TOEFL Fee Waiver for International Students

For international students who want to take the TOEFL test, money can be a big worry. But there’s good news! The people who organize the TOEFL test called the Educational Testing Service (ETS), offer something called a TOEFL fee waiver.

This waiver helps students who might not have enough money to pay for the test. To qualify for a fee waiver, students usually need to show that they don’t have much money, or that they’re part of certain programs. Let us learn more about the TOEFL fee waiver!

The TOEFL Fee Reduction Service aims to assist financially disadvantaged high school seniors in the United States who need help with TOEFL exam fees for college or university applications.

The TOEFL Fee Waiver Reduction Service is crafted to help a high school senior in the United States who is in need of financial assistance and applying to colleges or universities which demand TOEFL scores.   

Eligibility Criteria

• To qualify for the fee reduction service, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• They must be non-native English speakers who plan to attend college.
• Applicants must be in their senior year of high school.
• They should have attended high school in the United States.
• Students must belong to a family receiving public assistance or have been accepted into an economically disadvantaged program like Upward Bound.
• They should reside in federally subsidized public housing.
• Foreign exchange students are not eligible for TOEFL fee reduction vouchers. The authority determining fee reduction eligibility considers total annual family income based on the number of dependents.

Income Thresholds

The applicant’s financial need is assessed based on the total annual family income. Below are the income thresholds based on the number of dependents:

• 1 Dependent: $23,606
• 2 Dependents: $31,894
• 3 Dependents: $40,182
• 4 Dependents: $48,470
• 5 Dependents: $56,758
• 6 Dependents: $65,046

Procedures for Obtaining Fee Reduction Vouchers

Students interested in receiving fee reduction vouchers must follow these procedures:

• Registration – Online Medium:
• Create an account on the TOEFL registration system.
• Pay 50% of the regular test fee by check or postal money order payable to ETS-TOEFL iBT.
• Write their name on the front of the check or money order.
• Submit the check or money order to their counselor.
• Students who register online will receive a fee reduction voucher number in their ETS account.

Registration – By Phone or Mail

• Obtain a Student Profile Form from a counselor.
• Complete the Student Profile Form.
• Pay 50% of the regular test fee by check or money order payable to ETS-TOEFL or ETS-TOEFL iBT for paper administrations.
• Write their name on the front of the check or money order.
• Submit the check or money order and Student Profile form to their counselor.

Students who register by phone or mail will receive a voucher number via email.

Here are some important things to remember before applying for TOEFL Fee Waiver Reduction Services:

1. Application Period: The application for TOEFL fee waiver reduction services remains open throughout the year until vouchers are exhausted. Applicants should apply in a timely manner to secure assistance.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the fee waiver reduction services. These criteria often include being a high school senior in the United States, having financial need, and meeting certain residency or program participation requirements.
3. Documentation: Applicants will need to provide evidence of eligibility to their counselor, such as proof of family income, participation in public assistance programs, or acceptance into economically disadvantaged programs like Upward Bound.
4. Score Reporting: Students who receive fee reduction vouchers can take the TOEFL test without hassle and send their scores to up to four institutions for free. These institutions must be selected before the test day.
5. Score Recipient Changes: For TOEFL iBT test takers, score recipients can be selected, added, or deleted online until 10 pm (local time) the day before the test. It’s crucial to finalize score recipients before the deadline, as changes cannot be made on the test day.
6. Additional Fees: While fee reduction covers a portion of the test fee, students are responsible for other fees such as rescheduling and additional score reports. They should budget accordingly for these expenses.
7. Non-Transferable Vouchers: Fee reduction vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be given to other candidates. Each voucher is tied to the individual applicant who qualifies for financial assistance.

The TOEFL iBT Voucher Services provided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) offer valuable assistance to institutions and agencies seeking to support students in managing the costs associated with the TOEFL iBT test. Here are the important highlights of this service:

1. Purpose: The TOEFL iBT Voucher Services aim to facilitate institutions and agencies in covering TOEFL iBT test fees or offering local registration services for applicants or students.
2. Procurement: Institutions purchase these vouchers from ETS and distribute them to students who need financial assistance to take the TOEFL iBT test.
3. Cost Coverage: There is no additional fee charged for availing of this service. Institutions only need to pay for the student’s test fees.
4. Delivery: Once ETS receives a completed request form and payment, they promptly send the vouchers to designated addresses within three weeks.
5. Validity: TOEFL iBT vouchers remain valid for up to 12 months from the date of issuance, providing flexibility for students to schedule their tests according to their convenience.
6. Distribution: Institutions or agencies are responsible for distributing these vouchers to eligible candidates, who can then utilize them during the registration process.

Benefits for Students

Cost Relief: The TOEFL iBT vouchers offer financial relief to students by covering part or all of the test fees, enabling them to pursue their academic and professional goals without financial barriers.

Accessibility: By providing vouchers to eligible candidates, institutions ensure equitable access to the TOEFL iBT test, regardless of financial constraints.

Opportunity: Access to TOEFL iBT vouchers opens doors for students to demonstrate their English proficiency, enhancing their prospects for academic advancement, employment opportunities, and international mobility.

Related Links

1. TOEFL Full Form
2. TOEFL Exam 2024
3. Topics For TOEFL Speaking 2024: Sample Topics & Questions
4. TOEFL Requirements for Colleges in 2024: What Score Do You Need?

Who is eligible for the TOEFL fee waiver?

TOEFL fee waivers are primarily designed for high school seniors in the United States who demonstrate financial need. International students may not be eligible for fee waivers through ETS.

Can international students apply for TOEFL fee waivers?

TOEFL fee waivers are not available for international students. These waivers are primarily aimed at assisting students in the United States who face financial challenges.

How can international students manage TOEFL test costs?

International students can explore various options to manage TOEFL test costs, such as budgeting, seeking scholarships, or financial aid from educational institutions.

Are there any financial assistance programs for international students taking the TOEFL test?

While TOEFL fee waivers may not be available for international students, some educational institutions or organizations may offer scholarships or financial assistance to help cover test costs.

Can international students receive fee waivers through their educational institutions?

Some educational institutions may offer fee waivers or financial assistance to international students based on specific criteria. Students should inquire with their institutions about available support options.