GRE Test Fee in Pakistan (2026)
The complete 2026 guide to GRE exam fees in Pakistan. Discover the exact registration costs, hidden penalties, and a smart trick to avoid heavy international bank taxes.
GRE Test Fee in Pakistan 2026
Official registration cost, all additional charges, the new shorter GRE format, test centers, score sending, rescheduling, cancellation, and expert preparation tips — everything Pakistani graduate applicants need to know.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is the world's most widely used graduate admissions test — required by thousands of master's, MBA, and PhD programs in the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. For Pakistani students applying to graduate programs abroad or seeking competitive scholarships, the GRE is often the single most important standardized test score in your application. This guide gives you every cost, rule, and strategy you need — sourced directly from ETS's official fee pages.
- Quick Fee Summary
- What is the GRE?
- New Shorter Format & Scoring
- Complete Fee Breakdown
- Additional & Hidden Charges
- GRE Subject Test Fees
- How to Register
- Payment Methods
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Rescheduling Policy
- Score Reports & Sending
- Test Centers in Pakistan
- Score Requirements by Program
- Expert Tips — Score High, Save Money
- FAQs
Quick Fee Summary ✓ ETS Official
All GRE fees are set by ETS (Educational Testing Service, USA) in US dollars and apply uniformly worldwide, with the exception of China and India. Here is the complete cost picture for Pakistani students:
All GRE fees are set and charged by ETS in US dollars. Your bank converts USD to PKR at its live rate on the day of payment, plus any foreign currency transaction fee. As of May 2026, $220 equals approximately PKR 61,000–70,000 depending on your bank's rate. Always check the exact PKR amount on your bank's app before paying to avoid unexpected charges.
What is the GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a US-based non-profit assessment organization. It is the most widely accepted graduate admissions exam in the world, required or accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, and increasingly in Pakistan itself.
Unlike the SAT (for undergraduates), the GRE is specifically designed for students applying to master's, MBA, and PhD programs. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing — skills that are predictive of success in graduate-level study across virtually every academic discipline.
| Who Takes the GRE? | Typical Programs | Minimum Score (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Applying to US/Canadian graduate schools | MS, MA, MEng, MBA, MFA, PhD in any field | 300+ overall (program-specific) |
| Fulbright Scholarship applicants (Pakistan) | All fields — Fulbright requires GRE for most STEM and many social science programs | 310–315+ for competitive awards |
| Commonwealth & Chevening consideration | Some programs in UK/Australia accept GRE as an admissions criterion | 300+ overall |
| European graduate programs | STEM programs in Germany, Netherlands, Sweden increasingly accept GRE | 300+ overall |
| Pakistani institutions | HEC PhD programs, NUST graduate school, and others use GRE as an admissions component | 280–300+ (institution-specific) |
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan recognises GRE scores for PhD admissions at Pakistani universities. Many HEC-funded PhD programs require a GRE score as part of the application. If you are applying to a Pakistani PhD program, confirm with your target institution whether GRE is required, preferred, or optional — requirements vary significantly between departments.
New Shorter GRE Format & Scoring (2026)
ETS significantly shortened the GRE General Test. The new format takes approximately 1 hour 58 minutes — nearly half the length of the old ~3 hour 45 minute version. Content and scoring remain the same; the test simply has fewer questions per section.
At the end of your GRE test session, you will see your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores on-screen immediately. You will be asked at that point whether you want to report or cancel your scores. If you cancel, no scores are sent to universities and no record of the attempt appears on your score report. Official scores — including Analytical Writing — are available in your ETS account 8–10 days after your test date, per ETS's published timeline.
Complete GRE Fee Breakdown for Pakistan ✓ ETS Official
The following fees are sourced directly from the official ETS GRE fees page (ets.org/gre), effective July 1, 2024, and confirmed current as of May 2026. The GRE fee is the same whether you test at a center or at home.
| Test Type | USD Fee | PKR (approx.) | Availability in Pakistan |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test | $220 | PKR 61,000–70,000 | Available — center only |
| GRE Subject Test (Physics, Math, Psychology, Chemistry) | $175 | PKR 48,000–55,000 | Available — center only |
Additional Charges — Budget for These Before You Register
The $220 registration fee is just the starting point. These additional ETS service fees can add significantly to your total GRE spend if you are not prepared for them.
GRE Subject Test — Fees, Dates & Who Needs It
The GRE Subject Test is a separate test designed for students applying to specific graduate programs that require demonstrated subject-matter knowledge. Most graduate students only need the GRE General Test — but if your program requires a Subject Test, it is non-negotiable.
| Feature | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | $175 USD (≈ PKR 48,000–55,000) |
| Available subjects | Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry |
| Test format | Computer-delivered at test centers — no at-home option in Pakistan |
| Test windows | Fixed windows only — typically September, October, and April. Very limited dates. Check ets.org/gre for the current schedule. |
| Score scale | 200–990 (varies by subject) · Percentile rank provided |
| Score availability | Official scores available approximately 5 weeks after test date |
| Retake frequency | Once per testing window; one Subject Test per testing month |
| Who needs it? | PhD applicants to top programs in Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, or Chemistry where programs specifically require it. Verify with each program before registering. |
Unlike the GRE General Test (available most days), the GRE Subject Test is only offered in 2–3 fixed windows per year. If you miss the registration deadline for your target window, you may have to wait 3–6 months for the next one — which can push back your entire application timeline. Register for the Subject Test as soon as you know you need it, well before the close of applications.
