September 30, 2026

University of Groningen TOEFL Requirements 2026

Groningen requires TOEFL 4.0 to 5.0 by programme; many science courses use 4.5, with section minimums and no MyBest scores.

Verified requirement summary

The University of Groningen does not use one TOEFL minimum for every degree. Current published requirements range from 80 to 100 on the comparable 0 to 120 scale and from 4.0 to 5.0 on the current 1 to 6 scale.

A common Faculty of Science and Engineering profile is 90 overall, with Reading 21, Listening 21, Speaking 21, and Writing 24. For tests taken from January 21, 2026, the official profile is 4.5 overall, with Reading 4.0, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0, and Writing 5.0.

MyBest scores are not considered for the verified science profiles. Results must come from one test, normally be no more than two years old, and the Home Edition is considered only case by case where stated.

Last verified July 25, 2026.

How the requirement works on both score scales

TOEFL score reports for tests taken from January 21, 2026 use the 1 to 6 scale in half-point steps. During the transition, ETS also provides a comparable 0 to 120 overall score. Groningen has already published official current-scale values for many programmes, so applicants should use the university's programme-specific value rather than replacing it with a general conversion.

Verified profile	Earlier scale	Current scale
Science and Engineering common profile	90; R21, L21, S21, W24	4.5; R4.0, L4.5, S4.0, W5.0
Economics and Business bachelor	80; S20, W20	4.0; S4.0, W4.0
International and European Law bachelor	100; at least 21 each	5.0; R4.0, L4.5, S4.0, W4.5

The TOEFL score converter can help applicants read the two formats, but Groningen's official programme page remains the controlling source.

Undergraduate, graduate, and programme differences

Undergraduate requirements vary substantially by faculty. Economics and Business publishes an 80 or 4.0 profile, while the International and European Law bachelor uses 100 or 5.0. Science and Engineering, University College Groningen, Psychology, Campus Fryslân, Spatial Sciences, and other programmes publish their own combinations of overall and section minimums.

Graduate admission is also programme-specific. Many Science and Engineering master's programmes use 90 or 4.5 with the section floors shown above. The Faculty of Economics and Business master's profile lists 90 overall with Speaking 20 and Writing 24 on the earlier scale, while its current-scale profile is officially listed as 4.0 overall with Speaking 4.0 and Writing 5.0. Law master's programmes commonly use 100 or 5.0 with additional section requirements.

These differences matter because an overall score alone may not qualify. A student can exceed the total but miss a Writing, Speaking, Reading, or Listening floor. Applicants should open the exact degree page, identify the applicable faculty profile, and check whether the programme adds stricter rules.

How competitive is Groningen really?

A published TOEFL requirement is an eligibility threshold, not an admission forecast. Groningen's official pages do not provide a universal competitive TOEFL target above the minimum, so it would be misleading to invent one. Academic background, programme fit, prerequisite courses, documents, and available places can still affect the decision.

The practical goal is to clear both the total and every required section with enough consistency that one weaker test day does not create an avoidable problem. That is a preparation principle, not a claim that a higher TOEFL score guarantees admission.

How to prepare for the target

Use T-G-R: Target, Gap, Route. First, write the exact programme target, including every section floor. Second, compare it with one recent full practice result. Third, build the route around the largest qualifying gap rather than studying every skill equally.

For example, an applicant to a Science and Engineering master's programme has a practice result of 92 overall, with Reading 24, Listening 23, Speaking 23, and Writing 22. The total is above 90, but Writing is below the required 24. The target is therefore not simply 90. The gap is two Writing points, and the route should prioritize timed writing, sentence-level error review, and repeated responses checked against the task requirements while maintaining the other sections.

Start with the free Essentials edition of the TOEFL iBT 2026 Target Score Diagnostic Workbook to record the university profile, section floors, and current gaps. The Complete Digital edition adds a fuller diagnostic workflow for turning those gaps into a structured study route and reviewing progress across later practice tests.

FAQ

What TOEFL score does the University of Groningen require?

It depends on the programme. Published profiles reviewed for 2026 range from 80 to 100 on the comparable earlier scale and from 4.0 to 5.0 on the current scale.

Does Groningen accept MyBest scores?

No for the verified Science and Engineering profiles. Groningen states that MyBest scores are not considered and that required results must be achieved in one test.

Does Groningen accept the TOEFL Home Edition?

Only case by case where the reviewed faculty policy says so. Applicants should confirm the exact programme's current test-format rule before booking.

How long are TOEFL scores valid for Groningen?

The verified faculty pages require results that are no more than two years old. Check the relevant deadline and programme page because application timing determines whether a score remains valid.