GRE Eligibility 2025: Complete Requirements and Guidelines

GRE Eligibility Criteria: What You Need to Know

The GRE 2025 exam has no strict eligibility criteria. Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), it follows an open policy, anyone can apply, regardless of age, nationality, or educational background.

However, while ETS sets no restrictions, individual universities do. GRE takers must meet the eligibility criteria of their target graduate programs, which often include academic qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience (for some professional courses).

Educational Qualifications Required

General Academic Background

ETS does not mandate a specific degree. That said, the GRE is designed for those who have completed or are in the final year of undergraduate studies. Most test-takers hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

GRE assesses readiness for master’s, MBA, or doctoral-level courses, so familiarity with undergraduate concepts is assumed.

Bachelor’s Degree Considerations

While a degree is not needed to register for the GRE, most universities require one for admission. International students must ensure their degree is recognized and accredited, often via credential evaluation agencies like WES or ECE.

Academic Scores & GPA

There is no minimum GPA required to take the GRE. Even students with average academic records can apply. However, competitive programs may use GPA as a shortlisting criterion, especially when paired with GRE scores.

Age Criteria and Relaxations

No Age Limit

GRE has no upper or lower age limit. This makes the exam accessible to:

1. Fresh graduates
2. Mid-career professionals
3. Career changers
4. International candidates of all age groups

Age-Based Tips

1. Young aspirants may need more prep time for verbal reasoning and analytical writing.
2. Older test-takers might benefit from revisiting core math or test strategies.
3. Working professionals can leverage their experience for program applications.

ETS Support for Special Situations

ETS offers scheduling flexibility for:

1. Military personnel
2. Students from different time zones
3. Parents and caregivers
4. Full-time employees

Work Experience Requirements

GRE: No Work Experience Needed

The GRE is open to candidates with or without work experience. Direct college-to-graduate transitions are common.

However, certain programs, especially professional master’s or MBA courses—prefer or require work experience.

When Work Experience Helps

Relevant work experience can:

1. Add weight to your application
2. Justify a career switch
3. Showcase leadership or industry skills
4. Offset a lower GPA

Programs That Value Experience

GRE Eligibility for Different Categories

Domestic Students (USA)

ID Required: Valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport

Registration: Online at ETS.org

Testing Modes: At test centers or at home

Fees: Standard fee of $213

International Students

ID Required: Valid passport (mandatory)

Extra Steps:

1. Currency conversion during payment
2. At-home testing by time zone
3. Valid visa for center-based exams (if abroad)
4. Credential evaluation may be needed for admissions

Students with Disabilities

Eligibility: Documented physical, learning, or psychological disabilities

Accommodations:

1. Extra time
2. Separate testing room
3. Screen readers or large print
4. Frequent breaks

Application for accommodations must be submitted 6 weeks in advance through ETS Disability Services.

Military Candidates

1. Testing may be arranged at military installations
2. Flexible rescheduling for deployment
3. Support available for military education benefits

Required Documents

Primary ID (Test Day)

All IDs must be original, valid, and match your GRE registration details.

Secondary Documents

1. GRE registration confirmation printout
2. Disability accommodation documents (if applicable)
3. Optional: Academic transcripts or certificates (for university use)

International Documentation

1. Passport translation (if not in English)
2. Visa and residency proof
3. Credential evaluations (for admissions, not GRE)

Special Categories & Support

First-Gen College Students

ETS and partner universities support first-generation students with:

1. Fee reductions
2. Free prep resources
3. Counseling and mentoring programs

Underrepresented Groups

Diversity-driven initiatives offer:

1. Access to prep programs
2. Financial aid and GRE scholarships
3. Targeted recruitment by universities

Non-Native English Speakers

While GRE does not test language separately, non-native speakers should:

1. Practice GRE verbal section intensively
2. Prepare for additional TOEFL/IELTS (required by many universities)

Financially Constrained Students

GRE Fee Reduction Program:

Eligibility is income-based. Apply via ETS with proof of income or enrollment in aid programs.

GRE Registration Based on Category

Standard Registration

Steps:

1. Create an ETS account
2. Select test format (at home or center)
3. Choose date and location
4. Upload valid ID
5. Pay test fee

Registration with Accommodations

Additional Steps:

1. Submit medical/educational documentation
2. Request accommodations online
3. Wait for ETS approval before choosing a test date

International Registration

1. Register via ETS Global Portal
2. Pay using international methods (credit cards, e-wallets)
3. Choose test centers or at-home slots as per your region

Identity and Score Validation

Test Day ID Checks

1. Photo ID verification
2. Biometric scanning (for in-person exams)
3. Signature match

At-Home Testing Security

1. Environment check via webcam
2. Live human proctoring
3. Full-screen monitoring

GRE Score Validity

1. GRE scores are valid for 5 years
2. You can send scores to 4 universities for free on test day
3. Additional reports available later for a fee

In Summary:

GRE 2025 is open to all candidates, with no restrictions on age, education, or experience. However, applicants must follow the documentation rules and meet their target university’s eligibility criteria. A strong GRE score, paired with academic credentials, work experience (if needed), and a complete application can open doors to top graduate programs worldwide.

Let the exam be your first step toward your global academic journey.