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The TOEFL exam is widely used by Nepalese students applying to universities abroad, especially in the United States. Apart from the US, it is also accepted by institutions in Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for English-taught programs.
The test assesses academic English skills across reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and reports results using a standardised scoring system. From 2026, TOEFL scores are shown on a 1–6 scale, with a parallel 0–120 score during the transition period.
Accepted by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, TOEFL plays a key role in university admissions and visa decisions. With targeted preparation, Nepalese students can meet the required scores and achieve successful student visa outcomes.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL is an English proficiency test designed to measure the academic English ability of non-native English speakers for higher education in English-speaking countries. It evaluates whether students can understand lectures, read academic texts, present ideas, and communicate effectively in an English-taught environment.
The test is developed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a globally recognised organisation that creates academic and professional testing systems.
What is the full form of TOEFL?
The full form of TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. As the name suggests, the test’s purpose is to assess English proficiency for non-native English speakers enrolling in English-taught programs.
What is TOEFL iBT?
TOEFL iBT is the internet-based version of the TOEFL exam and the standard format used worldwide. It is delivered on a computer and assesses academic English skills through integrated reading, listening, speaking, and writing tasks.
What is TOEFL iBT Home Edition?
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows candidates to take the test from home under online supervision. However, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany do not accept Home Edition scores and require test-centre–based exams with controlled physical supervision for admission or visa assessment.
What is ETS TOEFL?
ETS TOEFL refers to the TOEFL exam as administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the official organisation that develops, delivers, scores, and reports the test.
Universities trust ETS TOEFL scores because ETS scores every test through a single, secure scoring system, not through the local test centre. A central ETS scoring team evaluates Speaking and Writing responses, supported by automated scoring systems, which keep standards consistent and reduce examiner bias.
Who Should Take the TOEFL Exam from Nepal?
Nepalese students planning to study in the United States should take the TOEFL exam, as it is the most commonly preferred English test for US universities. However, the test’s validity is not limited to the US, with institutions in Australia, Canada, and Europe also accepting it.
TOEFL is suitable for students applying to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. No matter the level of study, universities use it to assess academic English skills like lecture comprehension, reading, writing, and communication.
Students may also choose TOEFL when universities accept it as an alternative to IELTS or PTE, without specifying a required test format.
Who is Eligible to Take the TOEFL Exam?
Anyone with a valid passport can take the TOEFL exam, as there are no minimum age or educational requirements set by ETS. This makes TOEFL suitable for students at every academic stage.
The test is commonly taken by high-school graduates, Bachelor’s applicants, Master’s students, and PhD candidates who need to demonstrate academic English proficiency for university admission.
TOEFL Exam Format and Scoring
The TOEFL exam is delivered as a computer-based test and assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills used in academic settings. The total test duration is 2 hours, making it shorter than the earlier TOEFL format that took approximately 3 hours.
Each skill section is scored out of 30 points, with a total TOEFL score of 120. From January 2026, the TOEFL scoring report uses a 1–6 scale aligned with the CEFR, along with the 0–120 score.
The TOEFL exam format uses a combined human and AI-supported scoring model, where trained raters assess Writing and Speaking responses, while automated scoring systems are used for Reading and Listening using consistent assessment standards. This ensures fair and comparable scoring for all test takers, regardless of test location.
TOEFL Exam Fee in Nepal (2026)
The TOEFL exam fee in Nepal in 2026 is USD 205, which is approximately NPR 30,000, depending on the exchange rate at the time of payment. ETS also offers optional preparation bundles, but most Nepalese students book only the test and prepare separately.
| Package | Price | What it includes |
| Basic | $205 | Test booking only |
| Smart | $299 | Test booking + 3 official TOEFL practice tests |
| Genius | $504 | Test booking + 8 TOEFL practice tests + TOEFL Flex Practice (test simulations) + Official TOEFL Prep Course (OTPC) |
Most students choose the $205 option and join physical classes, as this is cheaper than paying $94 extra for only 3 practice tests.
TOEFL Test Dates & Test Centres in Nepal
The TOEFL exam is available on multiple dates throughout the year in Nepal. Test dates vary by location and seat availability, so candidates should check the official ETS portal when planning their test schedule.
