TOEFL iBT scores,explained.
How TOEFL iBT scores work for Nigerian candidates, the 0 to 120 scale, per-section bands, what counts as a good TOEFL score, the MyBest superscore, how long scores last, and the levels top universities expect.
Understanding TOEFL iBT scores.
How the TOEFL iBT is scored
The TOEFL iBT reports four section scores, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, each on a 0 to 30 scale, which add up to a total out of 120. There is no pass or fail, only the score a university or programme asks for, so your target depends entirely on where you are applying from Nigeria.
What is a good TOEFL score?
As a rough guide, a total above 100 is competitive almost anywhere, 90 to 100 opens most strong universities, and 80 to 90 meets many mid-tier programmes. Anything from 110 upward puts you in reach of the most selective schools in the world.
TOEFL scores US universities require
Most US universities ask for a TOEFL total between 80 and 100, while the most competitive, the Ivy League and similar, look for 100 to 110+. Many also set a minimum per section, so a balanced score across all four parts matters as much as the total.
TOEFL scores for the UK and Canada
Most UK Russell Group universities sit near 88 to 100, and Canadian universities typically want around 86 to 90, with section minimums common for both. Scholarship boards and professional bodies often publish their own thresholds, which our counsellors check with you.
MyBest scores and validity
TOEFL scores stay valid for two years from your test date. The ETS MyBest score combines your highest section results across sittings in that window into a single superscore, which many universities accept, though some still want one full test date.
Getting the TOEFL score you need
Hitting your target score is a matter of method, not luck. Mafit starts you with a diagnostic mock, fixes your weakest section first, then drills timed practice and recorded speaking until the score lands. Clear 110 on test day and Mafit pays you a cash reward.
Chase the score with free prep.
Register your TOEFL through Mafit and every tool you need to lift your score is bundled in at no extra charge.
- A full-length TOEFL iBT trial sat under real ETS-style timing, returned with a section-by-section score breakdown
- Six to ten weeks of tutor-led coaching, in the centre in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt and streamed live to every state
- Magoosh Premium plus the Kaplan, Barron’s and ETS study libraries loaded into your account at no charge
- Daily speaking-and-writing partner drills, several graded practice sittings, and a ₦20,000 cash reward once you clear 110
The full breakdown of everything included, the current promo price and all 2026 dates are on the main TOEFL page.