Is GRE Required for Masters (MS) in Canada?

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Aarushi Jain
Updated on May 06, 2023 12:00 PM IST

Is GRE required for MS in Canada? The answer is yes! Although not mandatory, some Canadian universities may specify a certain GRE score requirement to study MS in Canada, while others require the minimum cutoff scores to evaluate a student’s overall academic performance. Let us also discuss GRE accepting universities in Canada for masters.

Is GRE Required for Masters (MS) in Canada?

If you are wondering whether is GRE required for masters in Canada, then the answer is yes! Although not mandatory, a few universities in Canada may specify a certain GRE score requirement to study MS in Canada.

One of the exams that qualify you for admission to master's degree programmes at institutions all around the world, including Canada, is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In any given year, a sizable number of international students choose Canada as one of their top study abroad destinations. Because of this, Canadian academic institutions use GRE scores to assess applicants with different educational backgrounds. Canadian universities that require GRE scores might establish cut-offs for acceptance, whereas other institutions might not enforce any minimum standards. For business and management courses, GRE General Test scores are used, while subject exams are given in Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Psychology.

More than 200,000 international researchers and students decide to pursue academic endeavours in Canada. All Canadian MS institutions that accept the GRE scores place a greater emphasis on imparting practical knowledge. Both on-campus and off-campus research possibilities are available at Canadian universities. Research in a variety of fields, including agriculture, science, and technology, is greatly supported by all Canadian universities that offer MS programmes. Therefore, if you achieve a high GRE score for MS in Canada, you can be admitted to the most prestigious and competitive Canadian universities, increasing your chances of having a promising future and lucrative career. 

In this article, we will drive you through the top GRE accepting universities in Canada for MS, the minimum GRE score requirement for admission, exams other than GRE for masters in Canada, and more.

Is GRE Required for Masters in Canada?

If the question is, is GRE a fundamental requirement for studying or pursuing masters in Canada, then the answer is no. Although some Canadian universities demand a good GRE score for admission, others do not ask for a competitive GRE score from international students and hence allow them to study masters in Canada without GRE.

Several top Canadian universities accept applications on the basis of students' IELTS or TOEFL scores for their MS programmes. The universities that accept GRE test scores may or may not specify cut-offs, the same goes with the scores obtained in other exams, so it is advisable to have an idea of the general trend those universities follow.

Know More About GRE for MS in Canada Requirements! 

Top GRE Accepting Universities in Canada for MS

After knowing about is GRE required for masters (MS) in Canada, you must be wondering about all the possibilities and different universities that allow international students to study MS in Canada with or without the GRE exam.

If you are aspiring to study at one of the top-ranked and world-class universities in Canada, then it is advisable to take the GRE exam and obtain a competitive score for your Masters programme. Having said that, it is true that a GRE score is not required for admission to most courses; nonetheless, as an international applicant, a good GRE score gives you an advantage at the time of admission.

As a result, it is strongly advised to submit GRE scores when completing university application forms. Let us take a look at some of the most popular and prestigious GRE accepting universities for masters in Canada.

University Name

QS World University Rankings 2023

GRE Score Requirement

Dalhousie University 

=308 

Quant: 155

Verbal: 165

AWA: 5.0

McGill University

31 

Quant: 160

Verbal: 160 & above

AWA: 4.0

New York Institute of Technology 

-

Quant: 150 & above

Verbal: 130

AWA: 4.0 & above

Queen's University 

=246

Quant: 150

Verbal: 160

AWA: 4.0

St Francis Xavier University 

Quant: 150

Verbal: 160

AWA: 4.0

University of Alberta

110

Quant: 155

Verbal: 135 & above

AWA: 5.0 & above

University of British Columbia

47

Quant: 155 & above

Verbal: 130 & above

AWA: 4.0

University of Toronto

=34 

Quant: 150 & above

Verbal: 140

AWA: 5.0 & above

University of Victoria (UVic) 

=359 

Quant: 156

Verbal: 140

AWA: 4.0

University of Waterloo

154 

Quant: 155

Verbal: 160

AWA: 4.0 & above

University of Windsor 

751-800 

Quant: 150 & above

Verbal: 140

AWA: 5.0 

Minimum GRE Score Requirement for Masters in Canada

Let us now walk you through some of the most popular and prestigious GRE-accepting universities in Canada with their popular programmes and the minimum GRE requirement.

