Study in the USA Without GRE and GMAT 2026 – Universities Accepting Students Without These Tests

 

Studying in the United States is a major goal for thousands of international students every year. However, standardized tests such as the GRE and GMAT have traditionally been part of the admission process for many graduate and business programmes.

The good news is that an increasing number of U.S. universities and individual graduate programmes have made these tests optional, waived them, or stopped requiring them for certain applicants.

This means prospective international students may be able to apply for master's, MBA, doctoral and other postgraduate programmes in the United States without submitting GRE or GMAT scores.

However, applicants should understand an important point: there is no single nationwide "GRE-free" or "GMAT-free" admission policy in the United States. Requirements are determined by individual universities and, in many cases, by individual departments or programmes. Requirements can also change from one academic year to another.

The purpose of this guide is therefore to highlight U.S. universities and programmes that have offered GRE- or GMAT-free admission pathways, while explaining how international students can verify the requirements before applying.

Study in the USA Without GRE and GMAT 2026 Overview

• Study Destination: United States
• Study Level: Bachelor's, Master's, MBA and PhD
• Target Applicants: Domestic and international students, depending on programme
• GRE: Not required by some programmes
• GMAT: Not required by some business programmes
• English Test: Requirements vary by university and programme
• Application Deadline: Varies by university and programme
• Scholarships: Available separately at many universities
• Study Mode: On-campus and programme-specific options
• Academic Year: 2026–27 and subsequent intakes

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What Are the GRE and GMAT?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test commonly used in graduate admissions. It measures skills including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.

The GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate, business and law schools worldwide, although individual programmes determine whether applicants must submit scores.

The GMAT, meanwhile, is traditionally associated with business-school admissions, particularly MBA and other graduate business programmes.

However, many business schools now accept multiple forms of assessment, and some programmes have made standardized tests optional or removed them from their admission requirements.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a test is required simply because they are applying for graduate school or an MBA.

Why Are Universities Waiving GRE and GMAT Requirements?

Universities have increasingly moved toward broader or more holistic approaches to admissions.

Rather than relying on one standardized examination, programmes may consider several components of an applicant's profile, including:

• Undergraduate GPA
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• Statement of purpose
• Research experience
• Professional experience
• Letters of recommendation
• Publications
• Portfolio
• Interviews
• Relevant coursework

ETS itself notes that GRE scores should be considered alongside other elements of an applicant's application rather than treated as the sole measure of academic potential.

For applicants, this shift can make graduate education in the United States more accessible because they may be able to avoid the cost and preparation time associated with standardized testing.

U.S. Universities and Programmes That May Not Require GRE or GMAT

The Bright Scholarship guide lists a number of U.S. universities and programmes that have offered GRE- or GMAT-free admission pathways. However, applicants should verify the current requirement on the specific programme's official admissions page before submitting an application.

Examples include:

Baylor University

Baylor University has programmes where standardized test requirements may vary according to the degree and department.

Applicants should check the requirements for their intended graduate programme rather than assuming that the entire university has eliminated the GRE or GMAT.

Boston University

Boston University offers numerous graduate programmes, and testing requirements differ by school and programme.

Prospective applicants should review the admissions requirements for their specific programme.

California State University, Long Beach

CSULB has graduate and business programmes where GRE and GMAT requirements can vary.

Some programmes may waive or not require standardized tests, while others can have different requirements.

Duquesne University

Duquesne University offers graduate programmes with programme-specific admission requirements.

Students should check the department's current application instructions to determine whether a test score is required.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology offers graduate programmes across engineering, technology, business and other fields.

Applicants should verify whether their selected programme requires a GRE or accepts applications without one.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University has a range of graduate programmes with different admission criteria.

The requirement for standardized tests should be checked directly with the intended department.

Rutgers University

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, offers a large number of graduate programmes.

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Because requirements are programme-specific, applicants should review the individual department's admissions page.

