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Colleges with GRE Waiver 2025 | Top Business Schools Guide

Explore top business schools offering GRE waivers for 2025 admissions with deadlines, requirements, and application tips.

colleges with gre waiver

Key Takeaways

-Colleges with GRE waiver options are rising globally, including top U.S. universities.
-Many top schools now focus on academics, work experience, and personal statements.
-GRE waiver helps save around $220 in test fees and months of preparation time.
-Students from remote or diverse backgrounds benefit from easier application access.

Many universities around the world are now allowing students to apply without submitting GRE scores. This is called a GRE waiver. It means you don’t have to take the GRE test to get into certain master’s programs. Instead, universities focus more on your academics, work experience, projects, and personal statement.

There are now many colleges with GRE waiver options, especially in the U.S., Canada, UK, and other top study destinations. If you're planning to study abroad, this can save you both time and money, and make the application process easier.

Colleges with GRE Waiver for Fall 2025

colleges with gre waiver

If you’re planning to apply for graduate programs in 2025, you’ll find many universities that no longer require the GRE. This is helpful for students who want to avoid the cost and time needed for GRE prep. Below are the top colleges offering GRE waivers for Fall 2025, including Ivy League and non-Ivy League options.

Top Ivy League Colleges with GRE Waiver

Ivy League universities are known for their competitive admission processes. However, many of these prestigious institutions have decided to make the GRE optional or not required for certain programs. This provides a unique opportunity for applicants to apply without the stress of standardized testing. Here are the Ivy League universities offering GRE waivers:

  • Columbia University: GRE optional for most graduate programs
  • Cornell University: GRE optional for specific programs
  • Harvard University: GRE not required for many graduate programs
  • University of Pennsylvania: GRE optional for several departments

Non-Ivy League Colleges with GRE Waiver

In addition to the Ivy League, several top Non-Ivy League universities have also waived the GRE requirement for Fall 2025 admissions. This allows applicants to showcase their strengths in other areas without the pressure of a GRE score. Below are some well-known Non-Ivy League institutions offering GRE waivers:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): GRE not required for most programs
  • Stanford University: GRE not required for a wide range of graduate programs
  • University of California, Berkeley: GRE not required for many departments
  • The University of Texas at Austin: GRE optional for various programs
  • Purdue University: GRE not required for numerous courses

Colleges Offering Course-Specific GRE Waivers

colleges with gre waiver

Some universities offer GRE waivers only for specific programs or departments. Some colleges only waive GRE for certain courses or departments. These programs often look at work experience, GPA, and personal essays instead.

  • George Mason University School of Business: GRE waived for specific business programs
  • UC Davis Graduate School of Management: GRE waived for management-related programs
  • Harrisburg University of Science & Technology: GRE waived for select technology and science programs
  • University of Massachusetts: GRE waived for certain graduate programs, including some in the School of Public Health
  • Yale University: GRE waiver available for select graduate programs across multiple departments
  • Jackson State University: Masters of Arts in Teaching program does not require GRE scores
  • Duquesne University: GRE waiver applicable for various graduate programs

 Country-Wise List of Colleges with GRE Waiver

colleges with gre waiver

Several universities across different countries are offering GRE waivers for the 2025 admissions cycle. This provides students with a wider range of options, depending on the country they wish to study in. Below is a country-wise list of colleges with GRE waiver for Fall 2025, highlighting universities in the USA, Canada, and other popular study destinations.

USA

The United States has seen a growing number of universities offering GRE waivers, making it easier for international students to apply to their desired programs.

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): GRE not required for most programs
  • Stanford University: GRE waived for many graduate programs
  • University of California, Berkeley: GRE not required for a wide range of courses
  • The University of Texas at Austin: GRE optional for select programs
  • Purdue University: GRE not required for most graduate programs

Canada

In Canada, a few universities have also started offering GRE waivers for certain programs, making it more accessible for students to apply.

United Kingdom

The UK has also joined the trend of offering GRE waivers, particularly for students applying to master’s programs.

  • University College London (UCL): GRE waived for certain graduate programs
  • University of Edinburgh: GRE not required for specific courses
  • University of Manchester: GRE optional for select programs

Other Countries

Several other countries are also adopting GRE waivers, providing students more flexibility in their applications.

  • Australia: Universities like the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney offer GRE waivers for select programs
  • Germany: Technical University of Munich and Heidelberg University do not require GRE for many of their master’s programs

Why Are Universities Waiving GRE Requirements?