GRE-Accepting Universities for Masters in Canada

Popular MS Courses

Minimum GRE Requirement






 

University of Alberta

MSc Computer Science

MEng Chemical and Materials Engineering

MBA

MEng Joint Program in Chemical and Materials Engineering

No minimum GRE requirements

Recommended GRE Quantitative scores of 155 and 4.0 in the Analytical Writing Section




 

University of British Columbia

MArch

MBA

MA Psychology

Master of Business Analytics

MSc Chemistry

Master of Public Health

Overall GRE score of 307




 

McGill University

MS/ MA in Psychology

MSc/ MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering

MSc Biochemistry

MEng Mechanical Engineering

300 or above

 

McMaster University

MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering

MBA

MA Anthropology

Average GRE score of 300 or above is expected.






 

Queens University

MSc Management/ Finance

MSc Psychology

MSc Computer Science

MBA/Executive MBA

MEng Mechanical and Materials Engineering

MEng Computer Engineering

300 or above is expected

Simon Fraser University

MSc Professional Computer Science

Master of Clinical Psychology

Master of Economics

No minimum GRE requirements




 

University of Toronto

MBA

Master of Management Analytics

Master of Financial Economics

MSc Computer Science

No minimum GRE requirements

GRE Quantitative score of 167 or above is recommended




 

University of Waterloo

MSc Computer Science

MSc Physics

MSc Psychology

MSc Pharmacy

MSc Data Science

Master of Management Science

300-310 is recommended

GRE Score Requirement for Different Fields of Study

The universities in Canada often require different GRE scores for their Master's programmes in different fields of study and specialisations. Hence, here are some of the top fields to study in Canada with the average GRE exam scores required for masters in Canada:

Field of Study

Average GRE Score

Arts and Humanities

300-310

Business and Management

300-320

Computer Science

260-300

Education

300-305

Engineering

300-320

Life Sciences

300-305

Social and Behavioural Science

300-310

Course-Wise Sectional GRE Score Required for Masters in Canada

You must take the GRE to be admitted to renowned colleges and competitive programmes if you are interested to study MS in Canada. Most programmes will likely accept applicants without the GRE score requirement. However, as an international applicant, it is highly advised that you submit these scores to satisfy the GRE requirement for Canadian universities. The following table shows course-wise sectional GRE score requirement for masters in Canada:

Course Name

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

GRE Verbal Reasoning

GRE Analytical Writing Assessment

Anthropology

158

150

3.5

Artificial Intelligence

155

155

4.0

Arts and Humanities

150

156

4.1

Business and Management

153

150

3.6

Civil Engineering

159

149

3.4

Computer Science

160

150

3.3

Education

148

151

3.9

Life Sciences

151

151

3.6

Mechanical Engineering

159

149

3.4

Social and Behavioural Science

151

151

3.6

List of Masters in Canada Without GRE Courses

As discussed, GRE is an essential requirement for receiving MS admission to prestigious Canadian universities. Although many institutions require it, you can still enrol in a reputable MS programme without a GRE score. The following table highlights a list of such MS courses that do not mandatorily require GRE scores along with the respective Canadian university that offers the programmes:

MS Course

Universities Accepting Without GRE Score

Engineering

Lakehead University

Biotechnology

Any Canadian University (with a few exceptions)

Computer Science

University of Toronto

Master of Science (Applied Computing)

Any Canadian University (with a few exceptions)

Any programme (with a few exceptions)

McGill University

Any programme (with a few exceptions)

University of British Columbia

List of Universities for Masters in Canada Without GRE

If you still believe that GRE is an important requirement for masters in Canada, then listed below are some of the leading examples of Canadian universities that are offering masters in Canada without GRE.

