Requirements vary depending on your goals, but here are the current market standards:
-
TOEIC (Professional Environment):
A score of 785+ confirms an upper-intermediate operational level (B2). For multinational companies or international management positions, 945+ is now the standard to demonstrate "Expert" proficiency (C1).
-
TOEFL iBT (Academic Pathway — 2026 Format):
As of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT uses a new scale of 1.0 to 6.0 (in 0.5 increments), aligned with CEFR levels, replacing the former 0–120 scale. The overall score is the average of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing). For admission to undergraduate or first-year Master's programs, most partner universities target an equivalent of B2 level (score ≈ 4.0–4.5).
-
Specialized Master's & Elite MBA Programs:
For world-class programs (Ivy League, HEC, INSEAD), a C1 to C2 level (score ≈ 5.0–6.0) is expected, with particular attention paid to each individual section score.
Tip: During the 2026–2028 transition period, score reports will display both the legacy 0–120 scale and the new 1–6 scale simultaneously, making comparison easier. However, always check the specific requirements on your target institution's "Admissions" page, as universities are gradually updating their criteria.