With my commerce background and work experience, do I need to give GRE or GMAT for the UK, USA, Canada or Dubai?
Whether you need GRE or GMAT depends on the country, university and programme. The UK mostly does not ask for them, the USA often does for business and some specialised courses, Canada's business schools typically want GMAT, and Dubai often needs neither, with some universities preferring experience or an interview.
It depends on the country, the university and the programme. With a commerce background and work experience, you may qualify for waivers at some universities, especially outside the USA, though this is not a general rule.
Typical GRE or GMAT expectations by country
| Country | What to expect |
|---|---|
| UK | Most master's courses do not require GRE or GMAT; top business or finance programmes may ask for them, but IELTS is generally enough |
| USA | GRE or GMAT is often required for business, management or some specialised programmes; STEM and non-business courses may not need them |
| Canada | Business schools typically require GMAT; other master's programmes may or may not ask for GRE or GMAT |
| Dubai (UAE) | Most master's programmes do not require them, though select business or engineering courses might; relevant work experience may be preferred, and some universities may use an interview instead of GMAT, rather than a general waiver |
What this means for your profile
- Your commerce background and work experience can help you secure a waiver in some cases.
- Prepare for an English proficiency test such as IELTS, which matters in most destinations.
- Always check the specific programme page, because rules differ between universities.
My Advice
Shortlist your programmes first and check each admissions page for test requirements and waiver policies. Start with the English test, since that is the one most likely to be needed.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which Canadian universities you still qualify for.
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