Is GRE/GMAT Mandatory for Studying Abroad?

Introduction

When students plan to study abroad , more so for master's or MBA programs, one question that is frequently asked is: whether GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a must? These tests are liked and acknowledged globally as the standard tests. But is it the case that they are always a must? Is it possible to get a place without them? Also, what effect may taking these tests have on your chances? This article straightforwardly provides answers to these questions, providing you with complete comprehension of the GRE and GMAT for studying abroad in 2025. When students consider studying abroad, one of their first questions to the study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad is whether GRE or GMAT exams are a must if they are applying to master’s or MBA programs.

What Are GRE and GMAT?

University admission decisions worldwide rely on the GRE and GMAT tests, which are recognized globally as standardized tests that measure the academic preparedness of applicants. The GRE consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, and has a wide acceptance in graduate and master’s programs of various disciplines such as science, humanities, and engineering. On the other hand, GMAT centers more around verbal, quantitative, and integrated reasoning and are largely limited to MBA and business graduate programs.
The two tests together are an assessment of the candidates' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. They are also used as a uniform measure to fairly compare students coming from diverse backgrounds.

Are GRE and GMAT Mandatory for Studying Abroad?

The program and the university will determine if it is necessary to submit GRE or GMAT scores. These test scores are not required by all institutions. Numerous schools have introduced flexible policies that do not require testing, especially for 2025 admissions, where GRE/GMAT exams might be optional or waived.
Although the GMAT is still preferred for MBA applications and often required because it correlates to business skills, other master’s programs may require the GRE, but many also offer alternatives or waive this requirement. The pandemic has caused changes in the admissions process, and universities now consider the overall profile and not only test scores.

Programs and Universities That Require GRE or GMAT

Here’s a general breakdown of the GRE and GMAT requirements:

• GMAT is mostly obligatory or, at least, accepted for MBA and management master’s programs all over the world, i.e., the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
• On the other hand, GRE can be a part of the requirements for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs and for various other master's degrees.
• The highest-ranked universities may demand one or even both tests, but the tendency is that a lot of them are becoming more flexible.
• Sometimes, scholarships put GRE/GMAT scores in the eligibility criteria and consider them as a very important factor.

Before applying, it is very important to check the specific program requirements on the university website.

Universities Accepting Students Without GRE or GMAT

The positive thing is that numerous prestigious universities are dropping the GRE/GMAT tests, predominantly for the 2025 admissions:

• Schools located in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have eliminated test requirements in numerous programs.
• These organizations might put more emphasis on transcripts, work experience, interviews, and personal essays.
• The waivers help cut down on the costs involved and the preparation time for those learners who are not capable of performing well in these tests.
• A few schools give students an option for admission based on special conditions or allow testing waivers in particular departments or areas of study.

This increasing trend is a factor contributing to a wider scope for global education.

Why Take the GRE or GMAT Even If Not Mandatory?

In case your program does not need these tests, still think about taking the GRE or GMAT for the following reasons:

• They improve your application by showing skills and readiness for further studies.
• They increase the possibility of winning scholarships or getting assistantships on the basis of merit.
• Certain universities would favor candidates with these scores for competitive programs.
• The preparation process improves your critical thinking as well as your quantitative skills, which are beneficial in graduate school and beyond.

If later you decide to apply to other places, it would be an option that is still available to you.

Alternative Admission Options Without GRE/GMAT

Most universities offer alternative methods to qualify if you choose not to take the GRE/GMAT:

• Excellent undergraduate academic performance or other tests such as IELTS/TOEFL.
• Work experience in your chosen field is relevant.
• Conducting interviews or video calls to measure motivation and fit, with success being the outcome.
• Providing a portfolio for admission to the arts or specialized fields.
• Letters of recommendation from academics or employers that are of superior quality.

It is important to always read and understand the alternative admission guidelines of a university very carefully.

How to Prepare for GRE and GMAT

In case you opt for taking the GRE or GMAT exams, the most important thing is preparation:

• Before starting to study, it is very important to know the test format and question styles.
• Make use of the official preparatory materials issued by ETS (GRE) and GMAC (GMAT).
• If you feel you need more help, consider taking coaching classes or online tutorials.
• Become familiar with mock tests and sample questions regularly.
• Put your effort into the areas that are most challenging for you, whether verbal or quantitative.
• Create a study plan that will allow you to practice consistently for a few months.

It is said that proper preparation results in higher scores and less assessment anxiety.

Eligibility and Score Requirements

The decision between GRE and GMAT depends to a great extent on the university you wish to attend and the competition for the program:

• GRE scores above 300 and GMAT scores exceeding 600 are often considered competitive for obtaining a place in good programs.
• Some universities have a certain way of setting the minimum cutoffs, while others use the scores as part of the overall evaluation.
• Excellent scores can compensate for low academic grades or unusual educational histories.
• Moreover, language proficiency exams like IELTS/TOEFL. are mandatory regardless of the status of GRE/GMAT tests.

Make sure you're up to date with the latest school-specific score requirements for the courses you have selected.

Cost vs Benefit Analysis

Taking the GRE or GMAT requires incurring costs like those for the exams, their respective preparation materials, and possibly even the coaching:

• The exam fee for the GRE and GMAT is close to $200 to $250.
• Educational expenses usually consist of the cost of books and tuition fees.
• However, in the end, through good grades, one can try their luck in getting the scholarship and the acceptance letter.
• The knowledge acquired by preparing is beneficial both in taking the exams and in the long run during your career.

It is advisable to consider the cost relative to the requirements of your targeted university and your academic profile.

Conclusion

The choice between taking the GRE or the GMAT is decided based on the program and university you have chosen. Many schools are adopting test-optional policies or dropping these tests for the 2025 admissions, thus giving new international students more choices. On the other hand, a strong score in GRE or GMAT will definitely be in favor of your chances, especially when it comes to admission to very selective programs and getting financial aid.
To get the newest advice, it would be best to work with a certified abroad study consultancy in Ahmedabad or your local area, guaranteeing that your application will fit with the newest trends.