TOEFL is conducted at approved computer-based test centres in the following cities and locations:
Kathmandu:
- EDF Admissions, Simkhada Plaza, New Plaza Road – View Location
- Fulbright Commission in Nepal (USEF/N), Aakriti Marg – View Location
- Alfa Beta Institute Pvt. Ltd., New Baneshwor – View Location
- Nepal International Educational Consultancy, Share Market Complex (4th Floor), Putalisadak – View Location
- Universal Language & Computer Institute, Dillibazar – View Location
Lalitpur: Kathmandu College of Management, Gwarko – View Location
Pokhara: LA GRANDEE International College – View Location
Chitwan: New Ambitions, Gaindakot-8 – View Location
How to Register for TOEFL in Nepal?
To register for the TOEFL exam in Nepal, follow these steps on the official ETS TOEFL website:
- Go to the TOEFL ETS signup page.
- Sign up using your email address and password.
- Enter your personal details exactly as shown on your passport.
- Select your test location, choose whether you want to take the test at a test centre or at home, and then pick an available date and time slot.
- Choose a test package and complete the online payment.
Once registered, your test details and updates will be available in your ETS account and via confirmation emails.
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
A TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date. After this period, the score expires and can no longer be used for university admission or visa applications, which means candidates must retake the TOEFL exam if required.
TOEFL Retake Policy
You can take the TOEFL exam multiple times, and ETS does not set a maximum lifetime limit on retakes. However, you must wait at least three days between test attempts.
You cannot book a new TOEFL test if it falls within three days of an existing or recently taken test, even if you cancelled or chose not to use the scores from that attempt. Each test booking is treated as a separate attempt and requires payment of the full exam fee.
Is TOEFL Accepted for Study Abroad?
Yes, TOEFL is widely accepted for study abroad, but acceptance depends on individual university and program requirements. Institutions set their own minimum TOEFL scores based on course level and academic intensity.
- United States: TOEFL is the most widely accepted English test and the preferred option.
- Canada: Many universities accept the TOEFL for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Australia & Oceania: TOEFL iBT is accepted by universities, but Home Edition scores are not accepted by Australia or New Zealand.
- Europe: TOEFL is accepted for English-taught programs in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries, and more.
Applicants should always check institution-specific score requirements and visa conditions before choosing TOEFL.
TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE: What’s the Difference?
TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE mainly differ in test delivery, scoring style, and regional preference. While TOEFL and PTE are fully computer-based, IELTS can be taken on either paper or computer and includes a face-to-face Speaking test.
Among Nepalese students, TOEFL is widely preferred for applications to the USA, although all three tests are accepted globally. The difference between TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS is also seen in how they are scored: TOEFL uses a 1–6 scale & 0-120 scale, IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale, and PTE uses a 10–90 scale.
Scoring methods vary as well. TOEFL uses a combination of human and AI-based scoring, PTE relies entirely on AI scoring, and IELTS uses human examiners for the Speaking and Writing assessments. Choosing the right test depends on destination country requirements, university preferences, and how comfortable you are with the test format.
TOEFL Preparation in Nepal
TOEFL preparation in Nepal generally follows two paths: self-study or guided classes. The right option depends on your current English level, target score, and whether you also need admission or visa processing assistance.
Self-study
If you have strong English fundamentals but need to understand the TOEFL test format, self-study is a suitable option. It is flexible and cost-effective, but you may face difficulties improving your speaking and writing without expert feedback.
Classes
If you need guidance to improve your TOEFL score, joining classes is a more reliable option. Instructors provide expert feedback, target your weaknesses, and offer score-focused strategies, especially for Speaking and Writing, where most students struggle to improve on their own.
Need Help With TOEFL & Study Abroad Plans?
Join TOEFL classes for expert guidance, mock tests, and score-focused preparation aligned with university and visa requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A TOEFL score between 80 and 100 is considered good for many universities, but there is no single “good” score. The right score depends on the country, university, program, level of study, and your personal academic goals.
The TOEFL exam takes approximately 2 hours in total for all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) in a single session.
Yes, TOEFL is accepted in many European countries for English-taught programs. Some examples include Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian nations. However, not all universities accept the Home version, and the German authorities do not accept the Home Edition for visa purposes.
Yes, TOEFL iBT is accepted by Australian universities, but the Department of Home Affairs does not accept Home Edition scores for visa purposes. If your target is Australia, always take the test at an authorised test centre, which can be found during registration.
Yes, TOEFL is widely accepted in Canada for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Each institution sets its own minimum score requirements, so be sure to check them out.
