How much does the GRE cost?

The short answer

The GRE General Test has one standard fee with a single regional exception. It costs US$249 in all areas of the world except China (accessed 2026-08-07), where the fee is US$231.30. That base fee covers registering for and taking the test.

Fee reductions

ETS offers help for test-takers who qualify. Under the GRE Fee Reduction Program, eligible test-takers pay US$100 to register (accessed 2026-08-07). Eligibility has requirements, so check whether you meet them before you assume the lower price applies.

Other costs to plan for

Sending scores can add to your total. You get four free score reports on test day (accessed 2026-08-07), and after that additional reports cost US$40 per recipient. If you are applying to more than four programs, budget for those extra reports up front.

A note on live pricing

Prices here reflect the figures ETS lists at the time of writing. ETS updates its fees between testing cycles, so the numbers can shift. Before you register, confirm the current amounts on the official ETS fees page (accessed 2026-08-07). Treat any figure you read elsewhere as a guide, not a guarantee.

Sources

Every source below was accessed on the listed date. Pages — especially department admissions pages — change without notice; the links go to the live versions.

1. GRE General Test Fees — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-07.
2. GRE Fee Reduction Program — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-07.
3. Sending Your GRE General Test Scores — ETS. Accessed 2026-09-10.

Related guides

• What is a good GRE score?
• What's on the GRE? Format, sections, and timing
• Official GRE prep resources: what to use, and when
• GRE retake rules: attempts, waiting period, and deadlines