TOEFL and GRE are both commonly required for US graduate school applications — but they test completely different things. Understanding when you need each (or both) can save you significant preparation time and money.
What Each Test Measures
| Test | What It Measures | Who Administers |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | English language proficiency | ETS (same as GRE) |
| GRE General | Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing | ETS |
TOEFL: Proves you can function academically in English. Required for non-native English speakers.
GRE: Measures academic aptitude and potential for graduate-level work. Required regardless of native language.
Do You Need Both?
| Situation | TOEFL Needed? | GRE Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| International student applying to US grad school (non-native English) | Usually yes | Depends on programme |
| US citizen applying to US grad school | No | Depends on programme |
| Applying to GRE-optional programme | No | No |
| Applying to MBA (not PhD) | Yes (if non-native) | Use GMAT instead |
Most international students applying to US graduate programmes need both TOEFL and GRE.
When You Need TOEFL
TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers applying to:
- US universities (graduate programmes)
- Canadian universities
- Australian universities
- UK universities
- Any institution requiring English language evidence
You may be exempt from TOEFL if:
- Your undergraduate degree was completed entirely in English
- You are a citizen of a designated English-speaking country
- Your institution grants a waiver (check specific programme)
When You Need GRE
GRE is required for many US graduate programmes. However, it is increasingly optional:
| Programme Type | GRE Policy |
|---|---|
| PhD (Science, Engineering) | Usually required (some now optional) |
| PhD (Humanities, Social Sciences) | Often required; some optional |
| Master's (Arts and Sciences) | Often required; many now optional |
| MBA | GRE or GMAT (not standard GRE) |
| Professional degrees (Medicine, Law) | Not required (MCAT/LSAT instead) |
Check the specific programme — GRE requirements changed significantly from 2020–2024 as many schools went test-optional.
Score Comparison
| Test | Score Range | Key Sections |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 0–120 | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| GRE General | Verbal: 130–170; Quant: 130–170; AWA: 0–6 | Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing |
Preparation Time Comparison
| Goal | Prep Time |
|---|---|
| TOEFL from 80 to 100 | 4–8 weeks |
| GRE Verbal from 150 to 160 | 6–12 weeks |
| GRE Quant from 150 to 165 | 4–8 weeks |
| Both simultaneously | 12–20 weeks |
If you have limited preparation time, prioritise based on which test your target programme weights more heavily. For research PhDs, GRE often carries more weight in shortlisting. For course admissions, TOEFL is often the harder minimum to meet.
Can GRE Verbal Replace TOEFL?
No. TOEFL measures English language proficiency. GRE Verbal measures reasoning with academic English vocabulary. A high GRE Verbal score does not exempt you from the TOEFL requirement.
Prepare for TOEFL with Gabble — if you're preparing for both TOEFL and GRE, tackle TOEFL first since it has a clear structure and measurable progress. AI-powered Speaking and Writing practice with instant scores.