TOEFL Exam Fee: How Much Does the TOEFL Cost? (2026)

How much does the TOEFL cost? Unlike some standardized tests, there isn’t one simple answer—the TOEFL iBT registration fee varies by country, ranging from around $173 to $475. If you’re in the United States, you’ll pay $270. In India, the exam fee is approximately $173 (often around INR 16,000 to INR 17,000).

But the registration fee is just the starting point. Depending on your situation, you might also face fees for rescheduling, additional score reports, or even a retake. In this guide, we’ll break down every possible TOEFL cost so you can plan your budget—and share tips for keeping expenses as low as possible.

TOEFL Exam Fee by Country

Here’s the biggest difference between the TOEFL and many other standardized tests: the registration fee depends on where you take the test. The price can vary dramatically—what costs $195 in one country might cost $475 in another.

Here’s a sample of TOEFL exam fees to give you a sense of the range:

As you can see, the difference can be significant. A test-taker in Japan pays less than half what someone in Switzerland pays for the exact same test.

To find the exact fee for your country, visit the official ETS TOEFL fees page and select your location.

Pro tip: If you live near a border or travel frequently, it might be worth checking fees in neighboring countries. In some cases, the savings could be substantial—though you’ll want to factor in travel costs and logistics before making that decision.

TOEFL Additional Service Fees

Beyond the registration fee, ETS charges for various add-on services. Unlike the registration fee, these fees are the same regardless of where you take the test:

A few things worth noting:

• You get 4 free score reports when you register. You select the institutions during or after registration. Additional reports beyond those four cost $29 each.
• Express registration only applies if you’re registering within 7 days of the test date. If you plan ahead, you avoid this fee entirely.
• Score reviews are available if you truly believe your Speaking or Writing score doesn’t reflect your performance. Your score can go up, stay the same, or go down—so request a review only if you’re quite confident the original score was an error (especially given how pricy this additional offering is).

At Home vs. Test Center: Is There a Price Difference?

Good news: the TOEFL iBT Home Edition costs the same as taking the test at a test center. The registration fee is identical regardless of which format you choose, so your decision can be based entirely on convenience and comfort—not cost.

This applies worldwide. Whether you’re testing from home in India or at a test center in the US, the fee for your country is the same either way.

Taxes May Add to Your Total TOEFL Cost

Here’s something that catches many test-takers off guard: the fees listed above may not include taxes.

In many countries—including the United States, Canada, Australia, and all EU member states—sales tax, VAT, or similar taxes are added on top of the listed registration fee when you place your order. The TOEFL Information Bulletin specifies the full list of countries where taxes are excluded from the listed price.

This means the actual amount charged to your payment method may be higher than the registration fee shown on the ETS website. Keep this in mind when budgeting—especially in countries with high VAT rates.

Calculate Your Total TOEFL Cost

Want to estimate your total TOEFL expenses? Use the calculator below. Since the registration fee varies by country, enter your country’s fee in the first field (you can look it up on the ETS fees page), then check off any additional services that apply to your situation. For a quick estimate, you can use the default US price of $270.

Examples of Different TOEFL Costs

To make this more concrete, here are three scenarios showing how TOEFL costs can add up. These examples use the US fee of $270, but you can substitute your country’s registration fee to see what each scenario would cost for you.

Scenario A: Smooth Sailing

You register on time, take the test once, and send scores to four schools (included free).

This is the best-case scenario—and with solid preparation, it’s completely achievable.

Scenario B: Schedule Change

You register within 7 days of the test (express registration), then realize you need to reschedule.

That’s $118 in avoidable fees. Planning ahead makes a real difference.

Scenario C: Retake + Extra Score Reports

You take the test, aren’t satisfied with your score, retake it, and send scores to 7 schools (3 beyond the free 4).

This scenario—which isn’t unusual—costs more than double the basic registration fee. The best way to avoid it? Prepare thoroughly the first time around.

Pro tip: A great way to avoid a retake and thus save some money is to give yourself ample time to study and follow a TOEFL study schedule.

Cost of Studying for the TOEFL

The registration fee isn’t your only expense. How you prepare for the TOEFL affects your total cost too. Here’s a breakdown of common study methods, from least to most expensive:

Free Resources

ETS offers free practice tests and sample questions directly on their website. This is a great starting point, especially for understanding the test format. YouTube also has a wealth of TOEFL strategy videos and practice materials—just be selective about quality. Check out our list of the Best Free TOEFL Resources.

Books

The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test from ETS is the gold standard, since it’s written by the people who make the test. Third-party books from publishers like Cambridge and Barron’s can also be helpful, particularly for additional practice questions. Just make sure that you’re getting a book that’s been updated for the major changes that happened to the TOEFL in 2026.

