How to Qualify for GRE?

You do not need to “qualify” for the GRE in the traditional sense—there are no academic, age, or citizenship requirements to take the exam. The GRE is open to anyone who wishes to apply to graduate or business school, regardless of background. To take the GRE, you simply need to register and pay the fee.

How to Qualify for GRE: The Only Requirements

1. No Minimum Education Required
   You can take the GRE as an undergraduate, recent graduate, or adult learner—even if you haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree. Many students take it during their final year of college.
2. No Age Limit
   There is no minimum or maximum age to sit for the GRE. Minors may take it with parental consent and proper identification.
3. No Nationality or Residency Restrictions
   The GRE is administered worldwide. International students, U.S. citizens, and non-citizens alike can register and test—regardless of where they live.
4. Valid Identification (ID)
   To qualify to take the GRE, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) that matches your registration name exactly. This is the only formal requirement on test day.
5. Registration and Payment
   You must create an ETS account, select a test date and location (or choose remote proctoring), and pay the $235 exam fee (as of 2025). Payment confirms your eligibility to test.

Important Clarification

You do not “qualify” to take the GRE based on GPA, major, or prior coursework. The GRE is an admissions tool—not a qualifying exam. Schools decide whether to require it, but ETS does not screen applicants before they test.

What Schools Require (Not You)
While you don’t need to qualify to take the GRE, the graduate programs you apply to may require it. Always check each program’s admissions page to confirm whether the GRE is mandatory, optional, or not accepted.

To qualify for GRE, you need only to register, pay, and bring valid ID. There are no academic prerequisites, no entrance exams, and no barriers to entry. The GRE is designed to be accessible to all who wish to pursue graduate study. If you’re planning to apply to grad school, you’re already qualified to take the test.