Standardized testing has shaped U.S. admissions for decades, but that influence is fading in graduate education. More universities are starting to question whether exams like the GRE actually predict who will succeed.

Here’s something many families don’t fully realize.

You can earn a fully accredited graduate degree abroad often for less money, with clearer admissions requirements, and in many cases without ever taking the GRE.

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used by many graduate schools, especially in the United States, to evaluate applicants.

It measures three main areas:

• Verbal reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Analytical writing

For a long time, the GRE was used as a screening tool. Admissions committees combined it with GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statements to judge readiness for graduate study.

But here’s the important part:
The GRE is not required everywhere, and its role is shrinking.

Is the GRE Really Required for Graduate School?

Short answer: No.

The longer answer depends on where you apply.

In the U.S., some programs still ask for the GRE, especially competitive or research-focused ones. But even there, things are changing. Many universities now use:

• Test-optional policies
• Test-blind admissions
• Permanent removal of GRE requirements

Outside the U.S. especially in Europe the GRE has never really been a standard requirement for most degrees.

Do European Universities Require GRE?

In most cases: they don’t.

Instead, European universities usually focus on:

• Your undergraduate degree and GPA
• Relevant coursework
• A motivation letter and CV (often required)
• Sometimes an interview

That’s really it.

Admissions are less about one test score and more about whether your academic background matches the program you’re applying to. It’s a more straightforward, merit-based process.

Why Most Universities in Europe Don’t Require the GRE

There are a few structural reasons for this.

1. Direct Admissions Models

Most programs are highly specialized. You apply directly to a specific degree, like an MSc in Data Science. Your eligibility is based on your:

• Prior coursework
• Subject alignment
• Academic performance

No general aptitude test is needed.

2. Greater Trust in Academic Records

European universities tend to trust:

• Your transcript
• Your degree institution
• Your academic consistency

They assume your undergraduate performance is a better indicator than a standardized test.

3. Different Educational Philosophy

The emphasis is usually on:

• Subject mastery
• Academic depth
• Independent learning

A broad test like the GRE doesn’t always fit that approach.

4. Globalization of Education

As universities compete internationally, they aim to:

• Reduce unnecessary barriers
• Attract diverse applicants
• Simplify admissions

Removing GRE requirements is part of that shift.

Why Some Universities Are Dropping GRE Requirements (Globally)

This shift isn’t just happening in Europe.

Even in the U.S., many programs are moving away from the GRE because:

• It doesn’t strongly predict long-term academic success
• It can disadvantage students from lower-income backgrounds
• It adds significant cost (often $200+ per attempt, plus prep materials)
• Removing it helps increase application access and diversity

Europe, in a way, avoided this debate entirely because the GRE was never central to their admissions process.

Top 5 Universities in Europe Without GRE Requirement

1. University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Overview:
The University of Amsterdam is a major public research university with a strong international reputation. It offers many English-taught master’s programs and attracts students from all over the world.

GRE Requirement:
Not required for most master’s programs

Admissions Focus:

• Bachelor’s degree relevance
• GPA
• Motivation letter
• Sometimes CV or references

Tuition (Non-EU Students):

• Approx. €8,000 – €20,000 per year (~$8,500 – $21,500)

2. Lund University (Sweden)

Overview:
Lund University is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Scandinavia. It’s known for research strength and a very international student body.

GRE Requirement:
Not required (some business-related programs may ask for GMAT/GRE)

Admissions Focus:

• Academic transcripts
• Program-specific prerequisites
• Statement of purpose

Tuition (Non-EU Students):

• Approx. €9,000 – €18,000 per year (~$9,500 – $19,500)

3. University of Helsinki (Finland)

Overview:
The University of Helsinki is Finland’s top-ranked university and known for research and academic independence. It offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programs.

GRE Requirement:
Not required for most programs

Admissions Focus:

• GPA
• Relevant academic background
• Motivation letter
• CV (for some programs)

Tuition (Non-EU Students):

• Approx. €13,000 – €18,000 per year (~$14,000 – $19,500)
• (Scholarships are often available and can cover part or all of tuition.)

4. University of Vienna (Austria)

Overview:
The University of Vienna is one of Europe’s oldest universities, dating back to 1365. It offers a wide range of programs and is known for very low tuition compared to many other countries.

