Top Universities that Do Not Require GRE

Top Universities Which Don't Require GRE

Here, we have mentioned the list of top universities in the world, which do not accept scores of Graduate Record Examination for offering admission:

University	Program
University of Toronto	Master of Science in Applied Computing
University of Oxford	MSc in Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
University of Melbourne	Master of Engineering – Mechanical
McGill University	Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology
University of Cambridge	MPhil in Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology
National University of Singapore	Master of Science – Civil Engineering
University of British Columbia	Master of Engineering
Monash University	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.

Universities in US which don't require GRE for Masters

The table displays a list of universities in the US, with their QS World University Rankings, 2025, where GRE is not mandatory for a master's programme.

Institute	QS World University Rankings, 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	#1
Purdue University	#89
University of Pittsburgh	#275
Northeastern University	=396
Washington State University	=466
Florida International University	=574
New Mexico State University	#791-800
University of Cincinnati	#761-770
George Mason University	#1001-1200
University of North Texas	#1001-1200

Universities in UK which don't require GRE for Masters

The table displays a list of universities in the UK, with their QS World University Rankings, 2025, where GRE is not mandatory for a master's programme.

Institute	QS World University Rankings, 2025
Imperial College London	#2
University of Cambridge	#5
University of Edinburgh	#27
University of Manchester	#34
University of Sheffield	#105
University of Reading	#172
Middlesex University	#721-730
University of Central Lancashire	#951-1000
Birmingham City University	#1001-1200

Universities in Canada Which Don't GRE for Masters

The table displays a list of universities in Canada, with their QS World University Rankings, 2025, where GRE is not mandatory for a master's programme.

Institute	QS World University Rankings, 2025
Concordia University	=415
University of Windsor	#547
University of Manitoba	#661-670
University of New Brunswick	#681-690
University of Regina	#951-1000
Brock University	#1201-1400

List of Study Abroad programs where GRE is optional

University of California, Berkeley	Master of Science in Architecture
University of California, Berkeley	PhD in Architecture and Environmental Design
George Mason University	Humanities and Social Sciences

GRE General Test

The GRE general test measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills – skills that have been developed over a long period of time and are not related to any particular field of study but have very high significance.

• Verbal Reasoning: The verbal reasoning section measures your ability to analyze, reason from incomplete data, select important points, summarize text, understand the meaning of individual words and understand the relationship among concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The quantitative reasoning section measures your ability to understand and interpret given information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic elementary concepts such as arithmetic, algebra and geometry.
• Analytical Writing: The analytical writing section measures your ability to articulate complex ideas, support ideas with relevant reasons, examine claims, sustain a coherent discussion and control the elements of standard written English.

GRE Subject Test

The GRE subject test measures the student’s knowledge and skills in a particular field of study. This test is for students having an undergraduate degree or extensive background in one of the following subjects:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Psychology

The GRE subject test scores are widely used by universities all over the world for admission or fellowships by respective panels. GRE subject test scores supplement students’ undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.

Why is GRE Exam Important?

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.

Top Master's Courses Which Don't Need GRE

The following master's programmes can be done without GRE.

Criminal Justice	Finance
Education	Accounting
Computer Science	Liberal Arts
Psychology	English
Sociology	Public Health
Marketing	Management
Human Resources	Social Work
Nursing	Healthcare Management
Theology	Public Policy and Administration
Communication	Mass Communication

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 a 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.