Can you recommend which English or GRE exams I should take given my CBSE schooling in UK/Singapore for a Master's?
Even with CBSE schooling in the UK or Singapore, you will likely still need IELTS or TOEFL unless your university waives it for a Class 12 English score above roughly 75 to 80 percent. GRE matters mainly for STEM programs, GMAT for business, and UK humanities Master's often need neither.
Your CBSE schooling in the UK or Singapore does not automatically clear you from English proficiency tests. Most universities still require IELTS or TOEFL for Master's admission, though a select few will waive it if you scored around 75 to 80 percent or higher in Senior Secondary English on your CBSE Class 12 boards.
Exam Requirements By Situation
| Exam | When You Need It | Why |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT | Unless your target university lists an explicit CBSE English waiver | Clears administrative screening for visa and admissions compliance; IELTS is generally the more widely accepted choice in the UK and Singapore |
| GRE | Often required or recommended for STEM programs at NUS, NTU, Imperial, or UCL, though many now list it as optional | Signals quantitative readiness for technical coursework |
| GMAT (or GRE) | Typical for MBAs and Masters in Management at schools like NUS Business School or London Business School | Standard business-school entrance benchmark |
| Neither | Many UK humanities and social sciences Master's programs | Admission relies on your undergraduate GPA, statement of purpose, and references instead |
How To Confirm Your Exact Requirement
- Open the "Country Requirements" or "English Requirements" page for each target university and search for CBSE explicitly
- Note your target field first, since it decides GRE versus GMAT versus neither far more than your schooling location does
- Keep a copy of your CBSE Class 12 English marksheet ready in case a waiver form asks for it
My Advice
Do not assume a waiver; instead spend twenty minutes checking each shortlisted university's official English requirements page before you register for any exam, and if even one program on your list still requires it, book the IELTS Academic now since slots fill up fast close to intake deadlines.
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