Good News: Many Top Scholarships Don't Need GRE/GMAT
The post-pandemic shift toward holistic admissions has permanently changed the landscape. Many prestigious universities and scholarship programs no longer require standardized test scores, focusing instead on academic records, work experience, and potential.
Why Universities Dropped GRE/GMAT
- COVID-19 Impact: Testing centers closed, forcing test-optional policies
- Diversity Concerns: Tests may disadvantage students from certain backgrounds
- Holistic Admissions: Focus on overall candidate profile
- Predictive Validity Questions: Debate over whether scores predict success
Top USA Scholarships Without GRE
Government & Major Programs
| Scholarship | Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru | Full tuition + stipend | No GRE required |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Full funding | Professional experience |
| Rotary Peace Fellowship | Full funding | Work experience |
University-Specific (GRE Optional)
| University | Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Merit Scholarships | Up to $30,000 |
| Northwestern University | Need-Based Aid | Varies |
| Rice University | Graduate Fellowships | Full tuition |
| USC | Graduate School Awards | $10,000-$30,000 |
| NYU | Dean's Scholarship | 25-100% tuition |
| Boston University | Graduate Assistantships | Tuition + stipend |
STEM Programs Going Test-Optional
Many engineering and science programs now waive GRE:
- MIT (some programs)
- Stanford (select departments)
- UC Berkeley (most programs)
- University of Michigan
- Georgia Tech
Top UK Scholarships (No GMAT/GRE Required)
Government Scholarships
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Full funding | Work experience required |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Full funding | Developing countries |
| GREAT Scholarships | £10,000 | Various universities |
University Scholarships
| University | Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Clarendon Fund | Full funding |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge | Full funding |
| Imperial College | President's PhD Scholarships | Full tuition + stipend |
| Edinburgh | Global Research Scholarship | Tuition fee waiver |
| Manchester | Global Excellence Awards | Up to £10,000 |
| Warwick | Chancellor's International Scholarships | £26,000 |
Canada Scholarships Without GRE
Major Programs
| Scholarship | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Graduate Scholarship | $50,000/year (3 years) | PhD only, replaced Vanier CGS in 2025 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | $15,000/year | Masters & PhD |
| University of Toronto Fellowship | Up to $25,000/year | Varies by program |
University Scholarships
- McGill: Entrance scholarships up to CAD 12,000
- UBC: Graduate Awards up to CAD 30,000
- University of Waterloo: Research Assistantships (full funding)
- University of Alberta: Recruitment Scholarships up to CAD 10,000
Australia Scholarships Without GRE
| Scholarship | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Full funding |
| Destination Australia | $15,000/year |
| Research Training Program | Full tuition for research degrees |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Full funding |
Europe Scholarships (No GRE)
Pan-European Programs
| Program | Coverage | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus | Full funding | Multiple EU countries |
| DAAD Scholarships | €992-1,300/month + benefits | Germany |
| Holland Scholarship | €5,000 | Netherlands |
| Swedish Institute Scholarships | Full funding | Sweden |
Germany (Tuition-Free)
Most German public universities are tuition-free and don't require GRE/GMAT. Focus on:
- Academic transcripts (minimum 70-75%)
- Language proficiency (IELTS or German)
- Statement of purpose
- Work/research experience
What Universities Look for Instead
When GRE/GMAT isn't required, these factors become more important:
Academic Record (40-50% weight)
- Undergraduate GPA: Minimum 3.0, competitive 3.5+
- Academic transcripts showing relevant coursework
- Research publications or projects
Professional Experience (20-30% weight)
- Work experience in relevant field
- Leadership roles and achievements
- Industry certifications
Written Materials (20-25% weight)
- Statement of Purpose
- Research proposal (for research programs)
- Writing samples
Recommendations (10-15% weight)
- 2-3 strong letters from professors/supervisors
- Should speak to academic ability and potential
How to Strengthen Your Application Without Test Scores
1. Build a Strong GPA
Focus on your final years; an upward trend matters.
2. Gain Relevant Experience
Internships, research assistantships, and work experience compensate for missing test scores.
3. Write a Compelling SOP
Your Statement of Purpose must be:
- Specific about goals
- Connected to the program
- Demonstrating research/knowledge of the field
4. Secure Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically to your abilities.
5. Highlight Alternative Achievements
- Publications and presentations
- Industry certifications
- Leadership roles
- Volunteer work
Data verified for 2025-26 academic year | Requirements may change; verify with universities
