TOEFL iBT Preparation
Structured TOEFL Preparation for University Admission
UK-qualified tutors specialising in TOEFL iBT — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Mock tasks reviewed every session. From £25/hr.
No payment required. No commitment.
TOEFL or IELTS?
Understanding the difference
TOEFL and IELTS measure similar skills but in very different formats. The right choice depends on your target university, country, and personal test-taking style.
| TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Test format | Entirely computer-based | Mixed (computer or paper) |
| Speaking | Recorded digital responses | Face-to-face interview |
| English variety | American English throughout | British/international English |
| Scale | 1–6 band (0–120 comparable to 2028) | 1–9 band score |
| Best for | US and Canadian universities | UK, Australian, Canadian universities |
| Results | Typically within 72 hours | Online in 13 days |
Preparing for IELTS instead?
View IELTS TutoringSee our IELTS & TOEFL hub for a full side-by-side comparison and programme overview.
Four Sections, One Score
How Nexus prepares you for each TOEFL section
TOEFL iBT tests Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Since 21 January 2026 scores are reported on a 1–6 band; reports also include a comparable 0–120 total through January 2028.
Reading
0–54 ptsAcademic passages on science, social science, and humanities topics. Questions test comprehension, inference, and vocabulary.
Nexus approach: Passage breakdown, question-type drills, time management under the 36-minute limit.
Listening
0–30 ptsLectures and campus conversations. Questions test comprehension of main ideas, details, and speaker purpose.
Nexus approach: Active listening strategies, note-taking during audio, catching academic vocabulary in context.
Speaking
0–30 ptsSix tasks — two independent, four integrated with reading and listening input. All recorded digitally.
Nexus approach: Response templates, fluency drills, integrating reading/listening content into spoken responses.
Writing
0–30 ptsOne integrated task (read/listen/write) and one academic discussion task. Both marked by human raters.
Nexus approach: Integrated task synthesis, academic discussion strategy, grammar and lexical range improvement.
University Requirements
TOEFL scores required by leading universities
Score requirements vary significantly by institution and programme. The table below shows typical minimums for popular study destinations.
| Country | Example Universities | Min. TOEFL Score |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Harvard, MIT, Columbia, NYUHighly competitive programmes at top universities typically require 100–110+ | 90–110 |
| Canada | University of Toronto, UBCMost Canadian universities require 86–93 for undergraduate; graduate programmes 100+ | 86–100 |
| Australia | University of Sydney, MonashAustralian institutions increasingly accept TOEFL; check individual programme requirements | 79–94 |
| United Kingdom | London Business School, ImperialUK universities accepting TOEFL tend to be business schools and research institutions | 100–110 |
Scores listed are indicative 0–120 totals still used on many admissions pages. For the 2026 1–6 band (4.0 = 72+, 4.5 = 86+, 5.0 = 95+) see what 4.5 and 5.5 TOEFL scores mean. Always verify with the programme — graduate entry is often higher.
Programme Options
Three structured programmes for every timeline
Choose the programme that matches your test date and current score. All include a full diagnostic in session one.
Rapid
6 sessions · 3–4 weeks
For students with an upcoming TOEFL test who need rapid, focused improvement in specific sections.
- TOEFL diagnostic in session 1
- Focus on weakest sections
- 2 integrated task reviews
- Speaking response recordings reviewed
- WhatsApp support between sessions
Standard
12 sessions · 6–8 weeks
Full coverage of all four TOEFL iBT sections with mock tasks and score-building strategies.
- Full diagnostic in session 1
- All four TOEFL sections covered
- 4 integrated task reviews
- Speaking recordings with feedback
- Personalised study plan
- Monthly progress report
Full Preparation
20 sessions · 10–14 weeks
Comprehensive TOEFL preparation for students targeting 100+ and applying to competitive programmes.
- Full diagnostic + mock TOEFL iBT
- All four sections — intensive coverage
- 6+ integrated task reviews
- Full practice Speaking responses
- Weekly score tracking
- University requirements guidance
- Priority WhatsApp support
Real Results
TOEFL students who reached their target score
“I needed a TOEFL score of 100 for my application to Michigan. I was scoring around 85 in practice tests. After 12 sessions with my Nexus tutor focusing on the Integrated Writing and Speaking tasks, I scored 107 on test day.”
Yara B.
TOEFL student, Beirut
“The TOEFL Speaking section was my biggest fear. My tutor at Nexus had me recording and reviewing responses from the very first session. By week 8, I was consistently scoring in the 24–26 range. Final score: 104.”
Dmitri K.
TOEFL student, Almaty
Common Questions
TOEFL questions answered
Neither IELTS nor TOEFL is universally easier — it depends on your academic background and learning style. TOEFL iBT uses exclusively American English and is computer-based throughout, including the Speaking section which records responses to prompts. IELTS uses British and international English and includes a face-to-face Speaking interview. Students with strong computer skills and American English exposure often find TOEFL more natural. Nexus Academy can help you make the right choice based on your specific strengths.
Most US universities require a TOEFL iBT score of 80 to 100 for undergraduate admission. Top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale typically require scores of 100 to 110 or above. Graduate programmes often have higher requirements — 90 to 105 is typical, with some departments requiring 110+. Nexus Academy tutors know the requirements of the most competitive US institutions.
Students who score 70 to 80 in TOEFL practice tests and are targeting 100 typically need 10 to 15 weeks of structured preparation at two sessions per week. Students starting below 70 may need longer. The Nexus Academy diagnostic session in week one establishes a realistic timeline based on your current level and exam date.
Yes. Nexus Academy delivers all TOEFL preparation online. Because TOEFL iBT itself is a computer-based test, preparing online with screen-sharing and live response recording is a natural and effective format. Nexus tutors work with students in over 20 countries, with flexible timezone scheduling.
TOEFL iBT tests four skills — Reading (54 points), Listening (30 points), Speaking (30 points), and Writing (30 points) — for a total score of 120 points. The Reading and Listening sections test comprehension of academic texts and lectures. The Speaking section records responses to integrated and independent prompts. The Writing section includes an integrated task and an academic discussion task.
TOEFL iBT is entirely computer-based and uses American English throughout. IELTS uses a mix of British and international English and includes a face-to-face Speaking interview. TOEFL is more commonly accepted by US and Canadian universities, while IELTS is preferred by UK and Australian institutions. Both are recognised globally. Nexus Academy offers preparation for both exams.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
Further reading: TOEFL 4.5 and 5.5 scores explained →
Further reading: How to prepare for TOEFL in 30 days →
Further reading: IELTS vs TOEFL 2026 — which should you take? →
Book Your Free Diagnostic
Your TOEFL target score is within reach
Book a free TOEFL diagnostic. Your tutor will assess all four sections, identify your weakest areas, and give you a realistic roadmap to your target score.