Universities Offering Masters in Canada without GRE

Admission Requirements for Masters in Canada

Concordia University

GRE and IELTS both are not required

Lakehead University

GRE not required

IELTS score of 6.5 bands (no minimum score less than 6.0) or TOEFL 80

Royal Roads University

GRE not required

IELTS- 6.0 bands or PTE Academic- 55

Memorial University of Newfoundland

GRE is not required but accepted

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

GRE not required

IELTS score of 6.5 bands with no sub-score less than 6.0

University of Fraser Valley

GRE not required

University of Winnipeg

GRE and IELTS both are not required

University of Manitoba

GRE not required

IELTS overall score- 6.5 bands is required

Carleton University

GRE is optional

Laval University

GRE not required

IELTS 6.5 bands is required

Trent University

GRE not required

IELTS 6.5 bands is required

University of Prince Edward Island

GRE/GMAT required only for specific programs

IELTS- 6.5 bands (Writing-7 bands) or TOEFL 600 is required

University of New Brunswick

GRE is not required for specific programs

IELTS minimum 4.0 band is required

University of Regina

GRE and IELTS both are not required

University of Northern British Columbia

GRE required only for specific programs

GMAT not required

University of Lethbridge

GRE not required

IELTS- 6.0 bands in each band or iBT TOEFL 80 is required

Exams Other than GRE for Masters in Canada

Although the GRE is an important requirement for masters in Canada, many universities also accept a number of entrance exam scores other than or in place of the GRE while taking admission to different masters programmes. In addition to admission tests, Canadian universities also require international students to submit scores on English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, etc.

You are required to have knowledge of the type of exams your chosen university prefers for your chosen course. Below are the names of some of those exams that are accepted by the admission committee of different universities for Masters in Canada:

Entrance Exams for MS in Canada

  • GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardised test for MBA aspirants that evaluates the potential of the students.

English Proficiency Tests for MS in Canada

  • TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures your communication ability in English across all four language skills namely, listening, reading, writing and speaking.

  • IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally accepted direct English language assessment across all four language skills namely, listening, reading, writing and speaking.

  • PTE Academic: PTE stands for Pearson Test of English. It is an international computer-based English Competency test and helps international students to prove their English language competency.

  • Duolingo: The Duolingo English Test is a modern language competence assessment tool built for today's worldwide students and institutions. It provides an English proficiency score, a video interview, and a writing sample in a user-friendly, quick, and secure testing environment.

Related Reads:

GRE Scores for Masters (MS) in USA GRE Scores for Masters (MS) in UK
GRE Scores to Study Masters in Australia - Check Cutoffs at Top Universities GRE Score Requirement to Study Abroad

Should I Take GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test to Study MS in Canada?

The GRE General Test can be taken by students who wish to study MS in Canada whereas GRE Subject Tests can only be taken by those who have graduated in particular subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology. The GRE General Test is not restricted to a particular subject and can be attempted by graduates from every discipline. The test assesses the critical thinking skills and abilities that are mandatory for graduate studies.

Hence, we arrive at the most essential question of whether you should take the GRE General or GRE Subject tests for MS in Canada. Well, if you intend to study MS in any one of the above subjects, then you can opt for a relevant GRE Subject Test. Also, you must note whether the university where you would be applying requires the scores of this particular test format. In case both requirements get fulfilled, you can register for a GRE Subject Test or simply opt for GRE General Test. In some cases, the scores can supplement your GPA or other criteria for admissions and give you an added advantage. Therefore, you must weigh all the possibilities before making the final decision.

