The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a global gateway to Master's, MBA, and PhD programs in the USA, Canada, Europe, and even top Indian universities. But before registering, students quickly realise that the GRE exam fee is more than just a simple registration cost, and understanding the full GRE fee structure is essential to avoid overspending.
GRE Exam Types & Their Fee Implications
Feature |
GRE General Test (Test Centre) |
GRE General Test (At Home) |
GRE Subject Test |
Mode |
Computer-based at an authorised centre |
Online from home (live proctor) |
Paper-based |
Base Registration Fee (India) |
₹22,000 – ₹24,000 |
₹22,000 – ₹24,000 |
₹14,000 – ₹17,000 |
Global Fee (USD) |
$235 – $260 |
$235 – $260 |
$150 – $170 |
Acceptance |
100% worldwide |
Accepted by most (verify with the university) |
Only required by certain PhD/research programs |
Availability |
Year-round, multiple slots per month |
Year-round, very frequent slots |
2–3 fixed dates per year |
Test Centre Required |
Yes |
No |
Yes (limited centres) |
Rescheduling Fee |
$50–$60 |
$50–$60 |
Limited / varies |
Additional Score Report |
$30 per university |
$30 per university |
$30 per university |
Technical Requirements |
None (centre provides all) |
High (internet, webcam, quiet room) |
None (paper test) |
Travel Cost |
Possible (if the centre is far) |
None |
Likely (centres are limited) |
Hidden Costs |
Travel, retake |
Tech setup, retake |
Travel, fewer dates |
Convenience |
High (stable environment) |
Medium-High (home comfort but risky) |
Low (fixed dates, rare need) |
Most Suitable For |
The majority of students |
Those far from centres or who need a quick slot |
Specialised PhD applicants |
1. GRE General Test (Computer-Based at Test Centre) – Most Common & Widely Accepted
What it is:
The standard GRE is taken on a computer at an official ETS/Prometric test centre.
Where it is accepted:
All universities worldwide (USA, Canada, UK, Europe, India, etc.)
Typical Fee:
- India: ₹22,000 – ₹24,000 (varies as per ETS updates + taxes)
- Global: $235 – $260
Additional Charges:
- Rescheduling (date change) = $50–$60
- Late registration = $50
- Cancellation (partial refund only)
- Extra score reports = $30 per university
- Score review = $50–$80
Why it may cost more overall:
Most students take the GRE at test centres, which may incur travel costs or rescheduling charges if slots fill up.
2. GRE General Test – At Home Edition (Online with Proctor)
What it is:
The same exam, but taken from home on your computer.
You are monitored live by a remote proctor.
Acceptance:
Accepted by most universities (still advisable to confirm with your program).
Typical Fee:
Same as the test centre version
- India: ₹22,000 – ₹24,000
- Global: $235 – $260
(Some regions may add a small online proctoring fee.)
Additional Charges:
- Rescheduling = $50–$60
- Extra score reports = $30 each
(Other fees remain the same as the test centre version.)
Hidden Costs to Consider:
While the fee is the same, you may need:
- High-speed stable internet
- Noise-free private room
- Good-quality webcam and mic
- Backup power (to prevent disconnection)
Any technical failure could result in the loss of fees and necessitate a forced reschedule.
3. GRE Subject Test (Paper-Based, Limited Use)
What it is:
A paper-based test focusing on a specific subject:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
(Other subjects like Chemistry and Biology have been discontinued.)
Who needs it:
This is only required by certain PhD or specialised programs.
Most MBA programs do NOT require this test.
Typical Fee:
- India: ₹14,000 – ₹17,000
- Global: $150 – $170
Additional Costs:
- Fixed global test dates (no flexibility)
- Limited test centres (only in a few cities)
- Travelling or staying overnight may increase total expenses
- Extra score reports still cost $30 each
How Format Affects Total GRE Cost
Factor |
Test Centre |
At Home |
Subject Test |
Base Fee |
High |
High |
Moderate |
Travel Cost |
Yes |
No |
Yes (often) |
Technical Setup |
No |
Yes |
No |
Scheduling |
Flexible (many slots) |
Very flexible (daily) |
Fixed 2–3 dates/year |
Additional Charges |
Reschedule, score reports |
Reschedule, tech risks |
Travel, limited slots |
Acceptance by Universities |
100% |
High (check specific schools) |
Limited (only for some programs) |
Overall Convenience |
High |
Medium–High |
Low |
GRE Exam Fee in India 2025
In India, the GRE General Test fee ranges from ₹22,000 to ₹24,000, depending on currency conversion and taxes at the time of payment.
