GRE Scholarships: Types, Score, and Criteria

GRE scholarships help aspiring students reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Most public and private universities, organizations, and financial institutions offer GRE Scholarships for Indian students to cover their full or partial expenses. Some notable GRE exam scholarships include Inlaks Scholarships, DAAD Scholarships, and Fulbright Nehru Masters. These scholarships are awarded to students with high GRE scores and excellent academic performance. 

It is important to note that ETS does not offer any scholarships to aspirants. However, Candidates need to meet GRE cutoff requirements (a minimum score of 300) to secure a scholarship from external organizations. While not all scholarships are awarded solely based on GRE scores, these scores play a significant role in the selection process. Keep reading the blog as we have prepared a complete guide on GRE Scholarships for international students. Learn more about how to apply for GRE scholarships, criteria, and much more.

Types of GRE Scholarships and Grants 2026

Like other merit-based or need-based scholarships, GRE Scholarships and grants are awarded based on high GRE scores and academic achievement. GRE Scholarships for international students are classified into 3 types which are discussed below. Candidates who are planning to study in the USA, UK, or Canada can go through these types of GRE grants and scholarships:

• University Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded by universities to newly admitted students based on their GRE scores. In this, applicants get concessions in tuition fees and travel allowance.
• Government Scholarships:  Government scholarships are provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to applicants who have secured admission to universities abroad.
• Non-Government/ Private Scholarships: These are provided by private organizations and foundations for international students to support them financially to pursue higher education.

Top 6 GRE Scholarships for Indian Students

Candidates can go through the table below to know about the scholarships where the GRE is one of the main criteria for selection. View the table below for top GRE scholarships for Indian students:

GRE Scholarships for International Students
S.No	Scholarship Name	Field of study	Details
1	Inlaks Scholarships	Arts and Humanities	Award goes up to $100,000
2	Chevening Scholarships	Any graduate (master’s) programs at the designated UK universities.	Covers a part of the tuition fee and provides a monthly stipend
3	DAAD scholarships	Bachelor’s, Master’s, and post-doctoral programs at German Institutions	Covers partial tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend
4	Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship	Master’s degree programs abroad	Covers tuition fee and cost of living
5	Full-bright Nehru Fellowships	Arts and Humanities, Economics, Health and Public Administration, Gender Studies	Tuition fees and partial living expenses
6	J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship	Awarded to postgraduate and doctorate students in Engineering, political science, law, and other related programs	A travel grant and special allowance

Apart from the above-mentioned GRE 2026 Scholarship options for Indian students, there are other fellowships and scholarships available for the GRE exam, which are listed below.

• Rotary Peace Fellowship
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Fulbright Scholarships
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

How much GRE Score is required for Scholarships?

A GRE score above 300 is ideal for scholarships. Additionally, most top schools and universities accept scoring over 160 in both GRE verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. Achieving a score greater than 5 in the GRE AWA section enhances your application for GRE scholarships. With a score matching the above-specified range, you can definitely acquire some of the best scholarships available for international students. Most organizations offer scholarships to applicants having 60-70% GPA scores in their undergraduate studies.

Now, let’s explore the benefits of these GRE scholarships for study abroad aspirants

What are the benefits of GRE Scholarships for Indian Students?

A  GRE Scholarship is directly based on the scores achieved by the candidate in the exam. Here are the benefits of the GRE exam scholarship for Indian students:

• As University education abroad is expensive, international students often look for scholarships and aid to reduce their out-of-pocket study expenses. The scholarship offered based on the GRE score can help the candidates to do the same efficiently.
• Along with covering university tuition fees, GRE scholarships can also help with living costs, travel expenses, personal expenses, and more. 
• In addition to the substantial financial aid, there can be eligibility for additional benefits like health insurance, and funding for research projects. For example, Fulbright programs offer research grants of up to $30,000 that cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for students studying abroad.
• Scholarships help to minimize your loan debts by covering education expenses. For example, NSF GRFP recipients typically save around $102,000 in loan repayments over 10 years by avoiding the need to borrow money.
• Through GRE scholarships, you can join in exclusive networking events, internships, and research opportunities. For instance, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program offers leadership development programs to its scholars.
• Being awarded a scholarship can significantly enhance your recognition and academic profile. For instance, Fulbright scholars are often regarded as leading candidates in academic and professional roles globally.

