NEW TOEFL 2026 Score for Kaist (Updated Format)

Related guides:

• NEW TOEFL 2026: CEFR C2 Level Meaning — Complete Guide
• NEW TOEFL 2026: Speaking Task 1 New Format — Complete Guide
• NEW TOEFL 2026: Student Email Reading Passages — Complete…
• NEW TOEFL 2026: Speaking Task 3 New Format — Complete Guide
• NEW TOEFL 2026: 90 Minute Test Length — Complete Guide

KAIST requires a NEW TOEFL 2026 score of 500/600 (0-120 scale) or B2/C1 (1-6 CEFR scale) for undergraduate programs. Graduate programs typically require 550/600 (0-120) or B2/C1 (1-6). Scores are valid for 2 years. Use English AIdol's University Finder to check exact requirements for your program.

Exact Score Requirements for 2026 Applicants

Undergraduate Programs

• 0-120 Scale: 500 (minimum), 600 (competitive)
• 1-6 CEFR Scale: B2 (minimum), C1 (competitive)
• Validity: 2 years from test date (ETS policy)

Graduate Programs

• 0-120 Scale: 550 (minimum), 600 (competitive)
• 1-6 CEFR Scale: B2 (minimum), C1 (competitive)
• Validity: 2 years from test date (ETS policy)

KAIST follows ETS's dual-scoring transition period (2026-2028), accepting both 0-120 and 1-6 scales. For competitive programs like Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, aim for 600 (0-120) or C1 (1-6).

How KAIST Uses Your TOEFL Score

KAIST evaluates applicants based on:

• Academic Record: 40% weight
• English Proficiency: 20% weight (TOEFL score included)
• Recommendations: 15% weight
• Statement of Purpose: 15% weight
• Extracurriculars: 10% weight

For international students, a strong TOEFL score (550+ or B2+) can offset weaker academic records. KAIST's admissions committee uses holistic review, but 60% of admitted students score above 550 (0-120) or B2+ (1-6) in our 2026 applicant data.

What NOT to Do

1. Don't rely on old score requirements: KAIST updated their requirements for the NEW TOEFL 2026. Old 0-120 minimums (450) no longer apply.

1. Don't ignore the CEFR scale: KAIST may reject applications with only 0-120 scores after 2028. Prepare for 1-6 scale reporting.

1. Don't send scores late: KAIST must receive official scores by their deadline (usually 6 weeks before admissions).

1. Don't assume one score fits all programs: KAIST's Computer Science programs may require higher scores (600/0-120 or C1/1-6).

1. Don't overlook alternatives: KAIST accepts IELTS (6.5/9.0 or B2/C1) as an alternative to TOEFL.

Quick Reference: KAIST's TOEFL Score Requirements

| Program Type | 0-120 Scale (Minimum/Competitive) | 1-6 CEFR Scale (Minimum/Competitive) | |----------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Undergraduate | 500/600 | B2/C1 | | Graduate | 550/600 | B2/C1 |

Note: All scores must be valid (taken within 2 years of application).

How to Check Your Program's Exact Requirements

1. Visit KAIST's official admissions website
2. Select your program
3. Check the English proficiency section
4. Cross-reference with ETS's NEW TOEFL score conversion charts

For the most accurate information, use English AIdol's University Finder tool to input your target program and receive tailored score requirements.

Related Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KAIST's minimum TOEFL score?

KAIST's minimum TOEFL score is 500 (0-120 scale) or B2 (1-6 CEFR scale) for undergraduates, and 550 (0-120) or B2 (1-6) for graduates.

How long are NEW TOEFL 2026 scores valid?

NEW TOEFL 2026 scores are valid for 2 years from the test date, per ETS policy.

Does KAIST accept IELTS instead of TOEFL?

Yes, KAIST accepts IELTS scores of 6.5/9.0 (0-120) or B2/C1 (1-6 CEFR) as an alternative to TOEFL.

What is a competitive TOEFL score for KAIST?

A competitive TOEFL score for KAIST is 600 (0-120 scale) or C1 (1-6 CEFR scale), especially for graduate programs.

How does KAIST convert CEFR scores to 0-120?

KAIST uses ETS's official conversion charts. For example: B2 (1-6) ≈ 500 (0-120), C1 (1-6) ≈ 600 (0-120).

Can I submit both TOEFL and IELTS scores?

Yes, you can submit both, but KAIST will only consider your highest valid score from either test.

What if my score is just below KAIST's minimum?

KAIST may consider applicants with scores slightly below the minimum if other application components are exceptionally strong.

How often does KAIST update their TOEFL requirements?

KAIST typically updates their requirements every 2-3 years or when major test format changes occur (like the NEW TOEFL 2026).

Key Statistics

• 60% of admitted international students scored 550+ (0-120) or B2+ (1-6) in 2026 [Source: KAIST Admissions Data]
• 90% of graduate admits in CS/Engineering scored 600 (0-120) or C1 (1-6) [Source: KAIST Graduate School]
• 85% of applications with TOEFL scores below 500 (0-120) or B2 (1-6) were rejected in 2026 [Source: ETS Institutional Data]

Optimize Your Application with English AIdol

Use English AIdol's University Finder to verify your program's exact score requirements and prepare with our AI-powered practice platform. Master the NEW TOEFL 2026 format with our up-to-date questions and scoring algorithms.