7 Best TOEFL Prep Courses & Classes (2025)

Are you planning on attending a top U.S. college? Depending on what country you're from, you might have one major barrier you'll have to overcome: passing the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - also called the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).

Many American and Canadian colleges use this test to make sure you've got the English language skills needed to attend classes there, especially when it comes to academic English. Taking a TOEFL prep course is a great way to make sure you're ready to pass the big test.

In this article, we'll cover what the TOEFL is, which TOEFL prep courses can help you pass it, and some test prep tips.

What is the TOEFL?

TOEFL is a test that assesses your fluency in academic English. It's meant to test English language learners (non-native speakers) on their English skills.

You can take the exam in person at one of the official test centers. With 3,000 locations worldwide, there's bound to be one close to you. If in-person doesn't work for you, there's an at-home option: the TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT). For this one, you will have to meet certain environmental and equipment requirements. If you're looking for a way to take the test on your own terms, this is it.

The test is broken into four sections: 

1. Writing: This tests how concisely and clearly you can write in English. You write two essays in response to a prompt.
2. Reading: In the TOEFL reading section, you will read a passage in academic English and answer questions based on what you read.
3. Listening: Here, you'll listen to lectures and conversations in English and then answer questions about it to gauge your understanding.
4. Speaking: This section tests your ability to speak English clearly by verbally responding to a prompt.

What is a good TOEFL score?

In each section, you can earn up to 30 points, equaling up to 120 points in total. Based on the most recent testing data, the overall mean (average) TOEFL iBT score for all test takers in 2023 was 87. If you want a good score that will get you into a top college, you'll need to aim for higher than 100. 

The top 7 TOEFL prep courses to consider 

So, how can you make sure that your TOEFL scores are high enough?

Enrollment in a TOEFL preparation program can make all the difference! Let's look at some great online courses that will help you hone your English language skills and bring you closer to those target scores.

1. ETS: Official TOEFL iBT Test Prep

Price: $25.00-$149.99 (a la carte and package options available)

Course materials: Quizzes, videos, tips from expert instructors, access to discussion boards, and practice tests with feedback

Course access: 6 months

Money back guarantee: None

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the organization that actually administers the TOEFL test. In their official course, you'll have access to video lessons, practice questions, and their proprietary software.

2. Magoosh

Price: $109 or $129

Course materials: 120 video lessons, practice tests, practice questions, flashcards, Facebook study group

Course access: 1 or 6 months

Money back guarantee: 7-day

Magoosh offers a self-paced course that puts you in control of studying for the TOEFL. You'll have access to test experts and be able to send them as many questions as you may have. Paired with video lessons, practice tests, and a Facebook study group, that's a sure way to help you succeed!

3. Kaplan

Price: $349

Course materials: 190 video lessons, course book with practice problems and test-taking strategies, practice exams, and feedback

Course access: 3 months

Money back guarantee: Full refund if you do not pass or score higher 

Kaplan has a good reputation in the world of test prep, and their TOEFL prep course is no different. Not only will you have access to their user-friendly online portal, but you'll also receive a coursebook with practice problems and pro tips for test day.

4. Udemy

Price: $84.99

Course materials: Live classes, lectures, 61.5 hours of video, 90 downloadable resources, and mobile access

Course access: Unlimited

Money back guarantee: 30-day 

Udemy's TOEFL course is all about making sure you're well-equipped for your big day with videos, instructor feedback, and pro test-taking strategies. Plus, their lifetime access means you can start anytime and take as long as you need to feel ready for the test.

5. PrepScholar

Price: $187 ($385 for lifetime)

Course materials: Diagnostic assessment, 150+ hours of interactive lessons and videos, 1,000+ practice questions,  1-on-1 speaking and writing review, vocabulary lessons, TOEFL strategy and grad school admissions guide

Course access: 1 year (or lifetime)

Money back guarantee: 5-day free trial, then 15-point-increase score guarantee or full refund

PrepScholar's TOEFL preparation course starts you off with a diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. From there, their resources and access to experts are on hand to help you through it all. They're so confident about their method that they promise a 15-point increase in your score or your money back.

6. TestDen

Price: $149

Course materials: 4 timed and graded practice tests, speaking and writing exercises, interactive exercises, and video lessons

Course access: 180 days

Money back guarantee: 30-day

TestDen's online TOEFL preparation course is simple but effective. Their self-paced program and individualized study plan give you everything you need to succeed on the big exam day.

7. BestMyTest TOEFL Prep

Price: $39-$219

Course materials: Access includes over 1,000 practice questions, 21 full-length simulated tests, 1,500+ interactive lessons, 2,500+ commonly used TOEFL vocabulary words, a study guide with 200 TOEFL lessons, a mobile app, and trained instructor support for questions.

Course access: Choose from 7 days (Last Minute Plan), 1-6 months (Custom Plan), or 6-12 months (Premium Plan).

Money-back guarantee:

• Custom Plan (1-6 months): Guaranteed 7-point TOEFL score improvement or a refund of up to $100.
• Premium Plan (6-12 months): Guaranteed 15+ point TOEFL score improvement or a refund of up to $100.
• Last Minute Plan (7 days): No score improvement guarantee but tailored for quick preparation.

The BestMyTest Online TOEFL preparation course begins with a simulated test to assess your strengths and weaknesses, followed by interactive lessons to build English proficiency. Detailed feedback on your speaking and writing sections ensures you understand exactly what to improve.

TOEFL test preparation tips

Ready for test day? Here are a few pro tips:

• Build a study plan. Stay on track with milestones that will help you see your progress along the way. I know it sounds boring, but it's something we all need!
• Put it in writing. Whether you use an old-fashioned calendar or an app, write down your schedule for studying, your goals, and exact details for how you'll do it. 
• Use TOEFL practice tests. Get a feel for the questions and format by practicing. So, come test day, you'll know what's coming.
• Learn from your mistakes. Mistakes during your practice tests show you where you need to focus your studying.

How long do you need to study for the TOEFL test?

On average, most students take around two to three months to prepare for the TOEFL exam. Of course, everyone is different. If you're really determined and set yourself up with a studying schedule, you'll probably be ready even sooner. 

Use College Rover to find the best university for you

If preparing for the TOEFL sounds like a lot of work, that's because it is. But once you've invested the time and money to get that test score, you'll be one step closer to that sweet college life. 

After you pass your TOEFL exam, head to College Rover to research all the colleges and universities and find the best options that fit your needs. You can filter through all of the colleges on your list by tuition, test scores, location, degree programs, and more to find the one that's right for you.

That way, once you pass your TOEFL test, you'll be all set to start your college and career journey!