Curious about "who is eligible for GRE?" In 2025, anyone can register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test—there are no educational prerequisites, no minimum GPA, and no bachelor's degree required. Administered by ETS, the GRE is open globally to aspiring Master's, PhD, or MBA students, career changers, and even high-school seniors exploring grad paths. Over 500,000 people take it annually, with no upper age limit. The only firm rules: be 18+ (or have parental consent if younger) and present valid ID. Special accommodations exist for disabilities, and fee reductions help low-income takers. For international students from India, China, or elsewhere, eligibility is universal—just meet ID and payment standards. This guide details 2025 eligibility criteria, exceptions, and registration tips to get you test-ready.
Basic GRE Eligibility Requirements in 2025
ETS keeps it simple:
- Age: 18 years or older. Under 18? Submit signed parental/guardian consent form via ETS.org.
- Education: None required—no high school diploma, no college credits. Take it before, during, or after your bachelor's.
- Citizenship: Open to all nationalities—no visa needed to register or test.
- Frequency: Up to 5 times per year, 21-day gaps (continuous 365 days). Scores valid 5 years. No "eligibility certificate" like some Indian exams—register directly on ETS.org.
Valid ID Requirements: Who Qualifies to Enter the GRE Test Center
You must present original, unexpired government-issued photo ID with name, photo, and signature matching your registration exactly.
- Most Countries (including US): Passport (preferred for internationals). Driver’s license or national ID okay for locals.
- India: Only passport accepted—no Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID.
- China: Chinese ID card or passport.
- At-Home Testing: Same ID + webcam verification via ProctorU. Name mismatches (e.g., married name change)? Update ETS profile 4+ days prior. No ID = no entry, no refund.
Special Eligibility: Accommodations for Disabilities or Health Needs
ETS offers 50+ accommodations—no extra "eligibility" beyond documentation:
- Extended Time: 50%–100% extra for ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety.
- Separate Room: For focus or medical needs.
- Assistive Tools: Screen readers, large print, Braille.
- Medical Devices: Insulin pumps, wheelchairs allowed. Apply 6–8 weeks early via ETS Disability Services—approval rate >90% with doctor’s note. English learners get dictionary access only if approved (rare).
Fee Reduction Eligibility: Who Qualifies for $100 GRE
Low-income takers can slash costs:
- US Residents: Unemployed + benefits, or family income <$42K (FAFSA-based).
- International: Via national partners (e.g., India’s USEFI for Fulbright applicants).
- Result: $100 fee (55% off) + free score reports. Limited vouchers—apply early; 20,000+ awarded yearly.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Take the GRE in 2025
Eligible & Ideal:
- Bachelor’s final-year students (apply with predicted grades).
- Working pros (2+ years exp) for part-time MS/MBA.
- GRE-optional program applicants (MIT, Stanford waive it—still take for scholarships). Not Needed:
- Test-blind schools (UC Berkeley, some Harvard MS).
- Professional degrees (JD, MD—use LSAT/MCAT).
- Executive MBAs (GMAT/GRE optional, exp-heavy).
How to Confirm Your GRE Eligibility and Register
- Visit ETS.org/gre → Create account.
- Select test date/location (centers in 160+ countries).
- Pay $220 USD ($228 India/China) via card.
- Upload ID photo if required.
- Done—confirmation email in 24 hrs. For Indians: Use INR payment option; book 2+ months early for metro slots.
In summary, anyone 18+ with valid ID is eligible for GRE—no degree, no barriers. Whether you're a freshman dreamer or a 40-year-old career switcher, the test is yours. Register today—your MS, PhD, or MBA path starts with one click.