The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia known for its diverse landscapes, extensive coastline, and welcoming communities. International students are attracted to the country because of the quality of Filipino universities, affordability, access to academic and research facilities, and the availability of programs taught in English.
Philippine universities may require international applicants to provide proof of English proficiency. Standardized tests such as TOEFL and IELTS help universities assess an applicant’s academic English skills. This article examines seven universities in the Philippines that publish TOEFL-related admission requirements or guidance.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Universities in the Philippines
English-language requirements vary by university, applicant category, and academic program. Some university pages also continue to display scores using older TOEFL scales. The table below reflects the wording currently published by the universities and distinguishes between admission minimums and scores that lead to additional English coursework.
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| Ateneo De Manila | 80 iBT or 550 PBT | 80 iBT or 550 PBT |
| University of the Philippines | No universal freshman minimum published; 61 iBT for foreign transfer applicants | 61 iBT, 500 PBT, or 173 CBT |
| De La Salle University | No current universal minimum publicly specified | TOEFL accepted; no current universal minimum publicly specified |
| Mapúa University | 75 iBT, 500 PBT, or 173 CBT | 500 on the paper-based scale |
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines | 480–500 PBT may require additional English coursework | 480–500 PBT may require additional English coursework |
| Batangas State University | 46–59 iBT, as published by the university | 46–59 iBT, as published by the university |
| University of San Carlos | 60 iBT | 60 iBT |
As of January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports use a 1–6 scale. During a two-year transition period, ETS also provides a comparable overall score on the former 0–120 scale. Applicants can therefore use the comparable score when a university still publishes a requirement such as 60, 75, or 80.
1. Ateneo De Manila University
Ateneo De Manila is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit university whose history dates to 1859.
The university’s international-applicant checklist states that applicants who must demonstrate English proficiency need an overall TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test or 550 on the paper-based test. Test results generally must not be more than two years old.
2. University of the Philippines – Diliman
Under its 2008 charter, the University of the Philippines is the national university of the Philippines. The UP System consists of several constituent universities, including UP Diliman.
UP Diliman’s general foreign undergraduate-admission page requires official TOEFL or IELTS results when English was not the applicant’s previous medium of instruction, but it does not publish a universal minimum for all foreign freshman applicants. Its foreign-transfer and graduate-admission pages publish minimum TOEFL scores of 500 PBT, 173 CBT, or 61 iBT. Individual colleges and programs may impose additional requirements.
3. De La Salle University
De La Salle University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields that include business, science, computing, and psychology.
The university’s current graduate-admissions information requires international applicants to submit an English-proficiency test result, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Oxford ELLT, unless they qualify for an exemption.
4. Mapúa University
Mapúa University is an engineering- and technology-focused university. Several of its engineering and computing programs hold accreditation from ABET, a nonprofit organization that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
Mapúa’s undergraduate admission guidance lists TOEFL minimums of 75 iBT, 500 on the paper-based test, or 173 on the computer-based test for applicants who are not native English speakers. Applicants who have not taken TOEFL or IELTS may be directed to the Mapúa English Language Test. The graduate-studies application page states that nonnative English speakers need a TOEFL score of at least 500 or an IELTS overall band of 6.0, with no individual IELTS score below 5.5.
5. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines is a government educational institution and chartered state university. Its main A. Mabini Campus is in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The international-student requirements state that applicants with an IELTS score of 4.5–5.0 or a TOEFL score of 480–500 may be required to complete a prescribed number of English-course hours. An intensive English course may also be assigned after the applicant takes the university’s English placement test.
6. Batangas State University
- TOEFL Requirement
- Published TOEFL score: 46–59 iBT, as stated on the university’s international-student page
Batangas State University is a state university designated as the Philippines’ National Engineering University under Republic Act No. 11694.
The university’s international-student page states that applicants whose native language or previous medium of instruction is not English need a TOEFL score in the published 46–59 iBT range, or its paper-based equivalent. Applicants whose native language or previous medium of instruction is English may be exempt. Because the university presents a range rather than one clear cutoff, applicants should confirm the score required for their intended program.
7. University of San Carlos
The University of San Carlos is a Catholic educational institution in Cebu City that offers education from kindergarten through undergraduate and graduate study.
International freshman, master’s, and doctoral applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of at least 60, or another score prescribed by the program. The official page does not identify whether the TOEFL score of 60 refers specifically to the iBT. Applicants who graduated from a school that used English as its medium of instruction must submit a certificate from the institution.
Because English-language requirements differ among universities and applicant categories, students should use this article as a starting point and confirm all requirements directly with the institution before submitting an application.
We hope that this article on universities accepting TOEFL scores helped you understand their language requirements. If you are interested, check out the Philippines Page and the Available Programs for International Students!
