Updated January 2026
TOEFL in Serbia: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything changes on January 21st. New scoring, new tasks, faster results. Here's what you need to know.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It's a test that proves you can use English well enough to study at a university abroad.
Over 12,000 universities accept TOEFL, including Harvard, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge. If you want to study in the US, UK, Canada, or most other English-speaking countries, you'll probably need this test.
The test checks if you can read textbooks, listen to lectures, talk in class, and write essays—all in English.
Not sure about your level?
Take a free test to see how much prep time you need.
What Changes on January 21, 2026
ETS (the company that makes TOEFL) is completely redesigning the test. This is the biggest change in TOEFL history. Almost everything is different.
The short version: the test is shorter, scoring is simpler, and you get results in 3 days instead of a week. But the Speaking section is much harder because you have zero time to prepare your answers.
The New 1-6 Scale
Instead of scores from 0 to 120, the new TOEFL uses a scale from 1 to 6. Each section gets a score, and your total is the average of all four sections.
| New Score | Level | Old Score (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | Expert (C2) | 114-120 |
| 5.5 | Advanced+ (C1+) | 102-113 |
| 5.0 | Advanced (C1) | 87-101 |
| 4.5 | Upper Intermediate (B2+) | 72-86 |
| 4.0 | Upper Intermediate (B2) | 57-71 |
Quick conversions: Old 100 = New 5.0. Old 90 = New 4.5. Old 80 = New 4.0.
From 2026 to 2028, your score report will show both the new scale and the old scale so universities can adjust. After 2028, only the new scale remains.
How the Adaptive Test Works
The new TOEFL is adaptive. This means the test changes based on how well you're doing. If you answer questions correctly, you get harder questions. If you struggle, you get easier ones.
Here's how it works in two phases:
Medium difficulty for everyone
This matters a lot. If you do badly in Phase 1, you can't get a top score even if you ace Phase 2. The first questions decide your ceiling. Prepare for them carefully.
The New Task Types
The 2026 test adds practical, real-life tasks alongside academic content. The old integrated essay (where you read, listen, then write) is completely gone.
Reading (Adaptive)
Fill in missing letters in words within a paragraph. Tests vocabulary and spelling.
Short texts like emails, text messages, menus, social media posts. Tests practical reading.
Listening (Adaptive)
Hear a statement or question, pick the right response. Audio only—no text shown.
Campus life dialogues with comprehension questions.
Speaking
On the old test, you had 15-30 seconds to prepare each answer. On the new test: zero seconds. You hear the question and must speak immediately.
Hear 7 sentences and immediately repeat them exactly. Tests pronunciation and rhythm.
3-4 interview questions about familiar topics. 45 seconds to answer, 0 seconds to prepare.
Writing
Put scrambled words in the right order. Tests grammar and syntax.
Write an appropriate email for a scenario in just 7 minutes.
Test Structure and Timing
The new test is shorter. The order is: Reading → Listening → Writing → Speaking.
| Section | Time | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (Adaptive) | ~30 min | ~50 |
| Listening (Adaptive) | ~29 min | ~47 |
| Writing | ~23 min | ~12 |
| Speaking | ~8 min | ~11 |
| Total | ~90 min | ~120 |
Plan for about 2 hours total including instructions. Results come in 72 hours. Paper score reports are discontinued from January 2026.
Where to Take TOEFL in Serbia
You can take TOEFL at test centers or at home (TOEFL Home Edition).
Belgrade
- International Academic Center — Terazije 45/9, 4th floor (EducationUSA network)
- Institut za strane jezike — Gospodar Jovanova 35
Other Cities
- Niš: IT Centar — Cara Dušana 90/3
- Subotica: OPEN University — Trg cara Jovana Nenada 15
- Novi Sad: American Corner — Kej Žrtava Racije 2b (availability varies)
You must bring your passport on test day. National ID cards are not accepted. The name must match your registration exactly.
Home Edition
Same price as test centers. Available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week. Most universities accept Home Edition scores.
You need: a computer (not tablet), speakers (no headphones), a webcam that can show your whole room, stable internet, and a whiteboard or paper in a clear sleeve for notes.
Price in Serbia
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT test | $215-245 (~€200-225) |
| Late registration (within 7 days) | +$49 |
| Change test date | $69 |
| Extra score report | $29 |
| Score review (Speaking or Writing) | $80 |
The test fee includes 4 free score reports to universities. Serbia isn't affected by EU VAT increases that raised prices in France ($324), Sweden ($295), and Germany ($265).
What Scores Do Universities Need?
Top US Universities
| University | Minimum | Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard | 100+ | 104+ |
| MIT | 90 | 100+ |
| Stanford | 100 | 109+ |
| Yale | 100 | 100+ |
UK Universities
| University | Minimum | Section Mins |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford | 110 | L:22, R:24, S:25, W:24 |
| Cambridge | 100-110 | 25 in each |
| Imperial | 92-100 | 20 in each |
Oxford will not accept TOEFL tests taken after January 21, 2026 until they review the new format. If you're applying to Oxford, take the test before this date or use IELTS.
TOEFL vs IELTS vs Cambridge C1
| Criteria | TOEFL 2026 | IELTS | Cambridge C1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | ~90 min | ~2h 45min | ~4 hours |
| Speaking | Computer | Face-to-face | With partner + examiner |
| Results | 72 hours | 3-13 days | 2-6 weeks |
| Valid for | 2 years | 2 years | Lifetime |
| Adaptive | Yes | No | No |
Which to choose? For the US: TOEFL. For UK visa: IELTS (TOEFL isn't accepted for UK visas, only for university admission). For long-term: Cambridge C1 lasts forever.
How Long Does Preparation Take?
Research shows you need about 200 hours of study to improve by one level (like B1 to B2).
| Starting Level | Target Score | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| A2 (Basic) | 80 (B2) | 8-12 months |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 90+ (B2+/C1) | 4-6 months |
| B2 (Upper Intermediate) | 100+ (C1) | 2-4 months |
| C1 (Advanced) | 110+ (C1+/C2) | 4-8 weeks |
Key Strategies for the 2026 Format
- Practice instant speaking. Both new Speaking tasks give you zero prep time. Practice answering random questions immediately, without notes.
- Train your audio memory. Listen and Repeat requires exact sentence repetition. Practice repeating podcast sentences word-for-word.
- Read everyday English. The new format includes practical texts (emails, menus, messages) that the old format didn't test.
- Master 7-minute emails. Practice writing professional and casual emails under time pressure.
- Nail Phase 1. Your performance on the first questions determines your maximum possible score. They're the most important.
Need help preparing?
Achivr offers preparation for TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge C1. 500+ students, 95% pass rate.
Free Consultation →