GRE Waivers: How to Request and Get Approved

I. What Is a GRE Waiver?

A GRE test waiver is an approval you formally request from a university permitting you to apply to that institution without GRE scores (this is not a GRE fee waiver, which eliminates exam fees or provides a GRE fee reduction for those who demonstrate financial need). A waiver request is different from skipping the GRE because submitting an application to a program requiring the exam without test scores and without a waiver means your application will be considered incomplete! You will need to meet certain academic or professional criteria to receive a GRE waiver. To learn why the GRE is important, click here: What Is the GRE and Why It Matters for Grad School.

II. Who Is Eligible for a GRE Waiver?

Numerous graduate programs offer waivers but remember that eligibility requirements will differ depending on university and program. Common criteria include one or more of the following: significant professional experience in the field you are applying to (3 - 5 years), previous graduate coursework or a professional certification, a high GPA from your undergraduate college (typically above 3.0), or a strong background in academia (such as published research). If you end up taking the GRE, reading comprehension is an important skill. Click here to strengthen your abilities in this area: How to Improve Reading Comprehension for the GRE.

III. How to Request a GRE Waiver

To complete the application process, follow these steps:

• Check the website for the program from which you are interested in obtaining a GRE waiver request; this will tell you whether waiver requests are available and any criteria you must meet, as well as forms you require. Ensure you are qualified before submitting a request! 
• Collect any specified supporting documents for the application, such as resumes and transcripts (certain programs may also require you to submit a brief letter explaining why you are qualified for a waiver).
• Waiver requests are usually submitted through the application portal of your prospective university’s website. Check deadlines to ensure you submit your waiver requests in time!

IV. Tips to Get Your GRE Waiver Approved

To make sure your request has the best chance of getting approved, consider the following criteria:

• Ensure that your GRE waiver request is personalized - if a letter is needed, address the university department to which you are applying and mention the specific program you are interested in; explain why you believe you are a suitable candidate.
• Underscore your scholarly abilities; evidence of these abilities may include a high GPA, a list of academic awards you have received, or any graduate-level courses you have completed.
• The admissions committee handling waiver requests often review prospective students' abilities to conduct research and their capacity for critical thinking; thus, providing evidence of quantitative or analytical thinking skills is always a good idea. Such evidence might include work experience or certifications that required high-level problem-solving (such as in economics or mathematics) or writing samples underscoring your critical thinking abilities. 
• Finally, check for consistency - the message conveyed in your request and any personal statements should align; dates, job descriptions, and your list of accomplishments should match in every document submitted. 

V. Common Reasons GRE Waiver Requests Get Rejected

There are a number of reasons why your request might be rejected:

• If you forget to include all required resources, your submission will most likely be considered invalid. Ensure you read the list of required documents for your program carefully and label each one clearly!
• If your justification for applying to a specific program without test scores is unclear or weak, universities may interpret this as a lack of readiness for graduate-level work. To make sure this doesn’t happen, include very specific evidence of your relevant achievements, experiences, and abilities.
• If you apply without ensuring you are fully qualified, it can lead to a rejection; always determine eligibility criteria before submitting your application.
• If you submit an application after your program’s deadline, it will not be accepted; verify submission windows, and, if planning to submit a waiver request, ensure your application is sent 1 - 2 weeks in advance of the deadlines specified by your program of choice.

VI. Should You Apply for a GRE Waiver or Take the Test?

Whether you should take the GRE general test or GRE subject test, or, alternatively, apply for a waiver, is a personal decision based on several factors unique to individual prospective students. To make your decision easier, read below:

VII. Schools That Commonly Offer GRE Waivers

National programs that offer a GRE waiver in their admissions process often include education, business, social and health sciences and communications. Specific schools known to accept waivers are as follows: University of Wisconsin - Madison, Northeastern University, University of Florida and Florida International University, Arizona State, Georgia State and San Jose State, Portland State, University of Colorado Denver, UT Austin, Arlington, and Dallas, UMass Amherst, as well as UMass Boston and the University of South Carolina system. Some schools have opted to waive the GRE for specific programs, such as the Master's in Computer Science at New York University, all computer science programs at Purdue University, all engineering programs at Columbia University, and selected Master's programs for engineering and business at Cornell University. To check if a specific school accepts waivers and for further information, access the admissions criteria for your program of interest on the university’s website or contact your program's department. To decide when you’d like to take the GRE, visit: GRE Test Dates 2026 – Official Schedule.

VIII. Key Documents Needed for a GRE Waiver Application

The documents required for specific waiver applications will vary by university and program, but be prepared to submit some or all of the following materials:

• A GRE waiver request letter specifying your eligibility
• Resume and cover letter
• Transcripts
• Proof of work experience 
• Copies of certifications 
• Recommendation letters
• Academic writing samples 

IX. GRE Waiver vs. GRE Score Submission

A GRE waiver allows you to submit a university application without GRE test scores, if you are qualified. It does not guarantee admission but means that GRE scores are no longer required for your application. If you choose to submit GRE scores, you are electing to take the exam and share your test scores with university admissions committees. Submitting strong scores can help your application stand out amongst the competition and may assist you when applying for funding consideration. To find out how long your test scores are valid, click here: GRE Score Validity: How Long Are GRE Scores Accepted by Schools?

X. FAQ

Q: What is the deadline to request a GRE waiver?

A: This depends on where you are applying, but, in general, the deadline for a GRE waiver submission is typically 2 - 4 weeks before a program’s main deadline.

Q: Can international students request a GRE waiver?

A: Yes, international students can usually request a GRE exam waiver as long as they meet the same eligibility criteria required for domestic students. In some cases, additional documentation may be required for international students. 

Q: Do GRE waivers affect scholarship eligibility?

A: Certain merit-based scholarships or those that are very competitive may consider GRE scores, but many award funding based on an individual’s overall academic picture. 

Q: What should I include in my GRE waiver request letter?

A: This letter should include a statement requesting the waiver, the reasons you are eligible, evidence of your analytical or quantitative skills, and a list of your academic and professional achievements.

Q: Can I reapply if my GRE waiver is denied?

A: Certain programs do allow applicants to submit a stronger application if their first is denied, while others require you to take the GRE if your waiver request is rejected.