In summary, GRE scholarships provide substantial financial assistance, valuable professional development opportunities, and enhanced recognition - making them highly beneficial for international students planning to pursue graduate studies abroad.

Latest News - ETS India Partners with Amber to encourage Indian Students with Scholarships and Accommodation Solutions

ETS India, a subsidiary of ETS has partnered with Amber to provide Indian students with benefits for studying abroad, including Rs. 50 lakhs in scholarships and competitions for TOEFL and GRE test-takers. This collaboration aims to reduce financial burdens and enhance the student experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India & South Asia, said, “We are thrilled to partner with amber as student mobility from India is at an all-time high, and we must support this growth with robust resources. The TOEFL and GRE tests, recognized globally for their reliability and rigor, play a crucial role in helping students achieve their academic aspirations. This partnership with amber enhances our ability to support students by addressing both their educational and accommodation needs, ensuring a smooth and enriching study abroad experience. Additionally, ETS India has introduced various scholarships and competitions for individuals taking the TOEFL and GRE tests, offering a total prize pool of around Rs. 50 lakhs. We encourage students to participate and take advantage of these opportunities.”

Criteria for GRE Scholarships for Indian/ International Students

Understanding the eligibility criteria for GRE scholarships is crucial if you are seeking financial assistance for your graduate studies. While GRE scores are important, they are not the sole deciding factors. Scholarships also depend on other criteria such as:

• Candidate’s academic performance and GPA requirements.
• The availability of scholarships in a particular semester/year at universities.
• Scores of GRE and IELTS exams secured by the aspirants for the specific scholarship.
• Quality of your submitted documents like Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
• Moreover, additional research projects (if worked) can also add to the decision.

How to find and apply for a GRE Scholarship?

The process to apply for GRE scholarships for Indian students is quite simple. Take a look at the following points that will help in searching and applying for GRE scholarships for international students:

• Aim for a high GRE score, typically 310 or higher, as competitive GRE scores are important for scholarship eligibility.
• Start looking for the available scholarships on websites like scholarships.com, Fastweb, Cappex, or the university's official pages and check the GRE scholarship criteria for Indian students.
• You can reach out to previous applicants or alumni networks to learn about available scholarships and the GRE cutoff score required for a scholarship.
• Visit the scholarship website to know relevant information regarding the application process and other requirements.
• If you are applying for university scholarships, know the average GRE score requirement for scholarships and see if your profile fits in.
• Emphasize GPA and past academic records because some university-provided scholarships consider applications holistically.
• You can contact the financial aid office at universities to know more about GRE scholarships for Indian students or for any queries related to scholarships.
• Coming to the application process, submit the applications before deadlines.
• Ensure that you submit all the relevant documents supporting your application, including transcripts, official scores, resume, SOP, LORs, financial statements, etc.

By following these steps you can maximize your chances of securing a GRE scholarship to fund your graduate studies. Next, let’s see the list of colleges offering GRE scholarships.

List of Universities Offering GRE Scholarships for International Students

If you have a high GRE score, you can use that score to apply for GRE scholarships. As studying abroad requires huge financial investment, scholarships will always help. Given below are some of the universities in different countries that offer scholarships for international students considering GRE score as one of the criteria:

Name of the Scholarship	Offered by University/ Country	GRE Scholarship Amount
Clark University Scholarships	Clark University, USA	Up to $25,000 per year for 4 years
Concordia College Scholarships	Concordia College, USA	Up to $28,000 per year for 4 years
New York University Wagner Scholarships	New York University, USA	$25,000 to $45,000 covering partial or full tuition
Dartmouth College Scholarships	Dartmouth College, USA	Based on the financial need
Clarendon Scholarships	University of Oxford, UK	Full tuition and living expenses
University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship	University of Sussex, UK	Varies
University of West London International Ambassador Scholarship	University of West London, UK	$6000 per year
University of British Columbia Public Scholars Award	University of British Columbia, Canada	$11,635 per year up to 2 years
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	University of Calgary, Canada	$7,755 per year
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship	University of Manitoba, Canada	$10,850 per year up to 2 years

Scholarships offered based on GRE scores help students to study at top colleges and universities worldwide. Before applying, candidates must check the minimum GRE score criteria required for a scholarship. Most institutions do not offer scholarships for all programs, but some grants and stipends are available for specialized courses. 

