How to Apply for a GRE Fee Waiver (2024 Guide)

The GRE can be quite expensive, especially when you have to pay for extra services beyond the registration fee. And that may leave you wondering, “Is there a discount for the GRE?” The answer is that, yes, in certain cases the ETS offers a fee reduction program for those who qualify.

Here is everything you need to know about the GRE fee waiver process and how to qualify for it. And if you do qualify for a GRE cost waiver, it’s well worth your time to apply. Not only can you get reduced GRE fees, but you can also gain access to free test prep materials.

• What is a GRE Fee Waiver and What Does It Cover?
• Who Qualifies for a GRE Fee Waiver?
• Other Programs That Offer GRE Cost Waivers
• How to Apply For a GRE Fee Reduction Waiver

What is a GRE Fee Waiver and What Does It Cover?

The GRE fee waiver is a program provided by ETS that helps to reduce costs for qualifying GRE test takers. It allows the test taker to pay a reduced exam registration fee. The GRE fee waiver also grants access to a bundle of free test prep materials.

The following table shows the specific GRE fees waived as well as what’s in the free test prep bundle:

In other words, successfully applying for the GRE cost waiver saves you $120 in registration fees for the main exam (GRE General Test). You also save 50% ($75) if you are taking a GRE Subject Test.

As far as the test prep bundle, you gain access to materials priced at a value of $100. This includes two full-length GRE practice tests, as well as an online writing assessment.

Do note that this waiver only applies to the first time that you take the GRE. If you need to retest, you need to submit a new application to apply for another GRE Fee Reduction Voucher.

Who Qualifies for a GRE Fee Waiver?

GRE fee reduction vouchers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to a limited number of eligible students in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. To qualify for the GRE fee waiver, you must meet the requirements listed below.

For college seniors, you must:

• be a US citizen or resident alien
• be receiving financial aid from a US (or Puerto Rico) undergraduate college
• have a FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) with a parental contribution less than $2,700 for your senior year
• or be self-supporting with a SAR showing a contribution of less than $3,200 for your senior year

For unenrolled college students, you must:

• be a US citizen or resident alien
• have applied for financial aid
• be self-supporting with a FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) showing a contribution of less than $3,200

For unemployed applicants, you must:

• be 18+
• be a US citizen or resident alien
• have become unemployed in the past 6 months and are still unemployed
• submit as proof an Unemployment Benefits Statement from the past 90 days

If you don’t meet these requirements, then you will be ineligible. So, unfortunately, if you are an international student, ETS currently does not offer a cost reduction program for you.

However, for both domestic and international students, there are alternative programs that can help reduce your GRE costs.

Other Programs That Offer GRE Cost Waivers

If you’re part of an underrepresented group, a first-generation college student, or have demonstrated financial need, other organizations offer fee reduction vouchers. Here is a list of programs that offer assistance for qualified members:

• Admit.me Fellows
• Charles B. Rangel Fellowship Program
• EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Program
• Gates Millennium Scholars Program
• Graduate Applications International Network (GAIN)
• i-Scholar Initiative
• Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT)
• Leadership Brainery
• Management Leadership for Tomorrow
• Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U-STAR) Program
• MT Scholarship Program
• National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science Program (GEM)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• NSF Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program
• Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
• Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• The Beinecke Scholarship Program
• TheDream.US
• Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program
• TRIO Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
• TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program

How to Apply For a GRE Fee Reduction Waiver

ETS’s GRE Fee Reduction Program

If you meet the requirements for ETS’s GRE fee reduction waiver, complete the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form (PDF). Make sure to have your completed FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) ready. If your application is approved, you’ll receive your GRE voucher number via email within 2 weeks of your request.

Remember that if you want to retake the GRE, you’ll need to apply again for a fee waiver.

GRE Cost Waivers Through Another Organization

Be sure to check out the links to the organizations listed above. If you think you’re eligible for a GRE cost waiver through one of them, definitely reach out to them.

Likewise, there may be another academic institution or organization you’re already affiliated with that is willing to help reduce your costs. If so, ask your point of contact from said organization.

Don’t Qualify? Other Ways to Reduce Costs

Even if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for any of the programs mentioned, there are still ways to keep your costs low. Check out the How to Save Money on GRE Fees section of this article for some additional, general tips.

At the end of the day, remember that the total cost and resources of taking the GRE are your initial investment to a career and future that you will be grateful for!