If you’re an international student aiming to study in the United States but don’t want to take the GRE, you’re not alone. Many U.S. universities and scholarship providers are now offering GRE waivers, especially in light of recent shifts in admissions practices. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover top scholarships that waive the GRE, universities with updated GRE policies, application steps, documents needed, and tips to increase your chances of success.
Top USA Scholarships That Waive GRE Requirements
Below is a list of updated USA Scholarships With GRE Waiver Options for international students:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Host: U.S. Department of State
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- GRE Requirement: Not required in most countries, including Nigeria
- Field: Open to all fields
- Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance
- Deadline: Varies by country (typically May to October)
- Link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. AAUW International Fellowships
- Host: American Association of University Women
- Level: Master’s and Doctoral
- GRE Requirement: Not required
- Field: Open to all fields
- Covers: Up to $30,000 in funding
- Deadline: November 15 annually
- Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/
3. Clark University Presidential Scholarships
- Host: Clark University, Massachusetts
- Level: Undergraduate
- GRE Requirement: Not applicable
- Field: All undergraduate fields
- Covers: Full tuition and on-campus room & board
- Deadline: January 15
- Link: https://www.clarku.edu/offices/financial-aid/prospective-students/international-students/
4. University of Dayton Merit Scholarships
- Host: University of Dayton, Ohio
- Level: Undergraduate
- GRE Requirement: Not applicable
- Field: All undergraduate programs
- Covers: Up to $30,000/year in tuition aid
- Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Link: https://udayton.edu/
5. Illinois State University Graduate Assistantships
- Host: Illinois State University
- Level: Graduate (Master’s and PhD)
- GRE Requirement: Waived for many departments
- Field: Varies by department
- Covers: Tuition waiver and stipend
- Deadline: Varies by program
- Link: https://grad.illinoisstate.edu/funding/assistantships/
Read: Canada Scholarships Accepting Nigerians Now
6. University of Arizona Graduate Scholarships
- Host: University of Arizona
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- GRE Requirement: Waived for many programs in 2025
- Field: Engineering, Public Health, Social Sciences, and more
- Covers: Partial to full funding
- Deadline: Varies by department
- Link: https://grad.arizona.edu/funding/scholarships
7. Northeastern University Global Scholarships
- Host: Northeastern University
- Level: Graduate
- GRE Requirement: Optional or waived depending on the program
- Field: Business, Engineering, Health, etc.
- Covers: Partial tuition scholarships
- Deadline: Program-specific
- Link: https://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/
8. Texas A&M University Departmental Scholarships
- Host: Texas A&M University
- Level: Graduate
- GRE Requirement: Waived for select departments
- Field: Varies by department
- Covers: Tuition and living stipend through assistantships
- Deadline: Program-specific
- Link: https://grad.tamu.edu/
List of U.S. Universities Offering GRE Waiver for 2025 Admissions
Here are some universities currently offering GRE waivers or optional submissions for 2025:
- University of California, Berkeley: GRE not required for many graduate programs
- University of Southern California (USC): Most programs are test-optional
- University of Florida: Waives GRE for select programs based on GPA
- Boston University: GRE optional for several graduate degrees
- University of Colorado Boulder: Department-based GRE waivers
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: GRE not required for most programs
- George Washington University: Waived for multiple master’s programs
- Columbia University: Several departments no longer require GRE
Always check the specific program page of your chosen department to confirm GRE policy.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility for International Students)
Before you start applying, it’s important to know if you qualify. U.S. scholarships that waive GRE still expect you to meet core academic and admission requirements. This section breaks down who can apply and what you need to get started.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have strong academic transcripts
- Possess valid international passport
- Provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or waiver)
- Submit supporting documents like SOP, letters of recommendation, and CV
- Apply to an eligible U.S. university or be admitted
Read: Government Scholarships With Guaranteed Benefits
How to Apply Without GRE (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying to U.S. programs without the GRE can be easier than you think if you follow the right steps. Here’s a clear and practical guide to help you apply smoothly and increase your chances.
- Search for Scholarships or Programs That Waive GRE: Use official university websites, scholarship directories, and government portals.
- Check GRE Policy by Program: Even in the same university, policies vary by department.
- Apply for Admission and Scholarship Simultaneously: Most scholarships require proof of admission.
- Prepare Documents: Include your transcript, degree certificates, SOP, references, and test scores.
- Submit Your Application Before the Deadline: Late submissions are typically not considered.
- Track and Respond: Watch your email for interview requests or additional requirements.
Documents to Prepare (When Applying Without GRE)
Getting your documents ready in advance will save time and reduce stress. This section lists the key documents most universities and scholarship boards ask for when GRE is not required.
- Valid Passport
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificate
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo or waiver letter)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of Recommendation (at least two)
- Research Proposal (PhD programs)
- Work Experience Certificates (if applying under waiver conditions)
Tips to Get GRE Waiver Approved and Scholarship Awarded
Standing out from thousands of applicants is possible even without GRE. Use these smart strategies to increase your chances of getting a GRE waiver and a scholarship.
- Apply early to programs offering GRE waivers
- Highlight GPA, awards, and academic achievements
- Submit a clear and focused SOP that aligns with your field
- Get strong recommendation letters from relevant mentors
- Attach any certifications or relevant work experience
- Communicate directly with program coordinators when in doubt
Read: Graduate Scholarships With Monthly Stipends
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Without GRE
Even qualified students miss out due to small but costly mistakes. Avoid these common errors when applying for U.S. scholarships without GRE.
- Assuming all programs waive GRE without checking department sites
- Not submitting required English test results
- Using a one-size-fits-all SOP or outdated reference letters
- Submitting applications close to or after the deadline
- Ignoring program-specific document or formatting guidelines
Trusted Websites to Find USA Scholarships With GRE Waiver
Use these platforms to search for updated GRE-waived scholarships:
- https://www.scholarships.com/
- https://www.gradschools.com/
- https://opportunitydesk.org/
- https://www.edx.org/
- https://www.fulbrightonline.org/
Getting a U.S. scholarship without submitting GRE scores is not only possible it’s increasingly common. Many universities now offer test-optional programs and scholarships that focus more on your academic performance, leadership, and professional experience.
Start by identifying the right programs, confirm their GRE waiver policies, and submit a well-prepared application that highlights your strengths. Avoid last-minute submissions, follow every instruction, and keep in touch with admissions officers when necessary.
With the right information and early planning, you can land a fully funded scholarship in the U.S. without ever taking the GRE. Keep checking trusted platforms for new opportunities, and always apply before the deadlines.