Online Courses

Online courses offer the best balance of affordability and comprehensive preparation for most test-takers. Magoosh TOEFL Prep, for example, features over 1300 official ETS questions, expert video lessons, and personalized feedback on Speaking and Writing. You also get access to 4 official full-length practice tests.

Private Tutoring

If you need targeted help—particularly with Speaking and Writing, where personalized feedback matters most—private tutoring can be highly effective. Online platforms like Preply and Wyzant connect you with TOEFL tutors, with rates starting around $10–$20/hour for tutors based in countries with lower costs of living, and $50–$80+/hour for experienced tutors based in the US or UK.

Pro tip: Before investing in expensive prep materials, take a free TOEFL practice test to see where you stand. You might be closer to your target score than you think!

How to Save Money on TOEFL Fees

The TOEFL isn’t cheap, but there are ways to reduce your costs. Here’s what’s available.

ETS Fee Reduction Service

ETS offers a Fee Reduction Service that covers 50% of the registration fee. However, eligibility is limited:

• You must be a high school senior in the United States
• You must demonstrate financial need (family income at or below USDA Food and Nutrition Service guidelines)
• You must apply through your school counselor
• Foreign exchange students are not eligible
• The voucher is valid for one year from the date of issue

This is a meaningful discount for those who qualify—but it’s worth being forthcoming: ETS does not offer a broad fee reduction program for international students. If you’re testing outside the US, this option likely isn’t available to you.

TOEFL Voucher Program

Some schools and institutions purchase TOEFL vouchers in bulk from ETS and distribute them to students. These vouchers cover part or all of the registration fee. Ask your school counselor, university, or employer if vouchers are available—you might be surprised.

Practical Tips to Keep Costs Down

Even without a fee reduction, you can minimize your total TOEFL spending:

• Register early. Avoid the $49 express registration fee by signing up more than 7 days before your test date.
• Prepare thoroughly. The single most expensive TOEFL mistake is having to retake the test. Solid preparation the first time saves you $270+ (your country’s registration fee all over again).
• Choose your 4 free score reports wisely. Research which schools you’re applying to before you register, so you can use all 4 free reports strategically. Additional reports are $29 each.
• Don’t reschedule unless you truly have to. That’s $69 you won’t get back.
• If you must cancel, do it early. Cancel at least 4 full days before your test to receive a 50% refund. Miss that deadline and you get nothing.
• Use affordable study materials. Free ETS practice tests, YouTube, and budget-friendly online courses can be just as effective as expensive tutoring—especially with a disciplined study plan.

TOEFL Refund and Cancellation Policy

Life happens. If you need to cancel your TOEFL appointment, here’s what to expect:

Important details:

• To reschedule or cancel, you must do so at least 4 full days before your test date. For example, if your test is Saturday, you must cancel by Tuesday.
• If you no-show without canceling, you lose the entire registration fee.
• You can cancel or reschedule through your ETS account—not by email, regular mail, or at the test center.
• Note that there is a slightly different policy when testing in South Korea. See the TOEFL Information Bulletin for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TOEFL Home Edition cost the same as the test center?

Yes. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition and the test center version cost exactly the same. The registration fee is determined by your country, not the testing format. So choose whichever option is more convenient and comfortable for you—cost isn’t a factor.

Are taxes included in the TOEFL fee?

It depends on your country. In many locations—including the US, Canada, Australia, and all EU member states—taxes are added on top of the listed registration fee. Check the TOEFL Information Bulletin for the full list of countries where taxes are not included in the listed price.

Can I get a TOEFL fee waiver?

ETS offers a Fee Reduction Service, but it’s only available to US high school seniors with demonstrated financial need. It covers 50% of the registration fee and must be applied for through a school counselor. There is no broad fee waiver program for international students. Some institutions do offer TOEFL vouchers to their students, so it’s worth asking your school.

How many times can I take the TOEFL?

There’s no lifetime limit on the number of times you can take the TOEFL. However, you must wait at least 3 days between test attempts. Keep in mind that each retake costs the full registration fee for your country, so thorough preparation before your first attempt is the most cost-effective approach.

Is the TOEFL more expensive than the IELTS?

It depends on your country. TOEFL and IELTS fees both vary by location, so one may be cheaper than the other depending on where you take it. In many countries, the fees are fairly similar. Compare prices for your specific location before deciding—though the choice between TOEFL and IELTS should be based primarily on which test your target institutions prefer, not cost.

Ready to start preparing? Magoosh TOEFL Prep features over 1300 official ETS questions, expert video lessons, and instant feedback on Speaking and Writing—everything you need to reach your target score and avoid costly retakes. Start your free trial today.