May 27, 2025
Imagine you are scrolling through some of the US University Websites on the internet for Masters and you suddenly spot something that makes you do a double-check – ‘No GRE Required!’ You rub your eyes and reload the site but it's still there. Yes, more and more US Universities are now offering graduate programs without the GRE requirement. This is great news for international students who are balancing time, costs, and other priorities.
So, if you are wondering how you can earn a Masters in USA without taking this test, you are in the right place. Let us explore the benefits, universities, and tips to make the most of this opportunity. But before we dwell into that let us see what GRE is and why some US Universities waive off this requirement.
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The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that many graduate schools in the USA use to assess a student’s readiness for advanced study. While it has been an essential part of admissions for years, certain US Universities are now giving GRE Waiver, which means you can get admissions even without GRE scores.
You might wonder why some US Universities skip the GRE requirement. Well, American universities today focus on a holistic admissions process. Instead of putting all the weight on a single test score, they look at:
According to universities in USA, the GRE is just one piece of the puzzle, and they are looking for students who bring unique perspectives and real-world experience to the table. The idea is to diversify student admissions and bring in talent from various backgrounds, especially those who may have strong skills but don’t want the added stress of preparing for the GRE.
Opting for a master’s program that doesn’t require the GRE brings several advantages beyond saving time and money. Here are some key benefits:
This makes the application process more flexible, putting you in a stronger position to showcase what truly matters—your expertise and potential!
Below we have put together a list of top American Universities that are rolling down the welcome mat for international students with no GRE requirement.
Apart from these top ones, many other US Universities also offer high-quality master’s programs without the GRE. One way to check for those would be to explore the university websites, reach out to current students, or even connect with alumni to get the inside scoop of each university, helping you weigh your options and find the one that is truly worth its weight in gold! If you find all this difficult, then a good tip would be to connect to Study Abroad Consultants, who have the expertise of US Universities.
Once you shortlist the University you would like to know whether you are getting the specialisation you are looking for. So, let’s check popular Masters Programs which you can pursue in US Universities without the GRE.
After having a look at the list of universities, you might have a question on your mind - what exactly can I study at these universities if I go for a GRE Waiver? Let us break it down and take a peek at some of the popular study fields and master's programs these universities are offering with a ‘NO GRE’ tag.
| Popular Master’s Programs in US Universities Without GRE | ||||
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Master of Science (MS) | M.Eng. | Master of Fine Arts (MFA) | Others |
| MBA in Business Strategy and Decision Making | MS in Artificial Intelligence | M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering | MFA in Animation | MAT in Teaching |
| MBA in Entrepreneurship | MS in Business Information Technology | M.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering | MFA in Graphic Design | Master of Real Estate Development |
| MBA in Finance | MS in Economics and Quantitative Analysis | M.Eng. in Civil Engineering | MFA in Studio Arts | Masters of Public Policy |
| MBA in Accounting | MS in Software Engineering | M.E. in Engineering - Aerospace Systems | MFA in Digital Media | Master of Agriculture Education |
| MBA in Investment Management | MS in Computer Science | M.E. in Environmental Engineering | MFA in Illustrations | Master of Integrated Science |
| MBA in Talent Management | MS in Merchandising and Consumer Analytics | M.Eng. in Biological and Ecological Engineering | MFA in Theatre Design and Production | Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) |
| MBA in Health Administration | MS in Advanced Data Analytics | M.Eng. in Nuclear Engineering | MFA in Intermedia and Digital Arts | Master of Urban Design |
| MBA in Marketing Analytics | MS in Finance and Risk Management | M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering | MFA in Arts Leadership | Master of Urban and Regional Planning |
| MBA in Business Analytics | MS in Aerospace Engineering | _ | MFA in Creative Producing | MM in Music |
| MBA in Real Estate and Investment | _ | _ | MFA in Film and Television Directing | _ |
| MBA in International Business and Strategy | _ | _ | MFA in Artisanry – Fibers | _ |
| _ | _ | _ | MFA in Printmaking | _ |
Now, you might be looking at this table thinking, that’s a lot to choose from the buffet! But let us tell you that these are just some of the popular ones to study in USA. There are thousands of course options in different study fields that you might not even know existed! So, time to explore the unexplored.
| Suggested : Study Masters in USA |
If not GRE scores, then what do American universities look for? Here is what the US Universities lay emphasis on, even if the GRE is waived off.
Now that we have talked about what universities in the USA focus on besides the GRE, let us switch and see what you as an international student should consider when selecting a university.
With the GRE no longer a hurdle in the way of your American dreams, here is what you should keep in mind when choosing the right university:
As Steve Jobs once said, ‘The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.’ So go ahead, take that leap, and find a master's program that makes your heart sing. Who knows? Your American dream might be just an application away. This just goes to show that no standardized test can truly measure your passion, your experience, or the unique perspective you bring.
When choosing a university, don't just focus on the GRE Waiver—make sure it matches your academic and career goals too. For this, visiting a US expert at KC Overseas Education can be really helpful. They not only guide you through the process but also offer some of the best GRE coaching out there, making sure you are well-prepared to achieve your goals.