Attention 2026 applicants! The landscape of international admissions just shifted. The TOEFL iBT is undergoing a major overhaul starting January 21, 2026. However, top-tier UK universities are sounding the alarm: "New scores will not be accepted temporarily!" 😱
According to the latest official updates, Oxford and Cambridge have announced they will suspend acceptance of TOEFL scores obtained after Jan 21, 2026.
❓ Why the sudden change?
The universities need time to evaluate whether the new "Multistage Adaptive Testing" design accurately reflects a student's academic English proficiency. Until they are satisfied with the data, they are playing it safe.
📍 Global Policy Snapshot
| Region | Policy Status | Recommendation |
🇬🇧 UK (Conservative) | Oxford, Cambridge, and Glasgow have paused acceptance. | IELTS is the strongly recommended "Gold Standard." |
🇺🇸 USA (Open) | Harvard, Yale, and Stanford remain supportive of the new format. | No major changes; TOEFL remains a top choice. |
🇦🇺🇨🇦 AU/CA | Policies remain stable across most institutions. | Most institutions continue to accept TOEFL as usual. |
💡 Is Switching to the Duolingo English Test (DET) a Good Move?
With TOEFL uncertainty rising, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has become the ultimate "Plan B." But is it right for your specific journey?
✅ YES, consider DET if:
Targeting the US: Over 2,000 US universities (including the Ivies) recognize it. Bonus: It’s
$1/3$ the cost of TOEFL.On a Tight Deadline: Get results within 48 hours—perfect for last-minute application rounds.
Convenience is Key: Test from home and skip the testing center stress!
⚠️ NO, stay away from DET if:
Targeting Oxbridge: Oxford and Cambridge do not accept Duolingo. You must stick to IELTS.
UK Visa/Pre-sessional Requirements: Many UK language prep courses still strictly require IELTS for UKVI.
🚀 Pro-Tips for 2026 Applicants
The "Safe" Path: Take the IELTS. It remains the gold standard for the UK and is globally accepted.
The "Fast" Path: If you’re aiming for US or Canadian schools, DET is your best friend.
The "Legacy" Path: Try to take the TOEFL before Jan 20, 2026. Old scores are still valid for 2 years!
⚠️ Reminder: Policies are shifting fast during this transition. Always double-check the English Language Requirements on your target university's official website before booking your exam!
Tag a friend who is stressing over their English exams! Choosing the right test is the first step to your success abroad. 🔥
#StudyAbroad #TOEFL2026 #Oxford #Cambridge #DuolingoEnglishTest #IELTS #StudyUK #StudyUSA #DET
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