GRE Requirement:
Not required

Admissions Focus:

• Recognition of your bachelor’s degree
• Subject alignment
• Academic transcripts

Tuition (Non-EU Students):

• Approx. €1,500 per year (~$1,600)
• One of the most affordable options in Europe

5. University of Bologna (Italy)

Overview:
The University of Bologna is often considered the oldest university in the world. Today, it offers a mix of traditional and modern programs, including many in English.

GRE Requirement:
Not required for most programs

Admissions Focus:

• Academic background
• GPA
• Language proficiency
• Sometimes entrance evaluation (not GRE)

Tuition (Non-EU Students):

• Approx. €2,000 – €4,000 per year (~$2,200 – $4,300)
• Varies based on income and other factors.

GRE vs European Admissions: A Clear Comparison

Factor	U.S. Graduate Admissions	European Graduate Admissions
GRE Requirement	Often required or optional	Rarely required
Admissions Focus	Holistic (test scores + essays)	Academic match and GPA
Application Complexity	High	Moderate to low
Transparency	Variable	Generally clear
Cost of Applying	Higher (tests + fees)	Lower overall

This matters more than a lot of students realize.

European admissions tend to be more predictable. If you meet the academic requirements, it’s usually easier to tell upfront whether you’re a strong fit for the program.

Downsides of Taking the GRE Exam

Even when the GRE is optional, plenty of students still debate whether they should take it. Here are a few things worth considering.

1. Cost

• Test fee: ~$200+
• Prep materials: $50–$500+
• Retakes: additional fees

It adds up pretty quickly.

2. Time Investment

Most students spend 1–3 months preparing, sometimes longer.

That usually means:

• Practice exams
• Study schedules
• Balancing prep alongside work or school

For some people, that’s manageable. For others, it becomes a major drain on time and energy.

3. Stress Factor

Standardized tests can create extra pressure, especially if you’re already juggling:

• Classes or a full-time job
• Application deadlines
• Personal responsibilities

And if testing has never been your strength, the process can feel even more frustrating.

4. Limited Return on Investment

If the programs you’re applying to don’t require the GRE, the payoff may be pretty small.

For many students, skipping it means:

• Faster applications
• Lower costs
• Less stress overall

That’s a meaningful tradeoff.

Cost Breakdown: GRE vs Studying in Europe

Here’s what the numbers can look like in practice.

Typical GRE-Related Costs

• GRE test: $200–$220
• Prep course: $200–$1,000
• Score reports: $27 per school
• Total: $400–$1,500+

And that’s before factoring in the time spent studying.

Studying in Europe (Without GRE)

Typical costs at many European universities:

• Tuition:
  • Germany: $0–$3,000/year
  • Netherlands: ~$8,000–$15,000/year
• Application fees: Often $0–$100
• No GRE costs

Skipping the GRE doesn’t just simplify the admissions process. In many cases, it can also reduce the overall cost of earning a degree.

Who Is This a Good Fit For?

Studying in Europe without the GRE may be a strong option if you:

• Have a solid GPA and relevant degree
• Prefer clear admissions criteria
• Want to avoid standardized testing
• Are looking for lower tuition costs
• Are open to living abroad for a full degree

It’s not for everyone. But for many students, it’s a more efficient path.

Common Misconceptions About the GRE and Studying Abroad

“If I don’t take the GRE, my options are limited.”

Not necessarily. In Europe, you may actually have more options than you expect.

“Degrees without GRE requirements are lower quality.”

That’s a common assumption, but it’s not accurate. Many highly ranked European universities don’t require the GRE at all.

“U.S. employers won’t recognize international degrees.”

In most cases, degrees from accredited European universities are widely recognized, especially from established public institutions.

“Admissions abroad are easier.”

Not really. They’re just different.

European universities often care more about academic fit and prerequisite coursework than standardized test scores. So while the process may feel more straightforward, the requirements can still be strict.

Final Thoughts

The GRE hasn’t disappeared, but it matters less than it used to.

And for students looking at international universities, it’s often not relevant at all.

European universities tend to follow a different model: clearer requirements, lower costs, and fewer unnecessary hurdles.

At Beyond The States, we focus on helping students find fully accredited degree programs abroad not short-term study abroad programs. We research and vet universities so students can apply with more confidence and less guesswork.

If you’re considering graduate school and want to avoid the GRE, it may be worth looking beyond the U.S.

A good place to start is by comparing programs, exploring different countries, or taking the Beyond The States quiz to see which options match your goals.