The GRE is a vital stepping stone for graduate programs around the world. As an international student, you might face a higher test fee and the disappointment of not being eligible for the ETS GRE fee reduction program. However, we believe that financial limitations shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing your academic ambitions!
This blog is your one-stop guide to acing the GRE on a budget. We’ll explore alternative funding options to help you cover the test fee, along with smart budgeting tips. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your graduate school goals without breaking the bank!
Unfortunately, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) doesn’t currently offer a fee waiver program specifically for international students taking the GRE. This means you’ll likely need to pay the full GRE registration fee .
It’s important to note that while there’s no general program for a fee reduction for international students, ETS may occasionally offer fee waivers and/or vouchers at their discretion in rare cases. These waivers are not guaranteed, and information about them is not widely available or publicised.
Though unlikely, there’s a possibility of taking the GRE for free.
ETS offers a program called the GRE Fee Guarantee Servic e. This program allows organisations, like businesses, schools, or even individuals, to purchase vouchers for the full registration fee. These vouchers can then be given to students, enabling them to take the GRE at no cost.
For instance, your employer or your parent’s employer might offer GRE vouchers as a benefit to their employees and their families. Similarly, colleges and universities might provide vouchers to students in financial need or those they believe would benefit from extra support.
However, it’s important to note that these vouchers are not widely available. Unless your current school or another organisation you’re affiliated with offers them, you’ll likely need to pay the full registration fee.
Additionally, there have been instances in the past where ETS provided fee reductions towards the end of the GRE testing season, though this isn’t a guaranteed occurrence. If you’re facing financial hardship, it’s worth checking the ETS website closer to your desired test date to see if any waivers become available.
In short, while there’s a very small chance of an unexpected fee reduction, you should plan on paying the full GRE registration fee as an international student.
The GRE Fee Reduction Program is directly offered by the ETS. There are two main ways to qualify for the program: demonstrating financial need or being unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits.
Additionally, ETS works with national programs that support underrepresented groups in education, first-generation college students, and students with financial limitations. If you participate in one of these programs, you might be nominated for a fee reduction voucher.
Receiving a GRE Fee Reduction Voucher brings down the cost considerably. For the GRE General Test, the fee is reduced to $100, which is half of the standard fee. For GRE Subject Tests, the voucher brings the cost down to 50% of the regular price.
An additional benefit for those taking the General Test is free access to a set of GRE test prep materials valued at $100. These materials include GRE practice tests and writing exercises to help you prepare for the exam.
The GRE fee reduction program is available in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible for a GRE fee reduction voucher, you must meet one of the following criteria:
Several programs offer GRE cost waivers for Indian and international students. These waivers are usually provided to students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria.
The Fulbright Program provides grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists. While the Fulbright Program does not directly offer GRE fee waivers, it provides funding opportunities for study, research, and teaching abroad, which may indirectly cover test fees.
Some governments offer scholarships and grants to students pursuing higher education abroad. These GRE scholarships may cover various expenses, including test fees like the GRE. Indian students can explore scholarships offered by the Indian government, such as those provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) or the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Some non-profit organisations and foundations provide financial assistance to students for various purposes, including test preparation and exam fees. While these organisations may not directly offer GRE fee waivers, they may offer scholarships or grants that can cover the cost of the exam.
Some universities offer financial assistance to international students, including waivers for standardised test fees. Prospective students should explore the financial aid options available at the universities they are interested in attending.
Certain professional associations related to specific fields of study may offer scholarships or financial assistance to students pursuing graduate education. These associations may also provide support for GRE exam fees.
Even though there isn’t a direct fee waiver program for international students offered by ETS, there are still ways to potentially reduce your test costs. Here are a few options to explore:
Several organisations offer prepaid GRE vouchers that can lower the test fee. Research these organisations and see if you qualify for their assistance programs.
You can combine vouchers you receive from friends, family, or mentors to reach the total GRE fee amount. This approach requires some coordination, but it can be a significant cost-saving strategy.
Reach out to the admissions departments of the universities you’re planning to apply to. Some institutions might have programs in place to help students with GRE fees. It’s worth inquiring to see if they offer any financial assistance.
Look beyond the GRE organisation itself. There might be programs or scholarships offered by independent organisations that can specifically help with GRE test costs. Dedicate some time to researching these options to see if you qualify for any financial aid.
Here are some more valuable strategies to minimise your GRE expenses, whether you receive the GRE waiver or not.
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The financial burden of the GRE can be significant, especially for students from developing countries with weaker currencies or limited access to financial aid. This can unfairly disadvantage talented international applicants who might not be able to afford the test fee. This, in turn, could lead to a less diverse applicant pool for US graduate programs.
However, there’s a sliver of hope for a free GRE test for international students. But it’s important to understand the limitations. ETS may offer occasional fee waivers or vouchers in rare cases at its sole discretion. These opportunities are not guaranteed, and information about them is scarce.
In the past, ETS has occasionally offered fee reductions towards the end of the testing season. While not a guaranteed practice, it’s worth checking the ETS website closer to your desired test date to see if any such opportunities arise.
Another option is the GRE Fee Reduction Guarantee Service. This program allows organisations like universities, employers, or even your parent’s employer to purchase vouchers for the full GRE registration fee. These vouchers can then be distributed to students in need.
