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Are you planning to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam and wondering about the costs involved? Understanding the fee structure of the TOEFL test can help you plan and budget effectively. This page provides a detailed breakdown of TOEFL exam fees, including registration costs, additional fees, and a comparison with IELTS fees.

Whether you're a student aiming to study abroad or a professional seeking career opportunities, knowing details about standard and add-on test prices is crucial for your planning and budgeting.

Standard TOEFL exam fees in Singapore

The registration fee for the TOEFL exam in Singapore is US$270 (approx. S$363), excluding tax. This fee covers the cost of the test and includes sending your scores to up to four institutions or agencies you select during registration.

It's essential to plan ahead and register early to avoid any additional costs. Planning ahead and registering early not only ensures you secure a seat but also helps you avoid additional costs. The TOEFL test dates in Singapore are available throughout the year, providing flexibility for test-takers to choose a date that suits their preparation timeline and application deadlines.

Upon completing your registration, you'll receive a confirmation email containing essential details such as your test date, reporting time, and the test centre location. It's recommended to review this information carefully and make note of any additional instructions provided to ensure a smooth test day experience.

Potential additional costs for TOEFL tests

Beyond the standard registration fee, there are several additional costs associated with the TOEFL exam in Singapore:

  • Late registration fees: If you miss the regular registration deadline, you may incur an additional USD 40 (approx. S$54) as a late registration fee.

  • Rescheduling fees: Should you need to reschedule your test date, there's a fee of USD 60 (approx. S$81).

  • Cancellation fees: Test-takers are able to receive a partial refund of their TOEFL test fees if they cancel at least four days before the test date. All refunds are partial, with only up to 50% of the registration fee (USD 135 or approx. S$181) being refundable.

  • Retake fees: In case you need to retake the TOEFL test, the same registration fee of USD 270 applies.

  • Reinstatement fees: If you wish to reinstate your cancelled scores, you’ll be charged USD 20 (approx. S$27).

  • Additional score reports: Additional score reports (per institution or agency) are available at a fee of USD 25 (approx. S$34) per report.

If you’re applying to more than four universities, scholarship programs, or immigration authorities with your TOEFL scores, do take note of the additional fees for score reports as they can add up quickly.

Comparing TOEFL and IELTS test fees and prices in Singapore

When considering the price-to-value ratio of English proficiency tests, it's essential to compare the TOEFL fees with those of IELTS. As the fees for both tests vary across countries, always refer to the costs of TOEFL and IELTS fees in Singapore to get the most accurate comparison.

In Singapore, the cost of the IELTS varies depending on the test type:

Test Format

Test Fee

Standard IELTS on Paper Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$378

Standard IELTS on Computer Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$378

UKVI IELTS on Paper Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$398

UKVI IELTS on Computer Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$398

IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1)

S$275

While the initial cost may appear higher for IELTS compared to TOEFL, its wider acceptance and recognition by universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide can provide a better return on investment for your future endeavours.

Beyond cost considerations, choosing IELTS through IDP offers several additional benefits.

The IELTS is recognised by over 12,000 entities worldwide as a gold standard in English proficiency, including:

  • Academic institutions and organisations

  • Immigration authorities and government sectors

  • Multinational organisations

  • Professional registration bodies across various fields (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, law, accounting, engineering, nursing)

IELTS is also a required accreditation for permanent residency in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, offering test-takers more streamlined pathways for immigration to these destinations. Additionally, unlike TOEFL, IELTS does not levy additional charges for score reports or reinstatement of scores. This policy allows test-takers to manage their admissions budget more effectively, especially when applying to multiple institutions or immigration programs.

IELTS also offers greater flexibility for test-takers with its two versions—Academic and General Training—each catering to specific needs.

The Academic version is suitable for those applying for higher education or professional registration, while the General Training version is for those migrating to English-speaking countries for work or training programs. Choosing between the Academic and General Training versions allows you to select the test format that best aligns with your educational aspirations, career objectives, or personal migration plans.

In conclusion, while the initial cost of IELTS may be slightly higher than TOEFL, its comprehensive benefits, global recognition, and flexibility make it a valuable investment for achieving your academic and professional ambitions.

Choose the English proficiency test that best suits your aspirations

Be it furthering your studies or hoping to embark on new career paths, deciding on the right English proficiency test can help you unlock countless opportunities overseas. Here’s how you can make an informed decision:

  • Understand your goals: Before choosing between TOEFL and IELTS, reflect on your specific aspirations. Are you aiming for admission into a prestigious university program? Or perhaps you're seeking professional registration in an English-speaking country? Identifying your goals will help determine which test aligns best with your academic and professional ambitions.

  • Conduct a comparative analysis: Consider factors such as test structure, scoring system, and test format. While TOEFL assesses academic English skills primarily through multiple-choice questions and integrated tasks, IELTS evaluates practical English language proficiency in real-life contexts through a variety of tasks. Understanding these differences in the TOEFL exam format can guide you in choosing the test that accurately reflects your language skills and test-taking preferences.

  • Use available preparation resources: Prepare effectively for your chosen test with the help of comprehensive preparation resources offered by IDP. As a co-owner of the IELTS, IDP provides access to online IELTS sample tests and free IELTS preparation guides tailored to each test component. These resources are designed to familiarise you with the test format, enhance your skills, and boost your confidence on test day.

For more information about both TOEFL and IELTS tests including test prices, TOEFL test dates, TOEFL vs. IELTS score guides, registration details, preparation resources, and more, contact IDP Singapore.

Our team of experienced experts and consultants is here to guide you through the process and help you choose the test that best suits your academic and professional goals. From signup to test day and beyond, our team can provide personalised guidance and advice to help you feel well-prepared and confident in pursuing your target band score.

Reach out today to find out how IDP can help you achieve your dreams of studying, working, and living overseas. Whatsapp us at +65 9152 1436 to get started!