If you are planning to study abroad, you've likely heard of TOEFL, a name almost synonymous with English-language proficiency tests. For decades, it has served as a trusted gateway for non-native speakers to demonstrate their readiness for academic life in English-speaking countries. As of today, TOEFL is accepted by over 13,000 Universities and Institutions in more than 160 countries. 

Starting 21^st January, 2026, TOEFL is being reborn as ETS is introducing a new, more adaptive, more relevant, more future-friendly version of the TOEFL iBT. In this article, we will walk you through exactly what’s changing, what’s staying, and how you can prepare to ace the new version of this exam with confidence. Whether you are targeting Universities in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe or beyond, let’s have an insider’s preview of the 2026 TOEFL for aspirants like you.