San Jose State University

San Jose State University offers graduate programmes in areas including business, engineering, technology and other disciplines.

GRE requirements can vary by programme, making it important to check the exact degree being considered.

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens offers graduate programmes in technology, engineering, business and related disciplines.

Prospective applicants should verify whether the GRE or GMAT is required for their chosen programme.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has numerous graduate programmes, each with its own admissions criteria.

Some programmes may not require standardized test scores, while others may continue to request them.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV has offered graduate programmes where GRE requirements may be waived or not required.

Applicants should check the latest requirements for their intended programme and admission term.

Universities Where Requirements May Depend on the Programme

A second category includes universities where the GRE or GMAT may be waived for certain departments, schools or programmes rather than across the entire institution.

Examples listed by Bright Scholarship include:

• Austin Peay State University
• Northeastern University
• Drew University
• University of Alabama
• University of North Alabama
• University of Minnesota
• Southern Methodist University
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
• Texas Tech University
• Florida State University
• Jackson State University
• University of Louisville
• University of Arizona
• Brandeis University
• South Dakota State University
• George Mason University
• Auburn University
• Loyola University
• University of Memphis
• Penn State University

The important point is that these should not be treated as universities where every programme is automatically GRE- or GMAT-free. The original guide itself identifies several of these as programme- or department-specific exemptions.

Can You Study for an MBA Without GMAT?

Yes, it is possible.

Many U.S. business schools have moved toward more flexible admissions policies, and some MBA programmes allow applicants to apply without submitting GMAT scores.

However, applicants should check whether the programme:

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• Completely waives the GMAT
• Makes the GMAT optional
• Accepts GRE instead
• Provides a waiver based on professional experience
• Requires another assessment
• Requires the GMAT for certain applicants

The requirements can also change between admission cycles.

For this reason, students should never rely solely on a general list of "MBA programmes without GMAT." Always verify the exact programme's current requirements.

What About the English Language Requirement?

Avoiding the GRE or GMAT does not necessarily mean that an international student can study in the USA without demonstrating English proficiency.

English-language requirements are separate from GRE and GMAT requirements.

Depending on the university and applicant's background, an institution may accept:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Duolingo English Test
• PTE
• Another approved examination
• An English-language degree exemption

Some universities may waive an English test for applicants who completed previous education in an institution where English was the primary language of instruction.

The rules vary considerably.

Therefore, students should check the official requirements for both standardized tests and English proficiency before applying.

Is the Duolingo English Test an Alternative?

For universities that accept it, the Duolingo English Test (DET) can be a convenient alternative to traditional English-language examinations.

It can be taken online from home, subject to the test provider's requirements.

However, applicants should confirm that their chosen university and specific programme accept Duolingo before registering.

The fact that one U.S. university accepts Duolingo does not mean every U.S. university does.

What Documents Do You Need?

Even when GRE or GMAT scores are not required, applicants generally need to submit a strong academic application.

Common requirements include:

Academic Transcripts

Universities normally require official or appropriately certified transcripts showing previous academic performance.

Statement of Purpose

This explains your academic background, interests, career goals and reasons for choosing the programme.

Letters of Recommendation

Graduate programmes often request recommendations from professors, employers or other qualified professionals.

Resume or CV

Your CV should highlight education, employment, research, internships, leadership and relevant achievements.

English Proficiency

International applicants may need to provide an accepted English-language test score unless they qualify for an exemption.

Portfolio

Some programmes, especially those involving art, architecture, design, writing or related fields, may require a portfolio.

Research Proposal

Certain doctoral and research-based master's programmes may require a research proposal.

Advantages of Studying Without GRE or GMAT

There are several advantages to applying to a programme that does not require standardized tests.

Lower Application Costs

Students can avoid paying registration and examination fees.

Less Preparation Time

Preparing for GRE or GMAT can take weeks or months.

Without the requirement, applicants can spend more time preparing their academic documents and applications.

