GRE vs GMAT: who needs them and which should you take?

Short answer: the GRE and GMAT are standard tests used for master's and MBA admission abroad. The GMAT is mostly used by business schools, while the GRE is accepted for business and many other fields. Many master's programmes require neither, so check your target programme first.

Many applicants lose time asking "do I need the GRE or GMAT?" This guide explains what the tests are, who needs them and how to choose.

What are the tests?

The GRE General Test (ETS) is used for master's, doctoral and MBA programmes. It has verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections plus analytical writing. Verbal and quantitative are scored 130-170 and analytical writing 0-6.

The GMAT (GMAC) was designed for business schools. The current Focus Edition has three sections: quantitative, verbal and data insights. The total score ranges from 205 to 805.

Criteria	GRE	GMAT (Focus)
Target	Master's, PhD, MBA	MBA and business master's
Sections	Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing	Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights
Score range	130-170 per section, writing 0-6	205-805 total
Length	Roughly 2 hours	Roughly 2 hours 15 minutes

Note: structure and length can be changed by the test organisers; always verify the current format on the official website.

Who needs them?

• MBA and business master's applicants: most top schools accept GMAT or GRE; some make it optional or allow work experience to substitute.
• PhD and research master's applicants: some US universities ask for the GRE, though many have dropped the requirement in recent years.
• US master's programmes: more likely to ask; the UK and Europe rarely require them.

The safest approach is to open each programme's admissions page and look for "GRE/GMAT required, optional or not accepted".

Which one should you choose?

1. If you apply only to business schools and are comfortable with numbers, GMAT can make more sense.
2. If you apply across fields (business, public policy, engineering), GRE is more flexible.
3. Take a practice test of each and compare your results.
4. Consider your English level: the GRE verbal section demands strong vocabulary.

Preparation plan

Stage	Duration	What to do
Diagnostic	1 week	Official practice test, identify strong and weak sections
Core prep	6-10 weeks	Topic review by section, vocabulary, problem solving
Practice	2-3 weeks	Full-length tests, time management
Review and test	1 week	Work on mistakes, test-day preparation

Schedule your test at least 2-3 months before your application deadline so you can retake it if needed.

Do they replace an English test?

No. The GRE and GMAT measure academic skills, not English proficiency. Universities usually also ask for IELTS or TOEFL. See the IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo comparison.

FAQ

Can I be admitted without the GRE or GMAT?

Yes. Many programmes do not require them or make them optional. Check each university's rules.

How long is a score valid?

Usually several years, but the exact period depends on the test organiser's rules.

Do I need them for the State Programme?

The State Programme mainly requires a language certificate and an admission letter. These tests are needed only if your chosen university asks for them. More in State Programme documents.

Build your plan with us

EDDE Global has supported students since 2018 with programme selection, test planning and documents. Book a free consultation or start with our major selection test. For MBA applicants, also see our MBA abroad guide.

Note: test format, fees and rules can change. For official information, check the ETS (GRE) and GMAC (GMAT) websites.