- This fee includes the test itself and the cost of sending scores to 4 universities.
- Any additional services (date change, extra score report requests) incur an extra cost.
Important: This makes GRE one of the more expensive standardised tests compared to IELTS or TOEFL, so understanding the full fee structure is important.
Global GRE Registration Fee (Base Price in USD)
ETS officially lists the GRE General Test fee as $235–$260 USD globally.
The exact amount depends on:
- Country of registration
- Taxes or administrative fees
- Local currency conversion
Note: Visit our dedicated GRE Discount Voucher Page. Save a little extra on your GRE booking with EduVouchers.
GRE Exam Fee in Major Countries 2025
Country |
GRE General Test Fee (Approx.) |
United States |
$235 |
Canada |
$255 – $260 |
India |
₹22,000 – ₹24,000 ($235 – $250) |
United Kingdom |
£185 – £200 ($240 – $260) |
Australia |
$300 – $320 AUD ( $240 – $255 USD) |
Germany / EU |
€220 – €230 ($240 – $255) |
China |
¥1,800 – ¥2,000 ( $250 – $260) |
UAE / Middle East |
$240 – $260 |
Singapore |
SGD 320 – 340 ( $240 – $255) |
Why Do GRE Fees Vary by Country?
Even though ETS is a global organisation, GRE fees differ due to several factors:
1. Currency Conversion
Fees are set in USD, but candidates pay in local currency.
Exchange rate fluctuations can change the final price.
2. Local Taxes (GST / VAT)
Some countries charge government tax on exam fees (e.g., GST in India, VAT in Europe).
3. Test Centre Operational Costs
ETS partners with test centres (like Prometric).
In countries where operating costs are higher, the test fee also increases.
4. Logistics & Security
Higher security, staffing, or tech infrastructure adds to local exam cost.
5. Market Demand
In regions with high demand, ETS may adjust pricing to match competition or capacity.
Key Insights
- The GRE fee in India is slightly lower than in North America or Europe, but it is still one of the more expensive exams for students.
- The registration fee is only the base cost; rescheduling, cancellation, and score services can significantly increase your total spend.
- ETS updates fees every 1–2 years, so it's imporit's to check the latest fee before booking.
Complete GRE Cost Breakdown
Country |
GRE General Test Fee (Approx.) |
United States |
$235 |
Canada |
$255 – $260 |
India |
₹22,000 – ₹24,000 (≈ $235 – $250) |
United Kingdom |
£185 – £200 (≈ $240 – $260) |
Australia |
$300 – $320 AUD (≈ $240 – $255 USD) |
Germany / EU |
€220 – €230 (≈ $240 – $255) |
China |
¥1,800 – ¥2,000 (≈ $250 – $260) |
UAE / Middle East |
$240 – $260 |
Singapore |
SGD 320 – 340 (≈ $240 – $255) |
1. Late Registration Fee
If you register after the regular deadline, ETS charges a late fee.
- Amount: $50 ( ₹4,000)
- When it applies: Usually, if you book within 7 days of the test date
- Tip: Book at least 2–3 weeks early to avoid this extra cost.
2. Rescheduling
Want to change your test date or test centre? It’s allowed, but not free.
- Amount: $50–$60 ( ₹4,000–₹5,000)
- Deadline: Must be done at least 4 days before the test
- If done later: You will lose the full fee and must rebook
- Tip: Only schedule when you’re sure you're on time to avoid changes.
3. GRE Exam Cancellation & Refund Policy
If you decide not to take the exam, you can cancel, but please note that the refund is limited.
- Cancel ≥ 4 days before test: 50% refund of original fee
- Cancel < 4 days before test: No refund
- Refund method: Returned to the same payment method
- Tip: If unsure, reschedule instead of cancelling.
4. Additional Score Report Fee
When you register, GRE allows you to send scores to 4 universities for free.
After that, you must pay to send scores to any additional schools.
- Amount: $30 per university ( ₹2,500)
- Example: 5 extra universities = $150 (₹12,500)
- Tip: Plan carefully which 4 universities to choose during registration. Review / Re-Score Fee (Analytical Writing Only)
If you think your AWA score is unfair, you can request a re-evaluation.
- Amount: $60 (₹5,000)
- If the score increases: The Fee is refunded
- If the score remains the same or decreases: The Fee is not refunded
- Tip: Only request a review if you are very confident your writing deserves more.
5. Returned Payment or Transaction Failure Fee
If your payment fails or is reversed (e.g., insufficient funds or chargeback):
- Amount: $20 (₹1,700)
- Tip: Ensure your card/bank has enough balance before paying.
