18 September 2025
5 minutes read
25 Top Universities And Colleges Accept GRE Scores Around The World For Indian Students
5 September 2024
5 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- 500,000+ international students take the GRE annually, with many aiming to secure spots in top GRE colleges and MBA/MS programs worldwide.
- Preparing early with a focus on mock tests and targeting weak areas can significantly boost your chances of getting a good GRE score.
- Top universities, from the Ivy League to global business schools, now accept GRE scores, so choosing the right program depends on aligning your score with their expectations.
Over 1,200 universities worldwide accept GRE scores, yet half the students I meet still believe it’s only for U.S. grad schools. That’s the myth most Indian and international applicants walk into. But I tell you, You waste months shortlisting colleges blindly, only to discover later that your dream school either doesn’t require GRE scores or has a score range far beyond what you aimed for.
The smart way is to know exactly which universities accepting GRE exam scores actually fit your profile, whether you’re targeting Canadian universities, European business schools, or U.S. programs that still consider GRE scores for MS. That’s why I’ve built this list, to save you from trial-and-error and help you make faster, better study abroad decisions.
What Is The Average GRE Score Requirement Top Universities Are Looking For?
When I talk to students about GRE preparation, I remind them that numbers don’t lie. According to ETS, the global average sits close to 305. That might sound decent, but in reality it won’t move the needle at top universities accepting GRE scores. For MS programs in the US, the real competition begins around 315 to 325, while for MBAs you’re staring at 325 plus.
Canadian universities are slightly more flexible, but even there, strong profiles with work experience often outshine a plain test score. The truth is, eligibility is never just about the GRE test.
Some GRE accepting universities will still let you in without GRE, but they will expect evidence of research, leadership, or academic excellence to fill the gap. If you really want to get admission, treat the GRE as one piece of the puzzle and build the rest of your story with equal intent.
25 Top Colleges Around The World That Accept GRE For MBA Program
An increasing number of top business schools worldwide now accept GRE scores for their MBA programs. This opens up more opportunities for students who might feel more comfortable taking the Graduate Record Examination than cracking the GMAT. As the world of higher education expands, the GRE General Test is becoming a popular standardized test for admission to many prestigious MBA programs.
Here’s a list of top 25 colleges that accept the GRE scores for MBA programs:
| University/College | QS World University Ranking (2023) | Average Fees (USD) | Average Post-MBA Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 3 | $150,000 | $220,000 |
| Harvard Business School | 5 | $146,880 | $210,000 |
| Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) | 13 | $162,756 | $211,000 |
| INSEAD | 6 (Global MBA Ranking) | $115,000 | $180,000 |
| London Business School | 8 (Global MBA Ranking) | $120,000 | $190,000 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 1 (QS Business Masters Rankings) | $148,400 | $200,000 |
| Columbia Business School | 22 | $158,000 | $208,000 |
| HEC Paris | 9 (Global MBA Ranking) | $115,000 | $175,000 |
| University of Chicago Booth School of Business | 10 (Global MBA Ranking) | $144,000 | $190,000 |
| IE Business School | 11 (Global MBA Ranking) | $85,000 | $160,000 |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | 12 (Global MBA Ranking) | $150,000 | $180,000 |
| University of Cambridge (Judge) | 2 (QS World University Ranking) | $74,000 | $160,000 |
| NYU Stern School of Business | 39 | $150,000 | $195,000 |
| IESE Business School | 4 (Global MBA Ranking) | $100,000 | $175,000 |
| University of Oxford (Saïd) | 4 (QS World University Ranking) | $82,000 | $165,000 |
| ESADE Business School | 13 (Global MBA Ranking) | $72,000 | $150,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley (Haas) | 27 | $119,000 | $185,000 |
| Yale School of Management | 14 | $142,000 | $180,000 |
| Duke University (Fuqua) | 50 | $140,000 | $175,000 |
| Indian School of Business | 7 (Global MBA Ranking) | $55,000 | $145,000 |
| University of Michigan (Ross) | 23 | $144,000 | $170,000 |
| University of Toronto (Rotman) | 34 | $100,000 | $160,000 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 11 | $62,000 | $140,000 |
| HKUST Business School | 57 | $75,000 | $140,000 |
| Cornell University (Johnson) | 20 | $146,000 | $175,000 |
6 Expert Tips To Get Good GRE Scores
When it comes to preparing for the GRE, it can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, with a little bit of planning and the right approach, you can ace this test and achieve the score you need. It’s all about taking one step at a time and focusing on the things that really make a difference. Here are six straightforward tips to help you get a good GRE score without overcomplicating things.
1. Understand the GRE Format
Before diving into study materials, get familiar with the test format. The GRE General Test includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. Knowing the structure will help you manage your time better during the exam.
2. Start Early with a Study Plan
Create a study schedule that fits your routine and start preparing early. Even if it’s just an hour a day, having consistent study time will help build your knowledge and confidence over time. Spread out your preparation, so you aren’t cramming last minute.
3. Take GRE Mock Tests
Taking mock tests is one of the best ways to prepare. It will help you understand how to pace yourself during the test and get you used to the types of questions you’ll encounter. Many online platforms offer free and paid GRE prep tests that simulate the actual exam.
4. Focus on Your Weak Areas
It’s tempting to study what you’re already good at, but you’ll get better results by working on your weak areas. Whether it’s quantitative reasoning or verbal reasoning, identify where you struggle and dedicate extra time to those sections.
5. Build Your Vocabulary
For the verbal reasoning section, having a good vocabulary is essential. Start reading regularly and make flashcards for new words. There are also plenty of GRE-specific vocabulary apps that can help you quickly learn and retain words.
6. Stay Calm and Take Care of Yourself
Finally, don’t forget about your mental and physical health. Staying calm and rested is crucial for performing well on test day. Get enough sleep, eat well, and practice relaxation techniques if you’re feeling anxious. The better you feel, the better you’ll perform.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the GRE is just one of many entrance exams, but for graduate studies it remains the most widely trusted. The average GRE score sits near 305, yet for top universities accepting GRE scores, the real GRE cutoff usually starts at 315 for master’s programs and goes up to 325+ for MBA. That’s the benchmark you should measure yourself against, not random claims about what is considered a good GRE score.
If you’re aiming for Ivy League schools, a private Ivy League research university, or even universities in Canada, focus less on the myth of a “total GRE score” and more on aligning your profile with what each admission process actually values, be it work experience, research, or verbal and quantitative sections.
The smartest applicants I’ve worked with don’t chase the best GRE alone; they balance GRE prep, mock tests, and profile-building to make sure their graduate record examination results tell the right story.
Master the GRE and take a significant step toward graduate school admission with Ambitio as your strategic partner. Our platform provides a comprehensive suite of resources, from expertly designed lessons to personalized feedback, all aimed at helping you secure a score that reflects your true academic ability.
FAQs
How do I register for the GRE?
You can register for the GRE through the ETS website. It’s advisable to book early, especially if you prefer specific times, such as avoiding early morning slots
How much does the GRE cost?
The standard fee for taking the GRE is $205. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or changing test centers
Can I change the date or location of my test?
Can I retake the GRE? How many times can I take the test?
What materials are tested on the GRE?
What is the format and length of the GRE?
The GRE is a computer-based test that lasts approximately 2 hours. It includes sections for Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, with a total of 1 essay task and several multiple-choice questions
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