The Graduate Record Examination, more known by its acronym GRE, is a standardized test that is part of the application process for admission to graduate programs around the world, especially in the US and Canada. Students applying for MS, MA, MEng, PhD, or dual degree programs are required to take this test. Some business schools (including top MBA programs) also accept the GRE in place of the GMAT. While some institutions have made the GRE optional, a good GRE score can significantly boost the strength of your application, especially when applying to highly competitive programs, and is strongly recommended.
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The GRE comprises 3 parts: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. To clear the test a student has to get a minimum of 130 in each – Verbal and Quant – with the maximum score being 170. Thus, students can score a total of between 260 and 340. Top universities usually expect scores above 320, with Quant of above 165 for STEM programs.
While most programs only look at your verbal and quant scores, the Analytical Writing score becomes important if you are applying to writing-intensive programs like public policy, psychology, international relations, law, education, etc. It is also considered if you are applying for a PhD program or an MS with thesis. A score of 4 or above in the AW is considered strong with the maximum being 6. A strong AW score can at times balance a poorly written SoP or writing sample where the content is good but the writing is average. STEM fields like math, computer science, and engineering focus largely on Quant scores and it is enough to get a 3.5 in AW for these programs. For those who are confused about what is a good GRE score in 2025 and want to know more about the percentiles, averages and goals then this blog may help you.
The GRE exam is about 3 hours long and is computer-based in most countries. Paper-based is only in some countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Libya, and Sudan, some countries in Western Africa and in some parts of Pakistan and Nepal. GRE scores are valid for 5 years but it is advised that you apply within the first 3 years of getting the score as the validity weakens after that. The cost of the test is $220 in the US and most other countries and Rs. 22000 in India as of this year. Each time you take the GRE you will have to pay this amount.
There is also a GRE Subject test that tests in-depth knowledge of the subject – Math, Physics and Psychology – based on what course you are applying for, and it is only for certain PhD programs in the US. It is a 3-hour exam and the score range varies with the subject.
Average Range of GRE Scores
This blog explores the average range of GRE General test scores accepted by top universities across 10 countries to give you a benchmark of what to aim for and to help you set realistic targets.
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United States
The United States remains the most popular destination for MS, especially for STEM fields. GRE is mandatory in the top-tier universities and strong Quant scores are expected for engineering and computer science related programs.
University Total Verbal Quant Stanford University 325–335 158-162 165-170 MIT 320–330 155–160 165–170 University of California, Berkeley 320–330 155–160 165–170 Carnegie Mellon University 320-330 155-160 165-169 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 318–330 155–160 163–168 -
Canada
With many of the programs in Canada too being very competitive, specifically engineering, computer science and business and management programs, many top-tier Canadian universities require the GRE. It is a recommendation and not mandatory but if you get a high score, submitting it could be to your advantage.
University Total Verbal Quant University of Toronto 315–325 153-160 160-167 University of Waterloo 312–322 152–158 160–166 McGill University 315–325 155–160 160–165 University of British Columbia 310-320 150-155 160-165 University of Alberta 305–315 150–155 157–162 -
United Kingdom
Most MS programs in the UK do not require a GRE score but if the program you are applying for is highly quantitative or is competitive, a good GRE score can tilt the balance in your favour with all other things being equal. It must however be kept in mind that while your GRE score will play a part in the whole evaluation process it is your complete profile – your past academics, statement of purpose, recommendations, and any research or work experience that you have – that will be given priority. Universities in the UK also value diverse student experiences and encourage applications from students with unique academic or professional journeys.
University Total Verbal Quant University of Oxford 320+ 160+ 160+ University of Cambridge 320–330 160-165 160–165 Imperial College London 314+ 156+ 158+ University College London 324+ 162+ 162+ University of Edinburgh 310-320 155-160 155-160 -
Germany
Most public German universities do not typically require GRE. However, some programs that are taught in English or the engineering and data-heavy programs at top technical universities recommend it for. For example, the MSc in Computational Science and Engineering at TU Munich, and the MSc in Data Science and MSc in Computational Engineering Science at RWTH Aachen strongly recommend GRE for international applicants, specifically those from outside the EU. The emphasis in such universities is on Quant and a score of 160+ is considered competitive. For students from India, a Quant score above 165 can make your applicant stronger.
University Total Verbal Quant Technical University of Munich 310-330 150-160 160-170 RWTH Aachen University 306-325 148–157 158–168 University of Stuttgart 308-324 148–155 160–169 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 310-330 150–155 160-170 Humboldt University Berlin 307-322 152–157 155–165 -
Australia
In Australia, though GRE scores are not a mandatory requirement, there is a slight difference. If you have done your undergrad from a lesser-known institution or are applying to top competitive STEM programs like engineering, data science and finance-related, and health analytics, you are expected to submit a GRE score. Similarly, a good GRE score can give you a competitive edge if you are an international student applying for research-heavy or policy-related programs, or if your academic transcripts need additional context like say your analytical skills or reasoning skills.
University Total Verbal Quant University of Melbourne 320–330 155–160 165–170 University of Sydney 316–326 153–158 163–168 Australian National University 322–330 157–160 165-170 University of Queensland 310–328 155–158 165–170 Monash University 318–326 153–157 165–169 -
Singapore
Universities in Singapore offering MS programs accept GRE scores especially for the business analytics, public policy and engineering tracks that are quant-heavy. A good GRE score can significantly boost your application and more so as Singapore attracts a lot of talent from across the world.
