If I take the GRE along with IELTS, will it improve my chances for top universities in computer science in Ireland/Canada for a Master's?
A high GRE score, especially 165 plus in quant, can help at elite Canadian schools like the University of Toronto if your grading scale is unfamiliar. In Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin do not require the GRE and rely on GPA and IELTS.
The GRE will not carry the same weight in both countries, so your strategy needs to change depending on where you apply. In Canada, a strong quantitative GRE score can genuinely help you stand out for elite computer science programmes, especially if your undergraduate grading scale is unfamiliar to admissions committees. In Ireland, top schools ignore the GRE almost entirely and judge you on your GPA, prerequisites and English score.
GRE Impact By Country
| Country | GRE Requirement | What Actually Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Optional, encouraged at elite schools like the University of Toronto | Quant score of 165 or higher helps offset an unfamiliar grading scale |
| Ireland | Not required at Trinity College Dublin or University College Dublin | Bachelor's GPA, core CS prerequisites, IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 |
Should You Still Take It
- Take the GRE if you are targeting top-tier Canadian programmes and can realistically score 165 or higher in quant.
- Skip it for Ireland unless a specific programme lists it as required, since it rarely changes an Irish admission decision.
- Check each university's own admissions page rather than assuming a blanket policy across the country.
My Advice
Shortlist your target universities first, then decide on the GRE only if a specific elite Canadian programme explicitly favours it for applicants like you. Put the study time you would spend on the GRE into your IELTS score instead if Ireland is your main target, since that score genuinely moves the needle there.
What IELTS band do Canadian universities actually need?
Know your target score, and how to hit it with free mock tests.
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