Do I need to take the IELTS or GRE exams for my application for a Master's?
It depends on your target country and course. The UK, Canada, and Australia almost always require IELTS but rarely GRE. The US requires IELTS for most international applicants and often expects a GRE score above 320 for competitive STEM master's programmes. Waivers exist if your degree was taught in English.
Whether you need the IELTS, the GRE, or both comes down to your target country and course, since the two tests measure completely different things. Your English proficiency and your academic aptitude are never interchangeable, so you cannot skip one by acing the other.
Test Requirements By Country
| Country/Region | IELTS | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Mandatory at most universities | Optional, often expected for competitive STEM programmes |
| United Kingdom | Mandatory unless waived | Rare, except select business or economics programmes |
| Canada | Mandatory for admission and visa | Rare, except top engineering or computer science programmes |
| Australia | Mandatory for entry and visa | Not required for almost all programmes |
When You Might Get A Waiver
- IELTS: some universities waive it if your undergraduate degree was taught entirely in English and you can provide an official Medium of Instruction certificate.
- GRE: many programmes waive it if you have a high undergraduate GPA, generally above 3.5 out of 4.0, or strong relevant work experience.
- Even with a college waiver, some visa offices in Canada or Australia may still ask for an official English test.
My Advice
Go directly to your target course's admissions page rather than a general university guideline, since requirements can differ sharply between departments at the same school. If you are aiming for a competitive US STEM master's, plan for both tests early rather than assuming a strong GPA alone will earn you a GRE waiver.
What IELTS band do US universities actually need?
Know your target score, and how to hit it with free mock tests.
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