University Total Verbal Quant National University of Singapore 317–328 152-158 165–170 Nanyang Technological University 315–325 150-155 165–170 Singapore Management University 310–320 150-155 160–165 -
Netherlands
As in the other EU countries, Netherland universities too do not ask for GRE as a core requirement for MS programs in the Netherlands though some technical courses may require. As this varies from university to university, it is best to check the specific university’s website for information on this. Typically universities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden do not ask for the GRE while Delft recommends it with a high quant score. The GRE is not a core requirement in Dutch universities for most MS programs, though some technical degrees or international programs may ask for it as part of the application.
University Total Verbal Quant TU Delft 310–330 150–160 160–170 TU Eindhoven 306–327 148–157 158–170 University of Amsterdam 308–330 150–160 158-170 Leiden University 303–325 148–158 155–167 Utrecht University 305–320 150–155 155–165 -
Switzerland
Though not universally required, top Swiss universities often recommend the GRE, especially for competitive fields like robotics, AI and Physics. Universities of Zurich, Geneva and Basel do not consider the GRE score unless the program you are applying for is exceptionally competitive or your academic profile does not show exposure to quantitative topics.
University Total Verbal Quant ETH Zurich 320–330 155+ 165+ EPFL Lausanne 315-325 150–155 165+ University of Zurich 320-330 155–160 165-170 University of Geneva 313-326 153-158 162-168 University of Basel 312-321 152-156 160-165 -
Ireland
Ireland is emerging as a hub for tech and data science education. Most Irish universities do not require GRE scores, but some competitive courses in data science and engineering may recommend it. For such programs, a GRE of 315-325 with Quant being above 165 will definitely be an asset for you.
University Total Verbal Quant Trinity College Dublin 308-330 150–160 158–170 University College Dublin 303–325 148–158 155–170 NUI Galway 301–320 148–155 153–165 University College Cork 303–322 148–156 155–165 Dublin City University 303–325 148–156 155–167 -
France
French public universities do not generally require the GRE for Master’s programs. However, programs taught in English, Erasmus Mundas programs (joint degree programs) and certain schools like Grandes Écoles and HEC Paris value GRE scores of around 320 with Quant being above 165. GRE scores are expected particularly from those applying to tech and data-driven master’s programs and from international applicants from outside the EU.
University Total Verbal Quant École Polytechnique 310–330 150–160 160–170 HEC Paris 312–330 152–160 160–170 Sorbonne University 303–325 148–156 155–167 Université PSL 308–330 150–158 158–170 Grenoble INP 306–325 148–155 158–170
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As can be seen from the above analysis, most programs around the world, except US and Canada, do not mandate a GRE. Universities in the US appreciate an overall GRE score of 320 and above with Quant of over 165 if you are applying for a STEM program. Canada expects a 315+ for its top universities. Submit GRE scores to UK universities only if it is good, meaning above 320. In countries like Germany, Netherlands, Italy and France, if you are applying to competitive programs, you can submit your GRE score if good enough to add strength to your profile and help you stand out from among the hundreds of applications they process each intake. Australian and Irish universities focus more on GPA and SoP while universities in Singapore appreciate GRE Quant scores of above 165.
To sum it up, if you are an international student applying for a STEM or a competitive program, irrespective of the country you are applying to, it is recommended that you appear for the GRE and aim to get a score of 320 and above. This will not only boost your application but also be a personal benchmark for you about your verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills.
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FAQs
An outright Yes or NO cannot be given for this answer as it requires a more detailed analysis. But in general, if you can provide a good reason for the low GPA like inability to sit for the exam or emergency absence, and have an otherwise strong profile with good work experience (or internships), additional courses done, and satisfying extracurricular participation, it is unlikely that the 320 GRE can help. The GRE will be assessed in addition to your whole profile and is more of a boosting asset than a decision-making factor. It cannot offset the weakness inherent in any resume.
It is not clear if you did write the test at all or not. If you did not despite having paid for it because of problems at the centre, you need to take up the matter with the required authorities with credible evidence. Unless you submit a GRE score the question of jeopardise does not arise. If you did manage to write the GRE but could not get a good score because of problems at the centre, you can provide credible evidence to the university highlighting the reason for the poor score but the university is not obliged to take that as an excuse. Anyway as most programs are GRE optional you may have to take your chance as a non-GRE applicant.
Before you take the GRE test or immediately after the test but before you leave the centre, you can choose up to 4 universities that will have the GRE scores sent to them directly within 2 weeks of the test. This is a free service. For universities beyond these 4 you will have to pay a nominal fee ($27 as of 2025) to the ETS (Educational Testing Service) account who will send the score to the universities specified by you and paid for.
You can take the GRE test 5 times in a 12-month period with a 21-day gap between two attempts. For example, if you took a GRE on 21st July 2025, you can retake it only after 11th August 2025.
You can write the GRE 5 times in total (one test and 4 retakes) till 20th July 2026. GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date of the test; if you took the test on 21st July 2025, the score is valid till 20th July 2030.
Some universities do accept the GMAT for MS if it is a management related discipline though this varies from university to university. Generally speaking, if the course you plan to pursue is management oriented like MiM at LBS or MSc in Management at HEC Paris or those at management schools like ESADE, Rotterdam, Duke Fuqua, Kellogg, etc., you can submit a GMAT score instead of GRE.
However, if you are applying to a program, even if it is management related, in a non-business institution like a School of Arts or School of Social Sciences, the GMAT will not be accepted.
You will need to check the requirements for each university individually to ascertain this matter or can write to the Admissions Office if you feel you deserve an admit despite doing GMAT.