With this, we conclude our discussion on GRE scholarships. By now, you might have understood that the GRE is essential not only for admission to top universities but also for securing financial aid. Therefore, work hard to achieve the best GRE score, and success will follow. Whether you're studying for the GRE Quantitative or Verbal sections, we are here to support you in your GRE preparation!

Also Read: Details of GRE Coaching in Chennai

FAQs

1.  What is a GRE scholarship?

A GRE scholarship is a financial award granted to students based on their achieved GRE score and academic criteria. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs related to graduate studies. Generally, Universities, Government bodies, and Private Organizations attract high-performing students with various scholarships to reduce the financial burden of graduate education. For example, the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s fellowships provide financial support to Indian students with strong GRE scores.

2. What is the typical amount for a GRE Scholarship?

The GRE scholarship amount varies depending on the program and the scholarship provider. Government scholarships like the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships can give up to $50,000 per year, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. University-offered scholarships may range between $10,000 and $30,000 annually. Non-Governmental scholarships like Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, can provide up to $100,000. The exact amount depends on the particular scholarship and the qualification of the applicant.

3. Can I get a scholarship with GRE?

Candidates with good GRE results are given scholarships and grants, similar to any other merit or need-based aid. Many of these GRE exam scholarships are highly regarded and greatly reduce your financial burden when you want to study abroad.

4. What are the top 5 Government GRE Scholarships for Indian students?

Here are the top 5 government-funded GRE scholarships especially for GRE Test takers:

• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships - Scholarship amount up to $50,000 (approx. INR 41 lakhs)
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship amount up to $100,000 (approx. INR 82 lakhs)
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) - Full tuition fee + living expenses
• Tata Scholarship for Cornell University - Scholarship amount up to $90,000 (approx. INR 73 lakhs)
• GREAT Scholarships India - Scholarship amount up to £10,000 (approx. INR 10 lakhs)

It is important to note that all scholarships require you to have a general GRE score of more than 315 to qualify for application.

5. What are the top 5 non-government GRE Scholarships to study Masters abroad?

Here is the compilation of the top 5 non-government GRE scholarships that you can consider:

• JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education- Scholarship amount up to INR 10 lakhs
• KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad - Scholarship amount up to INR 8 lakhs
• S.N. Bose Scholars Program- $2,000/month (approx. INR 1.6 lakhs/month)
• Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships- scholarship amount up to INR 20 lakhs
• Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust- INR 3-6 lakhs scholarship amount.

It is important to note that all scholarships require you to have a general GRE score above 315 to qualify for application

6. How much GRE score is required for full scholarship in the USA?

Various reports state that to get a scholarship in the USA requires an overall GRE score of more than 260. Specifically, scholarships often need scores of 164+ in the verbal reasoning section and 161+ in the quantitative reasoning section.

7. What is the eligibility criteria for GRE Scholarships in Canada?

Candidates who wish to get admission into top graduate or professional institutions in Canada must have a GPA of 60-70% GPA score in the UG course. Additionally, candidates must hold GRE scores above 160 on the quantitative and verbal tests.

8. What is the application deadline for GRE scholarships?

The application deadlines for GRE scholarships typically range from six months to one year before the start of the academic program. Some scholarships have specific dates, such as December 1st or February 15th, while others may follow rolling deadlines throughout the year. Always verify individual scholarship deadlines to ensure timely submission.

9. What GRE Score is needed for MBA scholarship?

To qualify for MBA scholarships, a GRE score of 325 or above is generally considered  good, while a score above 330 is competitive for top MBA programs. For the top 10 schools and universities, a GRE score of 333+ is typically required, with scores above 160 in both verbal and quantitative sections.

10. Do GRE scholarships have renewal requirements?

Yes, many GRE scholarships have renewal requirements. These typically include maintaining a certain GPA, demonstrating satisfactory academic progress, and sometimes fulfilling specific program-related obligations. Renewal criteria vary by scholarship, so it's essential to review the specific terms and conditions for each scholarship you receive.