Wondering "which is cheaper, GRE or GMAT?" In 2025, the GRE is cheaper by $55–$80 upfront, with broader savings on extras like score reports and rescheduling. Both ETS-administered exams target graduate admissions—GRE for diverse MS/PhD programs, GMAT for MBAs—but cost structures differ significantly. The GRE costs $220 worldwide (except India/China at ~$228), while GMAT ranges $275 (test center) to $300 (online). Over 500,000 GRE takers vs. 200,000 GMAT annually reflect GRE’s affordability edge, especially for international students from India, where GMAT hits ₹27,500 (~$330). This guide breaks down base fees, hidden costs, and value to help you decide which is cheaper for your US, Canada, or Europe grad goals.
Base Exam Fees: GRE vs. GMAT Cost Comparison 2025
- GRE: $220 flat globally (₹24,000 in India, AUD 350 in Australia). No price variance by location or format (computer-based only).
- GMAT: $275 at test centers, $300 for GMAT Focus Online. India: ₹27,500; UK: £250; Canada: CAD 375. Winner: GRE saves $55–$80 per attempt—critical if retaking.
Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees: Where GRE Stays Cheaper
- GRE: Reschedule >4 days prior: $50. Cancel >4 days: $110 refund ($110 kept).
- GMAT: Reschedule >7 days: $60–$165 (tiered by timing); <7 days: full fee lost. Cancel >7 days: $100–$150 refund. Late changes cost 2–3x more on GMAT. GRE’s flexibility makes it cheaper for uncertain schedules.
Score Reports and Additional Costs: GMAT Adds Up Fast
- GRE: First 4 schools free (at registration). Extra reports: $35 each.
- GMAT: First 5 schools free. Extra: $35 each (same), but many MBAs require Enhanced Score Report ($30) for analytics. Applying to 8+ schools? GMAT tacks on $100+ in ESR fees. GRE remains cheaper for multi-app strategies.
Retake Policies and Total Cost for Two Attempts
Planning to retake?
- GRE: 21-day gap, 5 attempts/year. Two tests = $440.
- GMAT: 16-day gap, 5 attempts/year. Two tests = $550–$600. GRE saves $110–$160 on retakes—vital since 40% retake GMAT vs. 25% GRE (ETS data).
Hidden Savings: GRE Accepted by 1,200+ MBA Programs
Since 2023, Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton accept GRE for MBA—same validity (5 years), no conversion needed. Skip GMAT’s $300 price tag and use GRE for both MS and MBA paths. For Indians, GRE’s lower India fee + free prep (PowerPrep) vs. GMAT’s paid mocks ($50+) widens the gap.
Is GRE Cheaper Overall? Yes—But Check Program Requirements
GRE wins on cost 9/10 times. Exceptions: rare GMAT-only schools (e.g., some Executive MBAs) or if you need GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning for finance roles. Use GMAT-to-GRE conversion tools on ETS.org to confirm score equivalence.
In summary, GRE is cheaper than GMAT in 2025—by $55 base, $50–$100 in extras, and $100+ on retakes. Register via ETS.org, lock in free score sends, and redirect savings to SOP coaching or visa fees. Your grad dreams just got more affordable.