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

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.