Top US Universities Waiving GRE for 2025 Admissions (No GRE Needed)

Q: Ques: How do GRE waivers impact the competitiveness of US graduate programs?

Ans: Since GRE scores are no longer a major factor, applicants with strong academic records, work experience, and research achievements may have a better chance of standing out. However, applicants without a GRE score might face tougher competition, especially if their profile is not as strong in other areas like internships or projects.

Q: Ques: Are GRE waivers for international students available for all programs, including STEM, at the top US universities?

Ans: While many top universities have waived GRE requirements for STEM programs like Computer Science and Engineering, it varies by university and program. Always check the program-specific requirements to confirm if a waiver applies.

Q: Ques: What if I have already taken the GRE but want to apply to a university that waives it?

Ans: If you've already taken the GRE but are applying to a program that waives it, you can usually choose not to submit your GRE scores. However, it may be beneficial to check if there are any specific guidelines on submitting scores if you have them, as some universities still accept them for consideration.

Q: Ques: Are there any scholarship opportunities for international students who are not submitting GRE scores?

Ans: Yes, many universities offer scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or professional achievements. If you're not submitting GRE scores, focusing on a strong academic record, research, and extracurriculars can still make you eligible for scholarships.

Q: Ques: Do I need to take any alternative exams like the TOEFL or IELTS if GRE is waived?

Ans: Yes, US masters programs still require proof of English proficiency, especially for Indian students. You will likely need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless the university specifically states otherwise. Always check the language requirements for your program.

Collegedunia Team Content Curator

Content Curator | Updated On - Jul 18, 2025

GRE is a standardized test designed and regulated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). GRE is a prerequisite for various technical master’s degrees in countries like the USA.

International students from non-technical backgrounds find GRE a difficult exam to crack. For many candidates with a good overall profile, an average GRE score diminishes their prospect of securing admission to prestigious universities. Therefore, many top universities in the US are now discontinuing the need to take the GRE. The Council of Graduate School reports that nearly 60% of US Graduate Universities now allow GRE flexibility—either making it optional or offering waivers—to enhance diversity and equity.

This shift to holistic admissions allows universities to focus on the overall strengths of applicants, including academic achievements, work experience, and research potential, rather than just standardized test scores.

Also check: PhD in USA without GRE

Table of Contents

Reasons Top Universities in the US Waiving GRE for Masters in 2025
Best Universities in USA Offering GRE Waiver for 2025 Masters
2.1 GRE Waiver for Spring 2025 Masters Admissions

2.2 GRE Waiver for Fall 2025 Masters Admissions
Benefits of Pursuing Masters in US Universities without taking GRE
What Students Should Know Before Applying Without GRE Scores
FAQs

Reasons Top Universities in the US Waiving GRE for Masters in 2025

Top universities are waiving the GRE requirements for Masters admissions, driven by factors like holistic admissions, increasing diversity, and the considerations of the test’s cost and accessibility among international students. Universities also offer waivers based on strong academic performance, relevant work experience, or specific program requirements.

reaons-top-US-universities-waiving-gre-2025

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Below listed is a detailed look at the reasons:

Holistic Admissions: Instead of relying solely on standardized test scores to assess applicants, universities are adopting a more comprehensive approach that considers undergraduate grades, work experience, research background, personal achievements, and extracurricular activities.
Diversity and Accessibility: GRE tests fees range from INR 22,000 for the General Test and INR 14,500 for Subject Test. In light of these high costs, GRE waivers can make graduate programs more accessible to a wider range of students, particularly those from underrepresented groups or those facing financial barriers.
Practicality and Program Alignment: Some programs (for example, MBA) emphasize practical experience or professional skills, making GRE less relevant to their admissions criteria.
Pandemic-related Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread GRE waivers as test centers were closed or restricted. While some institutions have reinstated the requirement, others have continued to offer waivers or have made them optional.

Best Universities in USA Offering GRE Waiver for 2025 Masters

Below are lists of top USA universities that waived GRE requirement for Spring 2025 intake and will be waiving the same for Fall 2025 intake.

GRE Waiver for Spring 2025 Masters Admissions

Since Spring 2025 intake is closed for the USA universities, below is a list of some of the top US universities that have waived GRE in the Spring 2025 intake.

University	QS Ranking	Program	GRE Waiver
University of Arizona	293	MPH, MS in Computer Science	Yes
Rice University	141	Bioengineering, Accounting	Yes
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	1201-1400	Most Programs	Conditional
Florida State University	573	Most Programs	Conditional
California State University, Long Beach	1401+	MBA	Yes
Northeastern University	396	Computer Science, Engineering Management	Yes
University of Michigan-Dearborn	44	Engineering Management	Yes

Note: For conditional waivers, GPA requirements may apply. Students are advised to check program-specific details for clarity.

