Princeton University accepts TOEFL iBT for English proficiency across its graduate programmes. Princeton's graduate offering is focused — doctoral and master's programmes across sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and public policy — with no separate professional schools for medicine, law, or business.
Does Princeton Accept TOEFL?
Yes. Princeton University accepts TOEFL iBT for all graduate programmes. IELTS Academic is also accepted as an alternative.
TOEFL MyBest Scores: Princeton's Graduate School does not accept TOEFL MyBest. A score from a single valid sitting is required.
Undergraduate note: Princeton does not require TOEFL for most undergraduate applicants whose primary language of instruction has been English throughout secondary school.
Princeton TOEFL Requirements — Graduate
Princeton Graduate School (General)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum TOEFL | 100 iBT |
| Per-section minimum | No published floor below 18 |
| Competitive score | 107–120 |
| Notes | Individual departments may expect higher scores |
Sciences and Engineering
| Department | Minimum TOEFL | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (PhD) | 100 | 107–120 |
| Mathematics (PhD) | 100 | 107–115 |
| Physics (PhD) | 100 | 107–115 |
| Chemistry (PhD) | 100 | 100–115 |
| Engineering (all disciplines, PhD) | 100 | 100–115 |
Humanities
| Department | Minimum TOEFL | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| English (PhD) | 100 | 113–120 |
| History (PhD) | 100 | 113–120 |
| Comparative Literature (PhD) | 100 | 113–120 |
| Philosophy (PhD) | 100 | 107–120 |
Humanities PhDs at Princeton are among the most writing-intensive doctoral programmes anywhere. Competitive admitted students routinely score 113–120 across all four sections.
Social Sciences
| Department | Minimum TOEFL | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| Economics (PhD) | 100 | 107–120 |
| Politics (PhD) | 100 | 107–120 |
| Sociology (PhD) | 100 | 107–115 |
| Psychology and Neuroscience (PhD) | 100 | 104–115 |
Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA)
| Programme | Minimum TOEFL | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| MPA | 100 | 109–120 |
| MPP | 100 | 109–120 |
| PhD in Public Affairs | 100 | 109–120 |
SPIA is one of the world's leading public policy institutions. The MPA and MPP seminars are debate-intensive and require exceptional verbal and written communication. A 100 minimum understates the practical competitive score of admitted students.
Princeton Undergraduate (AB and BSE)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formal TOEFL minimum | None stated |
| Competitive score | 110–120 |
| Notes | Exemption if primary/secondary schooling was in English |
Princeton TOEFL — Summary Table
| Programme Area | Min TOEFL | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | None stated | 110–120 |
| Sciences/Engineering (PhD) | 100 | 100–115 |
| Humanities (PhD) | 100 | 113–120 |
| Social Sciences (PhD) | 100 | 107–120 |
| SPIA (MPA/MPP/PhD) | 100 | 109–120 |
TOEFL Per-Section Strategy for Princeton
Writing (target 25–30)
Princeton's seminars and research programmes produce constant written output. A Writing score below 22 is a concern for any graduate programme. For Humanities PhDs, Writing 27+ is typical among admitted students.
Target: Writing 25+ for all graduate programmes; 27+ for Humanities and SPIA.
Speaking (target 24–30)
Princeton's seminar model requires verbal participation from week one. SPIA's policy debates and Humanities' colloquia depend on oral argumentation. Speaking 24+ is the minimum competitive standard.
Reading and Listening (target 27–30)
Both sections should be strong. Princeton does not publish per-section floors but a score below 24 in either would stand out in a competitive pool.
Score Validity at Princeton
TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Princeton's graduate application deadlines typically fall in December for autumn admission.
TOEFL vs. IELTS for Princeton
Princeton accepts both equally. No preference is expressed.
Common Mistakes Princeton TOEFL Applicants Make
Meeting the 100 minimum and assuming it's competitive. Princeton's 100 minimum is an eligibility floor. For SPIA MPA and Humanities PhDs, the competitive submitted score is 109–120. A 100 positions you at the bottom of the distribution.
Weak Writing for Humanities applications. Princeton's English and History doctoral programmes require the ability to write at a level close to publishable academic output. Writing 22 alongside a 100 overall will be noticed.
Not checking the single-sitting requirement. Princeton does not accept TOEFL MyBest. Submitting a superscored result will result in an invalid application.
Start TOEFL preparation with Gabble — AI-powered speaking and writing feedback with instant scores. Know exactly where you stand against Princeton's competitive benchmark before you book your test.