Masters in USA Without GRE: Top Universities, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026-27)

You no longer need to pay USD 231 (₹20,328) or spend months preparing for the GRE.

Pursuing a Masters in USA without GRE is increasingly feasible for Indian students in 2025. Over 60% of US universities now offer GRE waivers or make it optional (ETS), creating a strategic advantage for students who have strong academic records, work experience, or research achievements but may not excel in standardised testing.

Admissions are now focused on the overall profile, including undergraduate grades, projects, internships, and recommendation letters, allowing students to showcase their true potential beyond test scores.

This guide explains how to pursue an MS in USA without GRE, covering top universities, eligibility requirements, courses, scholarships, and practical tips to strengthen your application, helping you leverage your existing strengths to secure admission with confidence.

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In 2025, GRE will no longer be mandatory for MS in USA for many graduate programs. Key points for Indian students:

• For Indian students, this means over 60% of programs accept applications without GRE scores or provide waivers (ETS).
• Universities offering GRE waivers in 2026 include MIT, Purdue, Boston University, and George Mason University.
• Admissions now emphasise GPA, work experience, research, and recommendation letters, letting students highlight their strengths beyond standardised tests.
• Skipping the GRE saves USD 231 (₹20,328) in exam fees and preparation costs, allowing students to focus on building a stronger application profile.

The GRE is becoming less crucial for graduate admissions. Many GRE waiver universities in USA focus on holistic evaluation, allowing applicants to highlight academic records, projects, and work experience instead of a test score.

According to a 2025 article by the Times of India, leading U.S. universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and Stanford University, no longer require the GRE for their graduate programs. This trend reflects a broader move towards more inclusive and comprehensive admission criteria.(The Times of India)

Applying to these institutions without the GRE can save time and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on strengthening other aspects of your application.

Here is a quick overview of the 10 top universities in the USA without the GRE.

Check out these masters courses in USA without GRE exam for Indian students if you’re planning to do masters in USA without GRE.

In addition to the universities listed above, several other institutions in the U.S. have also waived the GRE requirement for certain graduate programs. Many of these universities allow applicants to strengthen their applications using alternatives such as a strong undergraduate GPA, relevant work experience, research projects, or professional certifications.

Universities with GRE waivers or alternatives include:

Some U.S. master’s programs no longer require the GRE, letting Indian students focus on grades, projects, internships, and research. Choosing the right program can help you use your academic and professional achievements to strengthen your application.

Several options are accepted by universities in the USA without the GRE, depending on the field of study. 

Here's an elaboration on the main alternatives.

• LSAT (Law School Admission Test) - The LSAT is the primary required test for law-related graduate programs, like an LLM or dual degree programs (e.g., JD/MBA).
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) - The GMAT is the key alternative to the GRE for business-related graduate programs like an MBA, MIM, or MS in Finance.
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) -The MCAT is generally required for medical school and healthcare-related programs like MD, public health, biomedical sciences, and healthcare administration.
• Subject-Specific Tests - Specialised graduate programs in the humanities or arts may require tests like the MAT (Miller Analogies Test). While engineering and science fields may require biology, chemistry, or physics exams.
• No Exam or GRE Waivers - Universities may waive the GRE if you have a high GPA, a solid academic record, and relevant professional experience, particularly in fields focusing on practical skills.

More universities in the USA are now allowing students to apply without the GRE. Around 60% of top US universities, including Ivy League institutions, have waived the GRE requirement for specific programs in 2026. This change lets you focus on academic achievements, work experience, and personal statements rather than standardised tests.

1. Research Programs: Identify universities and specific programs that waive the GRE. Check official university websites for up-to-date requirements.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Collect transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose (SOP), resume/CV, and any additional program-specific documents.
3. Check GRE Waiver Policies: Confirm that the program either waives the GRE entirely or makes it optional. Some programs grant waivers based on GPA, professional experience, or research credentials.
4. Complete Online Application: Fill out the university’s application accurately, including personal, academic, and professional details.
5. Submit Transcripts and Documents: Upload all required documents as per the university’s instructions.
6. Pay Application Fee: Submit the application fee unless a fee waiver is available. Some universities offer waivers based on financial need.
7. Track Your Application: Monitor your application status through the university portal and respond promptly to additional requests, such as interviews or extra documents.

You can apply in some of these universities in USA without application fees. You can apply to such universities if you don’t want to spend too much money on university applications.

Completing a master’s without GRE does not limit your visa options. Indian students can still apply for:

• OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months work authorisation post-MS; 24 months extension for STEM programs
• H-1B visa: Employers sponsor after OPT; GRE scores are not required

Not having GRE does not directly affect visa approvals, but ensure your admission documents clearly show program eligibility.

• Keep transcripts, SOP, and GRE waiver confirmation handy
• Some consulates may ask for clarifications on program rigour; a strong SOP and recommendations help

Employers in the U.S. focus on skills, experience, and academic performance, not GRE scores.

• STEM fields: Coding, engineering, and data analytics roles are evaluated on portfolio and internships
• Business and finance: GPA, projects, and internships matter more than GRE
• Public health and research: Publications, lab work, and leadership experience are key

Studying masters in USA without GRE is becoming an increasingly popular option for students like you pursuing a master's degree. You can also check out the universities without IELTS in USA before finalising the universities. Here’s why you should study in universities in the USA without the GRE.

1. Inclusive Admissions
   • Over 60% of US universities, including Ivy League and STEM-focused schools, have made the GRE optional or waived it for specific programs (ETS, 2025). This allows students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to apply.
2. Focus on Skills and Experience
   • Admissions committees prioritise internships, research projects, lab experience, and leadership abilities, which are often more relevant to graduate success than a test score.
3. Holistic Evaluation
   • Applications are reviewed based on GPA, coursework, recommendation letters, projects, and publications, reflecting your overall potential rather than one exam result.
4. Cost and Stress Reduction
   • Skipping the GRE saves USD 231 (₹20,328) in exam fees and additional preparation costs while reducing the pressure of a high-stakes test.
5. Showcase Strengths
   • Without the GRE, you can highlight academic excellence, work experience, research, and professional achievements that are highly valued by competitive programs.

Studying in the USA without the GRE is no longer a limitation. With top-ranked universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA offering programs that waive the GRE, you can focus on showcasing your academic achievements, research experience, and professional skills. This shift allows you to apply with less stress, highlighting your strengths beyond standardised test scores.

Other excellent options, such as the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, also offer GRE waivers for select programs, providing diverse opportunities across engineering, business, public health, and more.

Check your eligibility, explore universities, and apply now after having a personalised counselling with LeapScholar to make your dream of studying in the USA a reality.