Like many entrance tests, students must meet some GRE exam eligibility criteria before getting started with the registration process.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has very few criteria for the GRE exam so many people can take the test.
However, you must consider how the test will help your future studies and applications before checking the entrance criteria.
Students often take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) when applying to further education courses, such as Law school or Business school.
The test can be used on your college or university applications to show your reasoning and analysis skills at the graduate level.
In this article, we look at the GRE eligibility criteria for 2026. Also, we provide further details about registration and institutions that accept the qualification.
Eligibility for the GRE exam
Currently, the GRE exam has few entrance criteria for students. Also, the ETS provides little information about who can and cannot take the test.
Although, you must have certain documents and identification to register for the exam. Without valid and in-date documents, students cannot enrol for a GRE test. Also, students could lose their test spot and fee for providing incorrect ID information.
Below, we provide more detail about the GRE exam eligibility criteria.
Qualifications
Students do not need any particular qualifications to take the GRE exam. But, due to the graduate academic level test questions and tasks, you are likely to need an undergraduate degree.
Generally, students who take the GRE exam are applying to postgraduate courses, such as Law or Business school. You can use the GRE alongside any university or college applications to show your ability to answer questions at the graduate level.
Age
Furthermore, the ETS does not have any exact age requirements for the GRE exam in 2026.
Students of any age can register to take the test. However, you will need a valid ID form in your name to complete the registration process and to take the exam.
Location
Today, most people in most parts of the world can take the GRE exam either in-person or online. Overall, students can take the test in 160 countries.
In most of these countries, the online GRE exam is available. Through this exam format, you can register and complete the exam from your computer or laptop at home.
Alternatively, students can check upcoming exam dates in their closest test centre through the ETS search tool. To find and book a test using this function, you will need an ETS account.
However, the home testing option is not currently available for students in all countries. For instance, students in mainland China; Hong Kong, China; Taiwan, China; and Korea must take the test in person at a test centre.
The GRE exam is available three times a month in certain test centre locations in these countries.
Required documents
One of the most important GRE exam eligibility criteria is having an appropriate ID document. Without a valid, in-date and accurate ID document, you will not be able to take the exam.
During registration, students must enter ID document details with accurate information. Then, on test day, you show the chosen ID document and provide a matching signature.
The ID requirements for the GRE exam vary in each country. However, an acceptable document must generally meet the following criteria.
- The ID document must be an original copy. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Any copies or screenshots of the document on phones or tablets are not accepted.
- It must be a government issued document (passport, identity card or driving licence)
- Any ID must be in date. But, the ETS will accept documents up to 90 days after the expiration date.
- A full first and last name must be shown. This must exactly match the names provided during registration.
- The ID must have a recent and clear photograph.
- It must have a recognisable signature.
Occasionally, the ETS will make exceptions to the requirements above. For instance, students who have been given political asylum or refugee status can contact the ETS directly to arrange an alternative solution.