In the end, international students planning to study masters in Canada are not compulsorily required to take the GRE, although they are welcome to do so to demonstrate their fundamental qualitative comprehension if they wish to. It is time to set a score goal for yourself now that you are acquainted with the GRE requirements for admission to a prestigious Canadian university. You will find it much simpler to reach your targeted GRE score once you are well-versed with the minimum GRE score required for masters in Canada.

If you are still confused about whether to take GRE for MS in Canada or even choosing an ideal specialisation for you, reach out to us at abroad@collegdekho.com. to waive your confusion.

Know the Right MS Specialisation to Study in Canada!

FAQs

Is GRE required for Masters in Canada?

The answer to the question of whether is GRE required for Masters in Canada is a partial yes and a partial no too. Some of the top-ranked universities in Canada require a competitive GRE score for admitting international students to their Master’s programmes. Having said that, there are a handful of universities too that have waived off or do not require GRE scores from students to pursue Masters in Canada. 

What is the general time validity of my GRE scores for studying Masters in Canada?

The general time validity of your GRE scores for studying Masters in Canada is 5 years. This means that Canadian universities can consider your GRE scores for MS up to 5 years from the date of your GRE exam or from the date of your issued result.

Can the GMAT be used in place of the GRE by Canadian universities for Masters in Canada?

Yes, your GMAT scores can be used in place of the GRE by Canadian universities for Masters in Canada. There are many universities accepting GMAT scores while taking admission in management or business programmes like MBA or MIM at the master’s level. There is no such obligation for the candidates to have GRE scores in such universities. 

Can I get admission to MS in Canada solely based on my GRE scores?

No, you can not get admission to MS in Canada solely based on your GRE scores. Only perfect GRE scores do not guarantee your admission. It does increase your chances but you will have to fulfil other requirements as well. You also have to submit your English Language Proficiency exam scores like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, SOP, essays, LOR, and other requirements in addition to the GRE requirements for seeking admission at a university in Canada to pursue your Master’s. 

What is the minimum GRE score for admission to Masters in Canada?

There is no set minimum GRE score for admission to Masters in Canada. Moreover, every university and institute has a different set of criteria for admission and hence they also have different minimum GRE requirements for their different Masters courses. Having said that, many universities do not have any minimum GRE score requirement for international students to pursue Masters in Canada. 

Can I do MS in Canada without GRE?

Yes, you can definitely pursue your MS in Canada without GRE. Many of Canada's top universities do not need you to submit your GRE score as part of your application. However, many of these may require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Some of them are:

  • University of Manitoba

  • Concordia University

  • University of Windsor

  • Royal Roads University

  • Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Trent University

  • Capilano University

  • Thompson River University

Name some of the top Masters in Canada courses that do not require GRE?

Some of the top Masters in Canada courses that do not require the GRE and will let you pursue your Master’s from reputed and renowned universities in Canada are: 

  • Master of Science in Applied Computing from the University of Toronto

  • Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology from the McGill University

  • Master of Engineering from University of British Columbia

  • Master of Business Analytics from University of British Columbia

  • MSc Computer Science from University of Alberta 

What is a good GRE score for MS in Canada?

A good GRE score for MS in Canada can vary from one university to the other. However, in general, a GRE score ranging between 300-320 is considered good enough to pursue Masters at leading Canadian universities. In case you have a GRE score below 300, you can still pursue MS in Canada by applying to universities considering candidates with a lower GRE score. 

Is GRE score requirements for Masters in Canada similar to IELTS?

No, your GRE score requirements for Masters in Canada are not at all similar to IELTS exam. IELTS is not the same as the GRE. While IELTS is necessary for overseas students seeking to study Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in an English-speaking country. On the other hand, the GRE is only required for pursuing a Master’s degree abroad.

Is GRE required for MBA in Canada?

The GRE is not necessarily required for MBA in Canada. To pursue MBA, you will require a competitive GMAT score to study at one of the leading business schools in Canada. However, GRE scores are also widely accepted in Canada by various universities for MBA programmes. So, if you want to pursue an MBA in Canada, be sure you have taken one of the two tests. 

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