EmmanuelThe Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) remains a cornerstone for Nigerians aspiring to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. As a globally recognized English proficiency test, its cost is a critical consideration for candidates across Nigeria. We aim to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the TOEFL exam cost in Nigeria, including fees, additional charges, payment methods, and factors influencing pricing, ensuring you have all the details needed to plan effectively.
Understanding the Base TOEFL Exam Fee in Nigeria
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is the most common format in Nigeria. As of April 2025, the standard registration fee for the TOEFL iBT in Nigeria is $195 USD. However, this amount fluctuates in Nigerian Naira (NGN) due to exchange rate variations. With the current exchange rate hovering around ₦1,600 to $1 USD, the cost translates to approximately ₦312,000. This base fee covers the exam itself, access to your scores online, and the option to send your results to up to four institutions for free, provided you designate them before the test day.
For those opting for the TOEFL Essentials Test, a shorter and more affordable alternative, the fee is $100 USD, or roughly ₦160,000. This version, while less widely accepted, suits candidates needing a quicker, budget-friendly option for specific purposes like visa applications or less stringent academic requirements.
Additional Costs Beyond the Base Fee
While the base fee is the starting point, we must highlight additional expenses that could impact your total TOEFL cost in Nigeria. Late registration, rescheduling, or cancellations incur extra charges. Registering after the standard deadline adds a $40 USD late fee (approximately ₦64,000), pushing the total to ₦376,000 for the TOEFL iBT. Rescheduling your test date costs $60 USD (around ₦96,000), and canceling your registration—provided it’s done at least four days before the exam—refunds only 50% of the base fee, meaning you’d lose ₦156,000.
Sending scores to additional institutions beyond the initial four costs $20 USD per recipient (about ₦32,000). Other services, like score reinstatement after cancellation or requesting a score review for the speaking and writing sections, range from $20 to $80 USD (₦32,000 to ₦128,000). These fees underscore the importance of planning your registration and test day meticulously to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Payment Methods for TOEFL Registration in Nigeria
We recognize that flexibility in payment is crucial for Nigerian candidates. ETS offers several options to settle the TOEFL exam fee. You can pay using credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or JCB), which automatically converts the USD amount to NGN based on your bank’s exchange rate. Alternatively, PayPal is accepted, though less common in Nigeria due to limited adoption. For those without digital payment options, e-checks are viable if linked to a U.S. bank account, though this is rare among Nigerians. Lastly, paper checks or money orders in USD, mailed to ETS, are an option, but this method is slower and less practical given Nigeria’s postal system.
Most candidates in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt prefer card payments for their speed and convenience, especially since registration is completed online via the ETS website. We advise confirming your card’s international transaction capability with your bank to avoid payment hiccups.
Factors Influencing TOEFL Costs in Nigeria
Several factors affect the TOEFL exam price in Nigeria, beyond the base fee set by ETS. The exchange rate is the most significant variable. In 2023, the fee was reported at ₦83,811 when the rate was around ₦460 to $1 USD. Today’s higher rate of ₦1,600 reflects Nigeria’s economic shifts, directly inflating the cost in Naira. Test center location also plays a role. While ETS standardizes the fee across Nigeria, travel expenses to reach centers in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu, Port Harcourt, or Abeokuta can add to your budget, especially for candidates in rural areas.
Preparation costs further influence the total investment. Official ETS materials, such as the TOEFL Official Guide (around ₦15,000–₦25,000 locally), practice tests, and online resources are optional but recommended. Coaching centers in urban hubs charge between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000 for intensive courses, depending on duration and reputation. We suggest weighing these costs against free or low-cost alternatives like online forums, YouTube tutorials, and library resources to optimize your budget.
TOEFL Test Centers and Their Impact on Cost
Nigeria hosts TOEFL test centers in eight major cities: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu, and Abeokuta. The fee remains consistent across these locations, but accessibility varies. Candidates in Lagos or Abuja benefit from multiple centers and frequent test dates, reducing travel costs. Conversely, those in states like Zamfara or Yobe may need to travel long distances, adding transportation and accommodation expenses—potentially ₦20,000 to ₦50,000—to their total outlay. We recommend checking the ETS website for the nearest center and available dates to minimize these ancillary costs.
Comparing TOEFL Costs to Alternatives
To contextualize the TOEFL fee in Nigeria, we can compare it to other English proficiency tests. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) costs between ₦256,500 and ₦266,000 for paper and computer-based versions, respectively, as of 2025. While slightly cheaper in Naira terms, IELTS serves similar purposes, and some institutions accept both. The TOEFL Essentials Test at ₦160,000 offers a budget-friendly alternative, though its acceptance is narrower. We advise verifying your target institution’s requirements before choosing, as the TOEFL iBT’s broader recognition often justifies its cost.
How to Register and Manage TOEFL Expenses
Registering for the TOEFL in Nigeria is straightforward via the ETS website. Create an account, select a test date and center, and pay the fee online. We recommend registering at least one month before your preferred date, as slots in popular centers like Lagos fill quickly. Early registration avoids the $40 late fee and allows time to prepare. For cancellations or rescheduling, act promptly—requests must be made four days prior to the test for a partial refund. Designate your four free score recipients during registration to save on additional reporting fees later.
Maximizing Value: Preparation Tips to Avoid Retakes
The TOEFL exam cost can escalate if you need multiple attempts to achieve your desired score. We advocate thorough preparation to maximize your investment. Leverage free ETS resources like sample questions and the TOEFL Practice Online tool. Local libraries in Lagos and Abuja often stock study guides, while online platforms offer affordable practice tests. Joining study groups or enrolling in a reputable coaching center—such as those in Ikeja or Wuse—can refine your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, reducing the likelihood of costly retakes.
Read also: How Much is American Visa Fee in Nigeria? A Comprehensive Guide
TOEFL Fee Reduction and Financial Assistance
ETS offers a Fee Reduction Service, but it’s primarily for U.S. high school seniors, leaving most Nigerian candidates ineligible. However, we’ve identified local alternatives. Some Nigerian NGOs and educational consultancies, like those in Lagos and Port Harcourt, occasionally provide scholarships or subsidies for exam fees. Universities abroad may also waive TOEFL requirements for Nigerians with strong academic backgrounds, though this is rare. Contact your target institution or local education offices to explore such opportunities and offset the ₦312,000 fee.
Why the TOEFL Cost is Worth It
Despite the expense, the TOEFL exam in Nigeria unlocks doors to over 11,000 institutions in 150 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. A strong score enhances visa applications, scholarship eligibility, and job prospects in English-speaking environments. For Nigerian students and professionals, this investment—averaging ₦312,000 plus preparation—yields long-term returns in global education and career mobility. We view it as a strategic step toward international success, provided you plan and prepare effectively.
Read also: How Much is IELTS in Nigeria?
Final Thoughts on TOEFL Pricing in Nigeria
The TOEFL exam cost in Nigeria, pegged at $195 USD or ₦312,000, reflects both global standards and local economic realities. Additional fees for late registration, rescheduling, or extra score reports can push the total higher, while travel and preparation costs vary by individual circumstances. By understanding these expenses, choosing the right test center, and preparing diligently, we believe you can navigate the process efficiently. The TOEFL remains a valuable credential for Nigerians aiming to excel on the world stage—its cost is a small price for the opportunities it unlocks.
Emmanuel