The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL (ˈtoʊfəl ), evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English

English language

English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...

 in an academic setting.

It sometimes is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges

College

A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...

 and universities

University

A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...

. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test.