GRE Waiver for Fall 2025 Masters Admissions

Since Fall 2025 admissions are still open for universities, below is a list of some of the top US universities that provide GRE waivers for Fall 2025 Masters intake.

University	QS Ranking	Program	GRE Waiver	Application Deadline
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	Aeronautics and Astronautics	Yes	December 1, 2025
Stanford University	3	Mechanical Engineering	Yes	October 10, 2025
University of Michigan	45	Mechanical Engineering	Yes	September 1, 2025
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	46	Computer Science	Yes	December 15, 2025
University of Arizona	287	Master of Public Health	Yes	December 15, 2025
University of Louisville	1001-1200	MBA	Conditional	November 1, 2025
University of Wisconsin-Madison	110	Data Science	Yes	February 15, 2026 (Tentative)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	70	Computer Science	Yes	December 15, 2025

Note: Candidates must make sure to review program-specific requirements for conditional GRE waivers or GPA-based eligibility.

Also check: Upcoming Intakes in US Universities for International students

Benefits of Pursuing Masters in US Universities without taking GRE

Opting for a master’s program that does not require GRE brings several advantages not only to the universities themselves but also to international students which goes far beyond saving time and money. Below are some of the key benefits:

benefits-of-gre-waiver-for-international-students

Greater Emphasis on other aspects of Evaluation: International students can now focus on achieving good scores in their undergraduate academics, work experience, or research work, instead of focusing on preparing for GRE.
Broader range of Program Options: GRE waiver opens up more program options for international students, allowing them to apply to universities that align with their career goals.
Faster Application Process: International students can now apply to universities sooner without waiting for GRE results.
More Focus on Practical Skills: Many universities prioritize relevant work experience or professional accomplishments, which can be especially beneficial if they have been in the workforce.

Also check: Exams to Study in the USA

What Students Should Know Before Applying Without GRE Scores

While many top US universities have waived GRE requirements, international students still need to meet other important admissions criteria. Universities now place greater emphasis on academic records, work experience, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and the overall profile strength of the applicant. Below are the key requirements that international students need to focus on when applying for Masters programs in US universities.

Test Scores are still valuable: Even though GRE is waived, taking the exam and scoring high can enhance the student’s application and help them stand out, especially if they have low GPA or come from a lesser-known institution.
Check Program-specific Requirements: Some programs might have conditional waivers (like MBA at University of Louisville) where GRE is waived based on the student’s GPA or specific academic criteria.
Other Strong Application Components: While GRE is waived, students will need to focus on the other components of their application, which include the following:
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written Statement of Purpose can make a significant impact.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Strong Letters of Recommendation from professors or employers can enhance the application.
- Professional experience: Relevant work experience can give an edge, especially for MBA and Engineering programs.

The shift toward GRE and GMAT waiver at top universities in the US provides a great opportunity for international students to pursue master’s degrees without the added stress of standardized tests. Students need to focus on putting together a strong, well-rounded application that highlights their academic achievements, professional experience, and personal growth.

Students are advised to start the application process early, research their target programs, and ensure their profile stands out. With GRE waivers becoming increasingly common, 2025 could be the perfect year for students to take the next step in their academic journey.

FAQs

Ques: How do GRE waivers impact the competitiveness of US graduate programs?

Ans: Since GRE scores are no longer a major factor, applicants with strong academic records, work experience, and research achievements may have a better chance of standing out. However, applicants without a GRE score might face tougher competition, especially if their profile is not as strong in other areas like internships or projects.

Ques: Are GRE waivers for international students available for all programs, including STEM, at the top US universities?

Ans: While many top universities have waived GRE requirements for STEM programs like Computer Science and Engineering, it varies by university and program. Always check the program-specific requirements to confirm if a waiver applies.

Ques: What if I have already taken the GRE but want to apply to a university that waives it?

Ans: If you've already taken the GRE but are applying to a program that waives it, you can usually choose not to submit your GRE scores. However, it may be beneficial to check if there are any specific guidelines on submitting scores if you have them, as some universities still accept them for consideration.

Ques: Are there any scholarship opportunities for international students who are not submitting GRE scores?

Ans: Yes, many universities offer scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or professional achievements. If you're not submitting GRE scores, focusing on a strong academic record, research, and extracurriculars can still make you eligible for scholarships.

Ques: Do I need to take any alternative exams like the TOEFL or IELTS if GRE is waived?

Ans: Yes, US master’s programs still require proof of English proficiency, especially for Indian students. You will likely need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless the university specifically states otherwise. Always check the language requirements for your program.