GRE or Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized test required for getting into many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. The GRE Exam is owned and administered by
ETS (Educational Testing Service). GRE scores of candidates are accepted at thousands of graduate programs across the globe, for masters and doctorate degrees. Apart from this, many business schools are also accepting GRE scores for giving admission. In this article, we will inform you about the Study Abroad programs that do not require GRE.
Importance of GRE Exam
Students from across the world apply for admission for programs, now colleges need to know about the candidates before giving them admission. While giving admission Universities assess students based on their performance in the standardized test. Even if the candidates have scored above average in their previous degrees, universities do not know about the quality of the education provided in different countries. Therefore, a standardized test brings everyone on the same page and assess them on equal parameters. So the scores of the test become important criteria for getting admission. It becomes important for the candidate whether they will be selected or rejected by their dream school.
Study Abroad without GRE
Studying abroad is a long and often complex process and expensive too. Clearing the GRE exam is not easy for everyone. Students work hard to score well in the GRE exam but still not able to make it to their dream college. Also, for giving this exam an aspirant has to shell US $205 every time registering for it. Apart from this, many students submit their applications at the last moment, so, they focus on the application process and don't go for the GRE Exam. Apart from the GRE/GMAT, students have to give English Language Proficiency Tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. So, they focus their energy on all other aspects of the application. Universities also understand that students did not get high scores in standardized tests like GRE. Therefore, there are various universities offering different programs without GRE/GMAT.
Also, experts argue that this exam is quite expensive and students need to give a great amount of time for preparing for this exam, so, they should have the choice of giving it. As many aspirants possess a sufficient amount of work experience in their domain and a good GPA or an advanced degree in their field, so, they should be exempted from giving the GRE test.
PG (Masters) Programs that don’t require GRE for Admission
University |
Program |
---|---|
Master of Science in Applied Computing |
|
MSc in Computer Science |
|
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
|
Master of Engineering – Mechanical |
|
Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology |
|
MPhil in Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology |
|
Master of Science – Civil Engineering |
|
Master of Engineering |
|
Master of Advanced Engineering |
Even top universities offer programs without the GRE test. Apart from this, students can apply to various programs where GRE is optional.
List of Study Abroad programs where GRE is optional
Master of Science in Architecture |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
PhD in Architecture and Environmental Design |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
Criteria for waiving off GRE Scores
- Some universities also waive off the GRE score if the candidate's GPA is above average and has an overall strong profile.
- Various universities waive off the GRE score if the candidate has gained relevant work experience in the similar field he is looking to study further.
- Apart from this, in very few cases, universities waive off the GRE score if the candidate has an excellent undergraduate research project. In these cases, universities assess the candidate's potential from his work.

With a plethora of knowledge of the education domain, Piyush Kohli has been involved with study abroad for over 5 years and counting. He comes with prior experience on the complexities of the study abroad applicatio... Read Full Bio