6. At-Home Version Possible Premium (Varies by Country)
In most countries, the GRE At Home costs the same as the test centre version.
However, some regions may include a small premium due to online proctoring costs.
- Amount: Usually, the same as the test centre, occasionally $5–$10 more
- Tip: Always check the exact fee at checkout before confirming.
How to Pay GRE Fees?
A) Accepted Payment Methods (India & International)
ETS accepts the following payment methods:
- Credit or Debit Cards (Most common)
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- JCB
- PayPal
- Available in many countries (including India)
- Fast and secure online payment option
- ETS Voucher or Promo Code
- Can be purchased through authorised partners (like EduVouchers)
- Enter the code during payment to reduce or fully cover the fee
- E-check / Bank Draft
- Only available in the U.S. and select regions
- Slower and not recommended for Indian students
- Money Order / Paper Check
- Rarely used today
- Only accepted for mail-in registration
For Indian candidates, Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, or ETS Voucher are the most reliable methods.
B) Step-by-Step: How to Pay for the GRE Exam Fee"
Step 1: Create or log in t "your ETS account
Step 2: Select “Reg"ster / Find Test Centres”
St"p 3: Choose Test Type (GRE General / Subject / At Home)
Step 4: Choose Test Centre or Home Edition
Step 5: Select Date & Time Slot
Step 6: Enter Personal & Passport Details
Step 7: Review Booking Summary
Step 8: Proceed to Payment Page
Step 9: Choose Payment Method (Card / PayPal / Voucher)
Step 10: Enter Payment Details & Submit
Step 11: Wait for confirmation screen (do NOT refresh)
Step 12: Receive confirmation email from ETS
C) Tips to Avoid Payment Failure
Many students face issues with payment. To avoid this:
- Use an international-enabled card (ensure it supports USD payments).
- Inform your bank before making a high-value international transaction.
- Ensure sufficient balance, considering currency conversion + taxes.
- Use a stable internet connection. Do not close or refresh the page.
- Double-check that the billing address matches the bank/card records.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi or VPN.
- If a card fails, try PayPal or an ETS Voucher as a backup.
D) What if Payment Fails?
- Wait and verify if the money was deducted.
- If not deducted, try again with another card/method.
- If a deduction is made but the booking is not confirmed, please get in touch with ETS with the transaction ID.
- Avoid retrying multiple times quickly, as it may trigger fraud protection.
GRE Fees Comparison with Other Exams
Feature / Exam |
GRE |
GMAT |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
SAT |
Primary Purpose |
MS, MBA, PhD |
MBA, Business |
English Proficiency |
English Proficiency |
Undergraduate |
Base Registration Fee (India) |
₹22k–24k |
₹23k–25k |
₹16k–17.5k |
₹17k |
₹8k–12k |
Global Fee (USD) |
$235–260 |
$275 |
$245–260 |
$235–255 |
$55–100 |
Score Validity |
5 years |
5 years |
2 years |
2 years |
5 years |
Late Registration Fee |
₹4k |
₹3.5k |
Rare |
₹3k |
₹2k |
Rescheduling Fee |
₹4.5k–5k |
₹9k+ |
₹3.4k |
₹4.5k |
₹2k–5k |
Cancellation Refund |
50% (≥4 days) |
Partial (varies) |
25% refund |
50% refund |
Partial |
Extra Score Report Fee |
₹2.5k each |
₹2.5k each |
₹250 each |
₹1.5k each |
₹800 each |
Score Review Fee |
₹5k (AWA) |
₹8k+ |
Not available |
₹6k |
Rarely used |
Retake Fee |
Full fee |
Full fee |
Full fee |
Full fee |
Full fee |
Test Frequency |
Year-round |
Year-round |
Fixed dates |
Frequent |
Fixed dates |
Global Acceptance |
Very High (MS, MBA, PhD) |
High (MBA only) |
High |
High |
Undergrad only |
Overall Cost (Typical) |
₹28k–40k |
₹35k–50k |
₹18k–25k |
₹20k–25k |
₹12k–18k |
Value for Money |
High versatility |
Good for MBA only |
Good for English only |
Good for English only |
Good for UG only |
Conclusion
The GRE exam fee is not just the registration cost; most students also end up paying extra for rescheduling, cancellation, additional score reports, and sometimes even retakes. Without proper planning, the cost can easily rise to ₹30,000–₹40,000 or more.
You don’t have to do that much. With the right strategy, you can significantly reduce your GRE fees, and the easiest way to do that is by using EduVouchers.
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