Is GRE required for PhD in USA?
Yes. The USA is one of the leading study destinations for students pursuing doctorate courses abroad. The GRE plays a vital role in admission for these courses, as the scores help universities better assess a student's profile. However, some institutions have dropped this requirement, making GRE scores optional for students.
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Universities in USA without GRE for PhD
Some universities in the United States allow students to pursue a PhD without taking the GRE, including the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Texas at Austin; the University of California, Davis; the University of Wisconsin-Madison; the University of Southern California; and Northeastern University, among others. Read on to know more!
A PhD is the highest academic degree a student can achieve in the higher education sector. Students often pursue these courses abroad to enhance their knowledge and skills and excel in their fields of interest. Studying doctoral courses in countries like the USA and the UK gives students an excellent academic and practical experience.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an admission entry requirement for native and international students in the USA who want to pursue a PhD in the country.
Educational institutions in the USA require GRE exam scores to assess your profile and determine your eligibility for doctorate courses. However, some universities have started to waive the GRE requirement for PhD applicants, easing the application process for international students. Here, we cover everything you should know about pursuing PhD in the USA without GRE.
Table of Contents
- Is GRE required for PhD in USA?
- Universities in USA without GRE for PhD
- Graduate Record Examination: An overview
- PhD requirements in the USA for international students
- Student requirements for PhD in the USA without GRE
- Eligibility criteria for PhD admission in the USA without GRE
- Cost to study PhD in the USA
- Universities offering PhDs in the USA without GRE
- Tips to apply for a PhD in the USA without GRE
- Jobs & salary for PhD in the USA without GRE
- Frequently asked questions
- Are PhD programs without GRE requirements less competitive?
- Do all universities in the USA offer PhD programs without GRE requirements?
- Will not submitting GRE scores hurt my chances of being admitted?
- How can I make my application stand out without GRE scores?
- Can I do a masters in the USA without GRE?
- What is the GRE waived university in the USA for PhD?
- Who is eligible for PhD in the US?
- Can I apply to Harvard without GRE?
- What are the criteria for a PhD in the USA for Indian students?
- Is it easy to get PhD in the USA from India?
Graduate Record Examination: An overview
Before we learn about the university requirements for a PhD without GRE, here’s a rundown of the exam and its significance.
- GRE is a standard entrance exam that tests a candidate’s academic and practical skills to determine their eligibility to pursue postgraduate and doctorate education in institutions abroad.
- The GRE pattern analyses the students’ critical and abstract thinking abilities and tests their problem-solving skills.
- There are two types of GRE: GRE General and Subject test.
- Educational institutions across the globe accept the GRE for admission to various courses. The USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are some of the top study destinations that require these scores.
Some universities have made the GRE scores optional, so ensure you check your desired university’s requirements before applying for the exam.
PhD in USA without GRE
Yes. Though the GRE is mandatory for universities in USA, some of them are making GRE scores optional for students. Now it is possible to pursue a PhD in the USA without a GRE score. Check the requirements, eligibility criteria, cost to study, universities, how to apply, etc below…
PhD requirements in the USA for international students
Here are the standard requirements for international students to pursue PhD in the USA.
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Application form
- Resume
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Statement of purpose
Also read: Cost of living in the US for international students
Related articles
Student requirements for PhD in the USA without GRE
PhD programs in the USA that do not require the GRE have similar requirements to those that need the exam. However, the main difference is that these programs may ask for other aspects of an applicant's profile, such as undergraduate and graduate coursework, research experience, and letters of recommendation.
Some standard requirements for PhD in the USA without GRE include the following:
- Academic transcripts - Applicants must submit their official transcripts from all institutions attended. These documents should indicate the courses taken, grades earned, and overall GPA.
- Letters of Recommendation - Most PhD programs require applicants to submit two to three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors familiar with their academic and research abilities.
- Statement of Purpose - Applicants should provide a purpose statement outlining their interests in research, career goals, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
- Resume/CV - Students must submit their resume or CV highlighting their academic and research achievements and professional experience.
- Writing Samples - Some PhD programs may require applicants to submit writing samples, such as research papers or essays, demonstrating their writing and analytical skills.
- English Language Proficiency - International students must take English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS to exhibit their fluency in English skills.
Note: Some requirements for students pursuing PhDs in the USA without GRE scores may vary depending on the university and program. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the application instructions for each program to ensure that you meet the criteria.
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the September intake—apply today!
Eligibility criteria for PhD admission in the USA without GRE
| Factor | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Educational qualifications | An international student with a master’s degree |
| English proficiency tests | IELTS: Minimum 7 TOEFL: 77-90 |
| Academic achievements | GPA above 3.0 |
Also read: Why study in the USA for a Master’s?
Cost to study PhD in the USA
Fees for PhD and doctorate courses depend on various factors.
- The institution
- Location of the university
- Length of the course (4-8 years)
The average overall cost for an international student to study PhD in the USA is around $150,000.
Source: educationdata.org
Universities offering PhDs in the USA without GRE
Here are some GRE-waived universities in the USA for PhDs for international students.
