Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE is not required by all German public universities, but it is mandatory or strongly recommended for specific high-demand Master's programs in Computer Science, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Management at top technical universities—most notably RWTH Aachen, TU Munich (TUM), KIT, and TU Berlin.

Premier public institutions enforcing or recommending GRE scores for select non-EU Master's applicants include:

• RWTH Aachen: Mandates GRE (minimum Quantitative score of 160) for several international Master's programs in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive, and Biomedical Engineering.

• Technical University of Munich (TUM): Recommends or requires GRE for competitive Master's in Computer Science, Data Engineering, and Management.

• KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) & TU Berlin: Recommend GRE to evaluate non-EU analytical skills.

• Mannheim Business School & LMU Munich: Recommend GRE/GMAT for Economics and Management majors.

German STEM faculties prioritise the Quantitative Reasoning section over Verbal or Analytical Writing.

• Target Quantitative Score: 160 to 165+ out of 170 (80th+ percentile).

• Target Verbal Score: 148 to 153+ out of 170.

• Target Analytical Writing (AWA): 3.0 to 4.0 out of 6.0.

Yes. Select top technical universities (including TU Munich and RWTH Aachen) accept a strong GATE score (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) from Indian applicants as an alternative to the GRE for specific Master's engineering programs. EduOptions Germany verifies whether your target program accepts GATE before you register for an expensive GRE test.

No. The GRE is an academic aptitude exam, not an English language test. Even if you achieve a high Verbal score on the GRE, the German Embassy, VFS Global, and German universities still require an official English proficiency scorecard (IELTS Academic 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 88+) for English-taught programs.

German universities strictly require the GRE General Test. GRE Subject Tests (like Subject Physics or Chemistry) are generally not requested for Master's admissions in Germany.

Acceptance varies. While many universities accept the GRE General Test at Home, select engineering faculties at public technical universities strictly require tests taken at an official ETS test centre. EduOptions Germany verifies your program's specific test-mode policies before registration.

ETS GRE score reports are valid for 5 years from the test date. However, certain public German university faculties (such as RWTH Aachen Biomedical Engineering) stipulate that submitted GRE scores must not be more than 2 years old at the application deadline.

The GRE General Test features a shorter 2-hour computer-based format:

• Analytical Writing: 1 section (Analyse an Issue task, 30 mins).

• Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections (27 questions total, 41 mins).

• Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections (27 questions total, 47 mins).

• Fee in India: Approximately $220 USD (~₹18,500 INR, subject to ETS exchange rates).

Generally, no. Most state-accredited private business and tech schools in Germany evaluate candidates through holistic profiles, undergraduate transcripts, internal entrance interviews, or work experience, making GRE scores optional.

EduOptions Germany ensures an error-free path by:

• Identifying whether your target German public programs mandate, recommend, or waive the GRE.

• Mapping your GRE Quantitative score against prerequisite cutoffs at TU9 universities.

• Assisting in submitting correct ETS institution codes to Uni-Assist and direct university portals.

• Ensuring your total academic file (GRE, IELTS, APS, ECTS credits) fulfils German Embassy standards for 100% VFS student visa approval.