TOEFL iBT for My PhD Application in Japan (Score: 87)

If my Master’s story was about TOEIC, this one’s different. To apply for the PhD program and NIMS-GRA, I had to take the TOEFL iBT — not by choice, but because circumstances forced my hand.

Here’s why I ended up switching from TOEIC to TOEFL, how much it cost, the short prep I managed to squeeze in, and the final score I walked away with.

Why TOEFL, Not TOEIC Again?

The TOEIC certificate I used for my Master’s application had already expired by the time the doctoral application period began. So I needed a new English certificate.

At first, I planned to take the TOEIC again — cheaper and easier. But I wasn’t familiar enough with how English testing works in Japan, and I miscalculated: the TOEIC waiting list in Japan can stretch out two to three months. The TOEFL iBT, on the other hand, let me register and take the exam at a nearby test center within a short window.

Given how tight the PhD application timeline was, I ended up registering for TOEFL — even knowing it would be more expensive and harder.

Cost: A Noticeable Difference

That ¥20,000 difference wasn’t a small amount for me at the time. But with the clock ticking, I didn’t have another option.

Preparation: Less Than 2 Weeks

TOEFL is known to be harder than TOEIC, but my time was genuinely limited. I studied for less than two weeks, focusing only on reading and listening.

For speaking and writing, I honestly just relied on whatever English ability I already had — no dedicated prep.

Exam Day: My First Time Testing in Tokyo

This was my first time taking the TOEFL iBT, and also my first time taking an exam in Tokyo. I left Tsukuba early in the morning to get there.

At the test site, the process was simple: show ID, wait to be called in, check the speaker and microphone, then start the test.

Result: Total Score 87

Reading felt the most exhausting — long, tedious, sleep-inducing. Listening was fairly manageable. Speaking… well, you can imagine how awkward it feels speaking loudly in the same room as other test-takers. Still, that’s no excuse — I probably just didn’t prepare enough for that section.

Lesson: The Score Was Just an Administrative Box to Check

With that score, I was finally able to apply for the doctoral program. Later on, I found out something reassuring: the English score wasn’t actually used as a major evaluation criterion — just an administrative requirement.

So if you’re in a similar position — check first whether the English score at your target university is actually evaluated, or if it’s just a box to check. If it’s just administrative, go with the easiest and cheapest option, like TOEIC. It’s still widely accepted for university applications in Japan, and far friendlier to your wallet.

If you already know your score will be used for evaluation, then it’s worth considering a test that matches what you actually need.