TOEFL Score Sending Process
TOEFL Score Sending Process: Complete Guide for Indian Students
Understanding the TOEFL score sending process is essential for every Indian student planning to apply to universities abroad. A single misstep - like missing a deadline or choosing the wrong score recipients - can delay your application and cost you additional fees.
This guide walks you through every stage of the TOEFL score sending process, from selecting free score recipients on test day to requesting additional score reports after your exam. You will also find tips on avoiding common mistakes and the best resources to boost your score before you send it anywhere.
What is the TOEFL Score Sending Process?
The TOEFL score sending process refers to how ETS (Educational Testing Service) delivers your official score reports to the universities or institutions you designate. Unlike informal score sharing, these are verified reports sent directly from ETS to the recipient institution - which is why most universities require them for admissions, scholarships, and visa applications.
Your TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date. Institutions will not accept reports beyond this window, so timing your applications carefully is critical. Many Indian students lose time by waiting too long after receiving scores before initiating the sending process.
How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities: A Complete Guide
You can send TOEFL scores to universities either on test day or afterward through your ETS account. On test day, you can designate up to four score recipients at no extra charge. After test day, additional score reports must be requested through the ETS portal and come with a fee per recipient.
Key Steps to Send TOEFL Scores
- Log in to your ETS TOEFL account at ets.org/toefl.
- Navigate to "Score Recipients" under your test registration.
- Search for your target institutions using the ETS institution code.
- Confirm your selections before your test date to use the free sending option.
- For post-test sending, go to "Order Score Reports" in your account dashboard.
Indian students applying to graduate programs in the US, Canada, or the UK should double-check the institution code for each university before submitting, as wrong codes mean your scores reach the wrong department or institution entirely.
TOEFL Free Score Recipients: How Many Schools Can You Choose?
ETS allows you to send your TOEFL scores to up to four designated score recipients for free, provided you select them on or before your test day. This means you can choose four schools, universities, or institutions at no additional cost as part of your registration - a significant saving for students applying to multiple programs simultaneously.
These four free TOEFL designated score recipients must be chosen before midnight (US Eastern Time) on your test date. If you miss this window, even for the same four schools, you will be charged the additional score report fee per institution.
Step-by-Step Process to Send Additional TOEFL Score Reports
If you need to send scores beyond the four free recipients, or if you wish to add institutions after test day, you must request additional score reports through your ETS account. To prepare well for your test before reaching this stage, Practice Tests for TOEFL can help you build confidence and simulate real test conditions.
Steps for Additional Score Reports
- Sign in to your ETS TOEFL account.
- Select the test date for which you want scores sent.
- Choose "Order Additional Score Reports."
- Search and select institutions using institution codes.
- Pay the applicable fee per recipient.
- Confirm and submit the order.
You can also choose to send your MyBest scores (see the section below) or scores from a specific test date when ordering additional reports.
TOEFL Score Sending Fees: What You Need to Know
The TOEFL score sending fee for each additional score report beyond the four free recipients is USD 20 per institution as of 2026. This fee applies per institution per score report request, so sending scores to five extra universities would cost USD 100 in total.
Fee Summary
- Free recipients on test day: Up to 4 institutions - no charge.
- Additional score reports after test day: USD 20 per institution.
- Reinstating a cancelled score: USD 20 per score.
For Indian students, these USD amounts translate to a substantial expense given current conversion rates. Planning your recipient list carefully on test day can save you a significant amount. Brushing up on your language skills through an Essential English Vocabulary for TOEFL course on EduRev before your test date helps you maximise your score before the sending stage.
How Long Does TOEFL Score Delivery Take?
The TOEFL score delivery time typically takes between 11 to 13 days after your test date for institutions to receive official score reports. This TOEFL score reporting timeline applies to both the four free recipients and any additional score reports ordered after the test. Plan your application deadlines accordingly - do not assume scores will arrive in two or three days.
For students appearing for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, the same delivery timeline generally applies. Always check the specific deadline requirements of each institution, as some universities require scores to be received (not just sent) before the application deadline.
Sending TOEFL Scores Before vs. After Test Day: Key Differences
| Feature | Before/On Test Day | After Test Day |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Free Recipients | Up to 4 | 0 (all charged) |
| Cost | No charge | USD 20 per institution |
| Deadline | Midnight ET on test day | Any time within score validity |
| Score to Send | Most recent test date only | Any valid test date or MyBest scores |
This comparison makes it clear that selecting your TOEFL score recipients before test day is always more cost-effective. Indian students often wait to see their scores first, but doing so means losing the free sending window entirely.
TOEFL Score Sending Online: Using Your ETS Account
The ETS TOEFL score sending online process is managed entirely through your ETS account portal. Once logged in, the "Score Recipients" section lets you manage all past and future score report requests in one place. You can track the status of your score delivery and confirm when an institution has received your report.
TOEFL Preparation Resources on EduRev
Scoring well before sending requires thorough preparation across all four sections. EduRev offers dedicated section-wise courses to help you target your weakest areas before your test date.
TOEFL MyBest Scores and Score Sending Options Explained
TOEFL MyBest scores represent your highest section scores across all valid TOEFL iBT attempts taken within the last two years. For example, if you scored higher on Reading in one attempt and higher on Speaking in another, your MyBest report will combine these peaks into a single composite score.
When sending TOEFL MyBest scores to universities, this option is included automatically at no extra charge alongside your most recent score report. However, not all institutions accept MyBest scores - always verify the policy of each university before relying on this option for your application. Students who want to improve individual section scores before sending can start with a Crash Course for TOEFL on EduRev for a structured, time-bound revision plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the TOEFL Score Sending Process
Many Indian students make avoidable errors during the TOEFL score sending process that result in delays or unnecessary costs. Being aware of these pitfalls can save you both time and money.
- Missing the test-day deadline for free recipients: Waiting until after your test to add recipients means you forfeit the four free slots and pay USD 20 per school.
- Using incorrect institution codes: ETS uses specific codes for each department; using a general university code instead of the graduate admissions code sends scores to the wrong office.
- Assuming MyBest scores are universally accepted: Many top universities, especially in the US, still require a single-sitting score - always check the admissions policy before sending only your MyBest report.
- Ignoring score validity when applying late: TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Sending a score report from an older test that has expired at the time the university reviews your file is a common and costly mistake.
- Not tracking delivery status: Submitting a score report request does not guarantee delivery confirmation - always log back into your ETS account and verify receipt status closer to your application deadline.
Best TOEFL Preparation Courses to Maximize Your Score Before Sending
Before you initiate the TOEFL score sending process, it is worth ensuring your scores genuinely reflect your best performance. Sending a low score wastes your free recipients and forces you to pay for additional reports later. Consistent preparation across vocabulary, fluency, and test strategy can make a measurable difference in your final scores.
For students who want to build spoken fluency alongside TOEFL preparation, Spoken English in 30 Days on EduRev is a practical course that strengthens everyday communication - skills that directly help in the TOEFL Speaking section.
Comprehensive TOEFL Preparation on EduRev
EduRev offers a structured set of TOEFL preparation resources that cover every aspect of the exam - from building vocabulary to taking full-length mock tests. These courses are designed specifically for Indian students and align with the latest TOEFL iBT format.