In recent years, many universities have decided to waive the GRE requirement for graduate admissions. This change reflects evolving priorities in how schools assess their applicants. Below are some key reasons why colleges with GRE waiver options are becoming more common, offering students greater flexibility during the application process:

  • Increased Flexibility for Applicants: Universities aim to make the application process more accessible to a diverse range of students.
  • Test Availability Issues: During the pandemic, many test centers were closed, leading institutions to adjust their GRE requirements.
  • Emphasis on Holistic Admissions: Schools are focusing more on the overall applicant profile, including GPA, work experience, and personal statements.
  • Reduced Stress for Students: Waiving the GRE reduces the financial and time burden on applicants.
  • Diversity in the Applicant Pool: Universities seek to attract students from various backgrounds who may not have access to standardized testing.
  • Focus on Professional Experience: For certain programs, professional experience is being prioritized over GRE scores.

Criteria for Obtaining GRE Waivers

colleges with gre waiver

Understanding the criteria for obtaining a GRE waiver is crucial when exploring colleges with such programs. These waivers offer an alternative pathway for admission to graduate programs without requiring the GRE. Let's know the key factors that colleges consider when granting GRE waivers.

Criteria Description
Academic Qualifications
  • High undergraduate GPA, especially in relevant coursework (e.g., minimum GPA of 3.0 in major-related courses)
  • Advanced degrees or substantial coursework in a related field
Relevant Work Experience
  • Significant professional experience in the field of study
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge and skills relevant to the graduate program
Alternative Application Requirements
  • Comprehensive statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation emphasizing relevant skills and achievements
  • Additional coursework or certifications related to the intended field of study

Is GRE Waiver Suitable for You?

colleges with gre waiver

Before pursuing a GRE waiver program, assess your academic and career goals. GRE waivers benefit individuals with relevant work experience seeking to advance their education. They can also be suitable for students from diverse backgrounds who excel in other areas beyond standardized testing. Consider if you meet the academic qualifications required by colleges with GRE waiver programs, such as a strong undergraduate GPA or professional experience in the field.

Pros:

  • Accessibility: GRE waivers open doors for applicants who excel in other aspects of their academic or professional backgrounds.
  • Streamlined Process: Skipping the GRE can simplify the application process and reduce stress.
  • Diversity: Colleges offering GRE waivers often attract a diverse student body with varied experiences and perspectives.

Cons:

  • Limited Options: Some graduate programs may require GRE scores for specific fields of study or institutions.
  • Evaluation Criteria: Admissions committees may use alternative metrics to evaluate applicants without GRE scores, which could vary across institutions.
  • Competitiveness: Programs with GRE waivers may be more competitive due to increased applicant pools.

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Conclusion

As more colleges waive the GRE, it’s now easier than ever to apply for a master’s program abroad. Many colleges with GRE waiver are now looking at your overall profile—like your grades, job experience, and personal story—making the application process simpler and more inclusive.

For which university GRE is waiver?

Many universities in the USA offer GRE waivers for their graduate programs, especially for applicants with relevant work experience or high GPAs. Some of the popular universities that offer GRE waivers include MIT, Stanford University, University of Chicago, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Is GRE still waived for 2024?

As of 2024, only two of the top 10 US schools are waiving the GMAT or GRE. However, schools in the next tier are offering more flexible exam policies for the 2024-25 MBA admissions cycle, including some full-time MBA programs completely waiving test requirements.

Why are universities waiving GRE?

Universities offer GRE waivers to create a more inclusive and flexible admissions process. They recognize that the GRE may not be the best predictor of an applicant's potential for success in graduate studies and aim to consider a broader range of factors to evaluate an applicant's qualifications.

Which US university does not require GRE?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the top universities in the world for computer science and engineering does not request GRE scores. As of 2022, it is ranked #1 in the QS Global University Rankings.

Know Your Author
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Abhyank Srinet
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Study Abroad Expert

Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting. His passion is helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Abhyank earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, where he developed his skills in data-driven marketing strategies, driving growth in some of the most competitive industries.


Abhyank has helped over 10,000+ students get into top business schools with a 98% success rate over the last seven years. He and his team offer thorough research, careful shortlisting, and efficient application management from a single platform.

His dedication to education also led him to create MentR-Me, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized guidance and resources, including profile evaluation, application assistance, and mentoring from alumni of top global institutions.

Continuously adopting the latest strategies, Abhyank is committed to ensuring that his clients receive the most effective guidance. His profound insights, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication have helped his clients securing of over 100 crores in scholarships, making him an invaluable asset for individuals aiming to advance their education and careers and leading both his ventures to seven-figure revenues.

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