List of US Universities Waiving GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS for Scholarship Applications 2024/25

Many U.S. universities are recognizing the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity in their admission processes, especially for international students. As a result, several institutions have started waiving standardized test requirements like the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS for scholarship applications. These waivers are particularly beneficial for students who may face challenges in accessing these tests due to financial constraints or the ongoing global health situation

Scholarship Worth: Varies by university (full or partial tuition coverage, stipends, etc.)

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral programs

Nationality: Open to all international students

Application Deadline: Varies by university

List of Universities

1. University of California, Berkeley
   • Waived Tests: GRE for many graduate programs, TOEFL/IELTS may be waived for students from English-speaking countries.
2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
   • Waived Tests: GRE for specific programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers available for students who have completed prior education in English.
3. Northeastern University
   • Waived Tests: GRE is optional for many programs, TOEFL/IELTS may be waived based on prior education in English.
4. University of Dayton
   • Waived Tests: GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS waivers are available for students from certain countries or with prior education in English.
5. New York University (NYU)
   • Waived Tests: The GRE is optional for certain programs, and TOEFL/IELTS waivers are for applicants with prior English-language education.
6. University of Arizona
   • Waived Tests: GRE waived for many programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers available for specific international applicants.
7. Boston University
   • Waived Tests: GRE is not required for several graduate programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers may be granted under certain conditions.
8. University of Texas at Austin
   • Waived Tests: GRE waivers available for selected programs, and TOEFL/IELTS waivers for students with qualifying education backgrounds.
9. George Washington University
   • Waived Tests: GRE waived for most graduate programs, TOEFL/IELTS exemptions for students from English-speaking countries.
10. University of South Florida
    • Waived Tests: GRE is optional for many programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers available based on previous education in English.
11. University of Cincinnati
    • Waived Tests: The GRE is optional for some programs, and TOEFL/IELTS waivers available for students who meet specific criteria.
12. University of Colorado Boulder
    • Waived Tests: GRE optional for certain graduate programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers for students with prior English-medium education.
13. University of Mississippi
    • Waived Tests: GRE waivers are available, and TOEFL/IELTS waivers for students from recognized English-speaking countries.
14. University of New Mexico
    • Waived Tests: GRE is optional for several programs and TOEFL/IELTS waivers for specific applicants based on prior education.
15. St. John’s University
    • Waived Tests: GRE waivers available for many programs, TOEFL/IELTS exemptions based on educational background.
16. University of Houston
    • Waived Tests: GRE waivers for selected programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers for applicants from certain educational backgrounds.
17. Purdue University
    • Waived Tests: The GRE is optional for some graduate programs, and TOEFL/IELTS waivers are available for students from specific countries.
18. University of Southern California (USC)
    • Waived Tests: The GRE is optional for many programs, and TOEFL/IELTS waivers are for students with previous education in English.
19. University of Miami
    • Waived Tests: GRE waivers for certain programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers for students from English-speaking regions.
20. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    • Waived Tests: GRE not required for many programs, TOEFL/IELTS waivers for students with qualifying education backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the specific academic and professional criteria set by each university.
• GRE waivers typically apply to students who have a strong academic record or significant professional experience.
• TOEFL/IELTS waivers generally apply to students who have completed prior education in English or are from countries where English is the primary language of instruction.

Application Procedure

• Check the specific program requirements at each university.
• Submit the required application forms, transcripts, and other supporting documents.
• Indicate your interest in receiving a test waiver in your application.