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Testing

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language proficiency test required by most US universities for international applicants whose primary language is not English.

Definition

The TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) is the most widely accepted English language proficiency test for US and Canadian universities. It tests Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing over approximately 3 hours. Scores range from 0 to 120. A score of 90–100 is typically competitive for selective US universities; some require 100+.

The TOEFL is administered at official test centers and is accepted by over 11,500 universities worldwide, including most major US, UK, Canadian, and Australian institutions.

Why it matters for Pakistani students

Most US and UK universities require TOEFL (or IELTS) from Pakistani applicants unless you have completed secondary schooling entirely in English or attended a school where English is the language of instruction. Many Pakistani English-medium schools qualify for a TOEFL waiver — check with each university. If you need to take the TOEFL, prepare for it alongside your SAT preparation; the Reading and Writing skills overlap significantly.

Related Terms

SATTestingIELTSTestingCommon ApplicationApplication

Related Resources

Scholarships

COMSATS Merit ScholarshipCOMSATS University IslamabadLUMS National Outreach Programme (NOP)LUMS

Guides

How to Prepare for the SAT in Pakistan — Complete 2026 GuideSAT Prep · 12 min readSAT Test Centers in Pakistan — Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad 2026SAT Prep · 6 min read

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