GRE waived universities in USA for PhD
| University name | Department | THE ranking 2024 | Programs offered without GRE |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | College of Environmental Design | 09 | PhD in Environmental Design (focuses on architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and city planning) |
| University of Texas at Austin | Department of Radio-Television-Film | 52 | PhD in Radio-Television-Film (focuses on media and communication) |
| University of California, Davis | Department of Plant Biology | 59 | PhD in Plant Biology (focuses on plant genetics, evolution, ecology, and biotechnology) |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Department of Curriculum and Instruction | 63 | PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (focuses on education theory, research, and practice) |
| University of Southern California | Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism | 74 | PhD in Communication (focuses on media and communication) |
| Northeastern University | College of Professional Studies | 201-250 | PhD in Law and Public Policy (focuses on legal and policy issues in the public sector) |
| University of Utah | School of Computing | 201-250 | PhD in Computer Science (focuses on computer science and information technology) |
| Iowa State University | Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology | 351-400 | PhD in Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology (focuses on genetics and molecular biology) |
| George Mason University | Department of Computer Science | 401-500 | PhD in Computer Science (focuses on computer science and information technology) |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Department of Educational Psychology | 401-500 | PhD in Educational Psychology (focuses on human development and learning in educational settings) |
Also read: Study in USA for International Students
Tips to apply for a PhD in the USA without GRE
Applying for a PhD program without the GRE requires research, preparation, and attention to detail. Here are some tips for applying for a PhD in the USA without GRE.
- Research PhD programs - Allot time to research programs that suit your needs and interests and find out as many details as possible about their requirements, faculty, and research opportunities. This will help you determine which PhD program best fits your interests and goals.
- Focus on your strengths - While the universities do not require the GRE, other aspects of the application, such as your academic record and research experience, will still be necessary. Highlight your strengths in these areas to make your application stand out.
- Connect with faculty - Contact faculty members in your field of interest to learn more about their research and express your interest in their program. This can help you build relationships with potential mentors for the course.
- Craft your application - Customise your application materials for each program to which you apply. This enables you to demonstrate your fit with the program and show that you have done your research.
- Be prepared for interviews - Some programs have interviews as part of the application process. Make sure you prepare for these interviews by researching the program, practising your responses to common interview questions, and being ready to ask your own questions about the program.
- Apply early - Many PhD programs have rolling admissions, meaning they may fill up quickly. Applying early gives you a better chance of being admitted and may help you secure funding or scholarships.
Also read: Best Courses In USA For International Students
Jobs & salary for PhD in the USA without GRE
| Job role/domain | Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Environmental design | $97,500 |
| Journalism | $62,964 |
| Genetics & cell biology | $67,561 |
| Computer science | $67,711 |
| Law | $60,000 |
| Plant biology | $36,075 |
| Educational psychology | $60,000 |
| Radio-television-film | $39,000 |
| Curriculum and instruction | $87,483 |
Data updated as of June 2025
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the September intake—apply today!
Frequently asked questions
Are PhD programs without GRE requirements less competitive?
While the GRE may be a factor in the admissions process, programs that do not require the GRE can still have a rigorous application process that considers other aspects of the applicant's academic and professional record.
Do all universities in the USA offer PhD programs without GRE requirements?
No, not all universities in the USA provide PhD programs without GRE requirements. It's important to research the eligibility criteria for individual programs to determine their specific qualifications.
Will not submitting GRE scores hurt my chances of being admitted?
It depends on the program and their weight on the GRE in their admissions process. However, if the program does not require the GRE, not submitting scores should not be a disadvantage.
How can I make my application stand out without GRE scores?
You can make your application stand out by focusing on other aspects of your academic and professional record, such as your research experience, publications, academic achievements, and letters of recommendation.
Can I do a masters in the USA without GRE?
In some cases, you can pursue your master's in the USA without GRE. Some universities have made the GRE scores optional, so you can check your desired institution's requirements before applying for the course.
What is the GRE waived university in the USA for PhD?
| University name | THE ranking 2024 |
|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | 09 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 52 |
| University of California, Davis | 59 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 63 |
| University of Southern California | 74 |
| Northeastern University | 201-250 |
| University of Utah | 201-250 |
| Iowa State University | 351-400 |
| George Mason University | 401-500 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 401-500 |
Who is eligible for PhD in the US?
Here are the basic qualifications for international students to apply for a PhD in the USA.
| Educational qualifications | An international student with a master’s degree |
|---|---|
| English proficiency tests | IELTS: Minimum 7.0 TOEFL: 77-90 |
| Academic achievements | GPA above 3.0 |
Ensure you have the documents below while applying for your PhD in the USA.
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Application form
- Resume
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Statement of purpose
Can I apply to Harvard without GRE?
Yes, you can apply to Harvard without GRE. The Russell Group University has made it optional for international students to take the GRE assessment to apply for PhD courses of their interest.
What are the criteria for a PhD in the USA for Indian students?
Here are the basic requirements for Indian students to apply for a PhD course in the USA.
| Educational qualifications | An Indian student with a master’s degree |
|---|---|
| English proficiency tests | IELTS: Minimum 7 TOEFL: 77-90 |
| Academic achievements | GPA above 3.0 |
Is it easy to get PhD in the USA from India?
PhD courses in the USA are competitive for Indian students. But with a well-crafted application and strong profile, one can pursue a doctorate course in their field of interest.
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