambridge UG entry typical |
| 94–99 | 7.0 | Common Oxford UG entry |
| 79–93 | 6.5 | Common foundation programme |
| 60–78 | 6.0 | Below most Russell Group minimums |
If you applied for 2026/27 entry, decide based on when you took the test.
- Took the TOEFL before January 21, 2026? Your old-format score is still valid at Oxford. Cambridge and Glasgow do not accept it regardless of when you took it.
- Took the new TOEFL (from January 21, 2026)? Switch to IELTS Academic for Cambridge and Glasgow. For Oxford, contact your specific course before applying with a 2026 TOEFL score.
- Have not taken either yet? Take IELTS Academic if you are applying to any of these three schools. Your IELTS score works for all three.
UK universities that still accept the 2026 TOEFL
Most other major UK universities continue to accept the TOEFL iBT, including:
- Imperial College London
- UCL (University College London)
- King's College London
- LSE (London School of Economics)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University of Warwick
- University of Bristol
Each sets its own minimum scores. Check the specific course you are applying to.
Frequently asked
Does Cambridge accept the 2026 TOEFL?
No. Cambridge undergraduate admissions does not accept the TOEFL iBT as evidence of English language proficiency. Cambridge accepts IELTS Academic, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency. Postgraduate course requirements vary, but the same restriction applies in most cases.
Does Oxford accept the 2026 TOEFL?
Oxford accepts TOEFL iBT scores from candidates who took the test before January 21, 2026. The university is reviewing whether to accept the new 2026 format. Recommendation: check your specific course requirements before applying with a 2026 score.
Does the University of Glasgow accept the 2026 TOEFL?
No. Glasgow no longer accepts the TOEFL iBT for postgraduate study. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic and a small set of equivalents.
What test should I take if Cambridge or Oxford rejected my TOEFL?
IELTS Academic is accepted at all three universities. Cambridge also accepts C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. Check each course's specific minimum band requirement.
Is the IELTS to TOEFL conversion exact?
No. The conversions above are approximate. Each university sets its own minimum band requirement, and a TOEFL 100 does not perfectly equal an IELTS 7.5 across every score breakdown. Use the conversion only as a rough planning guide. Take the actual test required by your target school.
Why did these three schools drop the TOEFL?
The 2026 TOEFL format changed substantially. Speaking dropped from 4 tasks to 2 with no preparation time. Writing dropped Integrated Writing and added new Build-a-Sentence and Email tasks. Reading lost section navigation. Listening lost the replay button. Top-band scoring tightened from "occasional errors acceptable" to "consistent facility." Some universities decided the new format does not align with their academic English requirements.
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