The University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the University of Glasgow have said they won’t accept TOEFL scores if the student took the test in 2026. They have instead asked students to submit their IELTS scores or equivalent scores from Cambridge/Oxford English tests.
From 21 January 2026, ETS (Educational Testing Services) has introduced major changes to the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). TOEFL is one of the most popular English proficiency tests in the world, with over 13,000 institutions accepting its scores. Like IELTS, TOEFL is taken by non-native speakers who apply to universities where English is the medium of instruction.
After the 2026 updates, the new TOEFL iBT is a shorter version of its predecessor, lasting not more than 90 minutes across four sections. The new TOEFL will feature content from both academic and everyday English, adapted to more real-world applications of the language.
The new TOEFL exam will also feature a revised scoring system with dual scoring, faster score turnaround time, and upgraded audio equipment.
ETS stated that the changes were in line with its vision to make TOEFL fairer, more streamlined and adapted to modern-day requirements.
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While TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 13,000 institutions, some top universities have stated that they won’t accept TOEFL iBT scores if the student took the test after 21 January 2026.
These universities are limited, so far, only to the UK, pending their own review.
The University of Cambridge has gone on record saying that its undergraduate programs won’t accept the new TOEFL taken after 31 December 2025 due to changes introduced in January 2026.
The Cambridge undergraduate admissions page states that the TOEFL iBT and Home Edition are not suitable for use as evidence of English proficiency. Instead, they recommend IELTS or Cambridge English exams.
The University of Oxford stated that it will not accept the TOEFL iBT tests taken post 21 January 2026 until it completes its own review of the revised format. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Oxford won’t be accepting the new TOEFL, pending review of the revised version.
Till then, Oxford has recommended TOEFL alternatives such as IELTS or their own English test as substitutes. If the score is pre-2026, it will remain valid for 2 years and can be used to apply to Oxford.
The University of Glasgow has specified that it won’t accept TOEFL iBT scores taken in January 2026 and beyond. Only scores from pre-2026 will be accepted for entry.
The policy is applicable to postgraduate and undergraduate programs at the University of Glasgow, where TOEFL is listed. Like the other universities, Glasgow recommends IELTS as an alternative to TOEFL.
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ETS has introduced a slew of changes to TOEFL iBT, overhauling its structure, syllabus, duration, scoring system and equipment. If you plan to take the TOEFL post 21 January 2026, here’s what you can expect.
The TOEFL exam duration has been shortened to approximately 90 minutes because it’s more compact than its older version. The earlier edition was 2 hours long, but as per the new format, the total TOEFL test duration has been reduced to 67-90 minutes, depending on the adaptivity.
The adaptive format and the shorter duration reduce test-taker fatigue, which make the 10-minute break between sections obsolete. You can now move directly from the Listening to Speaking section without pauses.
The new TOEFL has an adaptive format for Reading and Listening, meaning the difficulty level of one module is determined by your performance in the previous one. For instance, Reading has two modules. If you do well in the first one, your second module will be more challenging. Speaking/Writing sections stay non-adaptive with fixed tasks.
The TOEFL scoring system will be adapted to a band format like IELTS, spanning 1.0 to 6.0 with 0.5 increments. The scoring system now aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) levels. However, during the transition phase, ETS will provide a dual score under both the new and the old systems.
You can get your TOEFL scores delivered to your ETS account within 72 hours as opposed to 4-8 days before. You can still view your Reading and Listening scores immediately on your screen after the test. The quick score turnaround time helps candidates meet strict application deadlines more effectively.
Earlier, TOEFL focused more on academic content in its Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking sections. With the new upgrades, TOEFL iBT will feature tasks centred on more everyday use of English such as completing the words, listening to conversations, building sentences, writing emails and taking mock interviews.
ETS has joined hands with Koss to bring in upgraded audio equipment that provides better sound quality. The chances of errors due to audio quality is greatly reduced. All the official TOEFL test centres will come equipped with these upgraded equipment.
The new TOEFL is the upgraded version of TOEFL iBT which has been rolled out on 21 January 2026. The new TOEFL is shorter (approximately 90 minutes long), has a multistage adaptive format for Reading and Listening sections, comprises a balance of academic and everyday English tasks, a new 6 band scoring system, faster score delivery and upgraded audio equipment.
TOEFL has changed since 21 January 2026 to include a shorter and more streamlined format, multistage adaptive sections for Reading and Listening, a mix of academic and everyday English tasks, a new 6-band scoring system, faster result delivery and upgraded audio equipment.
The new TOEFL iBT rolled out in January 2026 is shorter (90 minutes approximately with no break), adaptive in Reading/Listening section, 1-6 band score with dual scoring system, shorter result turnaround time in 72 hours and tasks that mix academic and everyday English. Old version of TOEFL was longer (3-hour fixed format) with a more linear format. Results were released in 4-8 days with a 0-120 score system. Old TOEFL was also centred on academic English.
TOEFL 2026 is shorter than its predecessor. The reduced time means lesser mental fatigue and better performance. It is also focused on more everyday English questions like writing emails and announcements, unlike the older version which was focused on more academic English. Thanks to upgraded audio equipment, students can also expect to perform better in the Listening tasks, thereby improving their overall scores. These upgrades mean that students may find TOEFL 2026 easier
Yes. TOEFL iBT pattern has undergone big changes as of 21 January 2026. The changes include shorter format (around 90 mins as opposed to around 2 hours), adaptive multistage sections for Reading and Listening, new scoring system and real-word tasks.
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