TOEFL for studying in Finland
The TOEFL iBT is accepted alongside IELTS by every English-teaching university in Finland. Here is the score you need for bachelor's and master's admission, how it maps to IELTS, and how to prepare.
TOEFL scores Finnish universities require
| Study level | Typical TOEFL iBT minimum |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (English-taught) | 78–80 total (writing ≥ 20) |
| Master's (most fields) | 92 total (writing ≥ 22) |
| Competitive Master's (e.g. Aalto, UH) | 92–100 total, higher writing sub-score |
TOEFL vs IELTS equivalence
If your programme states a requirement in IELTS bands, most Finnish universities use roughly this mapping for TOEFL iBT:
| IELTS overall | TOEFL iBT total |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 60–78 |
| 6.5 | 79–93 |
| 7.0 | 94–101 |
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Preparation tips
- Take the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test); paper-based scores are not accepted by Finnish universities.
- Send scores directly through ETS to each university's institution code — self-reported PDFs are not sufficient for a final decision.
- Book at least 3–4 months before the early-January joint-application deadline to leave room for a retake.
- Check the writing sub-score minimum, not just the total — many Finnish master's programmes set a separate writing floor.
- Use the free official TOEFL practice tests to get used to the integrated (read–listen–write) tasks, which surprise many first-time test-takers.
- Budget for the fee (around US$190–US$255 depending on country) plus any score-report sending fees.
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Frequently asked questions
- What TOEFL score do I need to study in Finland?
- Most English-taught bachelor's programmes require a TOEFL iBT total of about 78–80, and most master's programmes require around 92, usually with a writing sub-score minimum of 20–22. Competitive programmes can ask for 92–100. Always check the exact requirement on your programme page.
- Is TOEFL or IELTS better for Finland?
- Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are accepted by every Finnish university that teaches in English, so choose whichever suits you. IELTS has a face-to-face speaking section; TOEFL is fully computer-based with integrated tasks. Pick the format you perform best in.
- How do I send my TOEFL scores to a Finnish university?
- Order an official score report through ETS and send it to each university's institution (DI) code. Finnish universities generally require the official ETS report, not a self-uploaded copy, before confirming admission.
- How long is a TOEFL score valid?
- TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Ensure your score is still valid on the application deadline for your intake.
Prefer IELTS? See our IELTS for Finland guide.