UCL does not require the GRE for the large majority of its graduate programmes. As with most UK universities, admission is based on your undergraduate degree classification, academic references, and — for research degrees — supervisor fit.
Does UCL Require the GRE?
| Programme Type | GRE Status |
|---|---|
| Taught Master's (most departments) | Not required |
| MPhil/PhD (most departments) | Not required |
| UCL School of Management — MBA / quantitative finance master's | Occasionally accepted as supplementary evidence, not required |
What UCL Actually Evaluates Instead
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree classification (First/2:1) | Primary factor |
| Relevant coursework and academic references | High |
| Research proposal and supervisor fit (PhD) | Critical for research degrees |
| English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Mandatory, separate requirement |
Should You Take the GRE Anyway?
If UCL is one of several schools you're applying to and other target universities (particularly US schools) require the GRE, prepare for and take the test regardless — it does not hurt an application even where it's not required, and can support scholarship applications for research-intensive programmes.
GRE Is Separate From English Proficiency
Even though UCL does not require the GRE, IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for applicants whose prior education was not conducted in English:
| Requirement | UCL Policy |
|---|---|
| GRE | Not required for the large majority of programmes |
| IELTS | Required — see our UCL IELTS Requirements guide |
| TOEFL | Required — see our UCL TOEFL Requirements guide |
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — the mandatory English requirement for UCL, regardless of GRE. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback. Or prepare for TOEFL.