Greater Accessibility

Students who perform poorly on standardized tests may have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability through other parts of their application.

More Focus on Academic and Professional Experience

Some programmes place greater emphasis on undergraduate performance, research, work experience and personal achievements.

How to Find a GRE- or GMAT-Free Programme

The best approach is to search programme by programme.

Step 1: Choose Your Degree

Determine whether you want a master's, MBA, PhD or another graduate qualification.

Step 2: Identify Universities

Create a list of U.S. universities offering your desired programme.

Step 3: Visit the Official Programme Page

Do not rely solely on scholarship blogs or third-party lists.

Step 4: Find the Admission Requirements

Look for sections titled "Application Requirements," "Admission Requirements" or "How to Apply."

Step 5: Check GRE/GMAT Requirements

Confirm whether the test is:

• Required
• Optional
• Waived
• Not accepted
• Required only for certain applicants

Step 6: Check English Requirements

Confirm whether IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or another test is required.

Step 7: Check the Deadline

Deadlines vary by university, programme, semester and applicant category.

Step 8: Apply

Submit your application through the university's official admissions portal.

Scholarships for Students Studying in the USA

Being able to apply without GRE or GMAT does not automatically mean that the programme is fully funded.

Students should treat admission and scholarship funding as two separate processes.

A university may allow you to apply without GRE or GMAT while still requiring a separate scholarship or financial-aid application.

Funding opportunities can include:

• University scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Fellowships
• Tuition waivers
• External scholarships

Applicants should investigate funding options immediately after identifying a suitable programme.

Important Warning About "No GRE/GMAT" Lists

Students should be cautious when using online lists.

Admission policies can change quickly, and a requirement that was waived for one semester may return in a later intake.

The Bright Scholarship article, for example, contains references to policies from different admission cycles, including pandemic-era waivers and Fall 2025 policies.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that every programme mentioned in an older list remains test-free in 2026.

The safest approach is to verify the current requirement directly on the university's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students study in the USA without GRE?

Yes. Some U.S. graduate programmes do not require GRE scores or make them optional. Requirements vary by programme.

Can I study for an MBA without GMAT?

Yes. Some U.S. MBA programmes waive or do not require GMAT scores, but applicants must verify the specific programme's current policy.

Does no GRE mean no English test?

No. GRE/GMAT requirements and English-language requirements are separate.

Can I apply without IELTS and TOEFL?

Some U.S. universities accept alternatives such as Duolingo or offer English-language exemptions. Requirements vary by programme.

Are these universities fully funded?

Not automatically. Admission without GRE or GMAT does not mean that tuition and living expenses are fully funded.

Is there one deadline for all these universities?

No. Each university and programme sets its own application deadlines.

Do I need work experience?

It depends on the programme. Some MBA and professional programmes may prefer or require work experience, while many academic master's programmes do not.

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Conclusion

Studying in the United States without taking the GRE or GMAT is increasingly possible for international students, but applicants must understand that test requirements are programme-specific.

Several U.S. universities have programmes that do not require GRE or GMAT scores, while other universities provide waivers or exemptions for selected departments, degrees or admission cycles.

This can make the U.S. graduate-school application process more accessible to students who would prefer to demonstrate their abilities through their academic record, research experience, professional background, recommendations and personal statements.

However, applicants should not interpret "study in the USA without GRE and GMAT" as meaning that every U.S. university has eliminated standardized testing.

The requirements for the 2026–27 academic year can vary by programme, and universities may update their policies without notice.

International students should also remember that avoiding GRE and GMAT does not automatically remove English-language requirements. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or another approved examination may still be required unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

The best strategy is therefore to identify your desired programme, visit its official admissions page and confirm every requirement before submitting an application.

For students who find a suitable programme with no GRE or GMAT requirement, the opportunity can save both time and money while allowing them to focus on building a strong application.

Start researching early, verify requirements directly with each university and apply before the programme's official deadline.

Good luck with your U.S. study application!