How to Register for the GRE in Pakistan — Step by Step
All GRE registrations are completed online through your ETS account at ets.org/gre. Registration is quick — about 30 minutes — but requires a valid passport and an internationally enabled payment card. Phone registration is also available by calling ETS's Asia regional office in Malaysia: +60-3-7628-3333.
Go to ets.org/gre and create a free account. Your name in the account must match your passport exactly — even a middle name difference can be a problem on test day. Use a reliable email you check regularly.
Most Pakistani students need the GRE General Test. Only register for a Subject Test if your specific program explicitly requires it. Verify before paying.
Click "Register / Find Test Centers" in your ETS dashboard. Enter your city (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi) to see available dates. The GRE General Test is offered most days of the week at major centers — you have significant flexibility. Book 2–3 months in advance for peak seasons (August–November).
Enter your passport number, name, and date of birth exactly as they appear in your passport. CNIC is not accepted for GRE in Pakistan — passport is mandatory. Bring the same passport to the test center on test day.
You can send scores to up to 4 institutions for free on test day — these are selected before you see your scores. Research your target programs in advance and have your institution codes ready. Additional reports after test day cost $35 each.
Pay $220 using an internationally enabled Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, China UnionPay, or Diners Club card. PayPal is also accepted by ETS. Ensure international transactions are enabled on your card before starting.
ETS emails your booking confirmation with your test center address, date, and time. From registration, you also get free access to two POWERPREP PLUS practice tests (a $100 value) through your ETS account. Use these — they are the most realistic practice available.
According to ETS, every GRE registration includes free access to POWERPREP PLUS Practice Test 1, POWERPREP PLUS Practice Test 2, and ScoreItNow! Online Writing Practice — a combined $100 value. These are full-length, computer-adaptive simulations identical to the real test. Take at least one full-length practice test before your actual exam under timed, real-test conditions. Pakistani students who skip official practice tests consistently underperform their potential.
Payment Methods Accepted by ETS
| Method | Availability | Notes for Pakistani Students |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Credit / Debit Card | Available | Most common. Enable international/USD transactions before registering. |
| Mastercard Credit / Debit Card | Available | Widely available at Pakistani banks. Same setup required. |
| American Express | Available | Accepted by ETS. Limited availability in Pakistan — verify your card works internationally. |
| Discover / JCB / Diners Club | Available | Accepted by ETS. Very limited in Pakistan — most students use Visa or Mastercard. |
| China UnionPay | Available | Accepted globally by ETS where UnionPay cards are in use. |
| PayPal | Available | Accepted by ETS. Must be funded by an internationally enabled card. |
| Authorization Voucher | Special cases | Used for fee reduction recipients. Not applicable to most Pakistani students. |
| Bank Transfer / Cash / Cheque | Not accepted | ETS does not accept bank transfers, money orders, or cash for any registration. |
Pakistani debit and credit cards block international USD transactions by default. Before visiting the ETS registration portal, call your bank or enable international payments through your mobile banking app (HBL, UBL, Meezan, MCB, Bank Alfalah, etc.). A failed payment during registration does not hold your selected test slot — it may be taken by another registrant while you resolve the payment issue.
Cancellation & Refund Policy ✓ ETS Official
Per ETS's official policy, the GRE cancellation rules are based on a strict 4-day notice requirement. All cancellations must be completed through your ETS account online — phone cancellations are not available.
| Scenario | Refund | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancel 4+ full days before test date | 50% of registration fee | For $220 test, you receive $110 back. Processed in USD. 3–5 business days. | 50% Refund |
| Cancel within 4 days of test date | No refund | The entire registration fee is forfeited. | No Refund |
| No-show on test day | No refund | Full fee forfeited. Counts as one of your 5 annual attempts. | No Refund |
| ETS cancels test (center issue, disaster) | Full refund | ETS issues a full refund or free reschedule at your choice. | Full Refund |
| Score cancellation on test day (at center) | No registration refund | No scores sent. No refund. Counts as one attempt. You can reinstate within 60 days for $50. | No Refund |
Rescheduling Policy
| Rescheduling Scenario | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reschedule 4+ full days before test | $50 | Log into ETS account → My Test Orders → Reschedule. Select new date and center. |
| Reschedule within 4 days of test | Not permitted | You must cancel (losing 50% of fee) and re-register, paying the full $220 again. |
| Change test center only (same date) | $50 | Same fee applies — through your ETS account before the 4-day window. |
| Retake frequency | $220 per attempt | You can retake once every 21 days, up to 5 times within any rolling 12-month period. Cancelled tests count toward this limit. |
ETS enforces a 21-day minimum gap between GRE attempts and a maximum of 5 attempts in any rolling 12-month period. Cancelled tests count toward both limits. This means you cannot take the GRE more than 5 times in a year regardless of cancellations — plan your test calendar carefully if you are targeting multiple admission cycles.
Score Reports — Free vs Paid Options
| Option | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free score reports (at test day) | FREE | Up to 4 institutions designated on the day of your test, before seeing your scores. Use all 4 wisely — this is your most significant cost saving. |
| Additional score reports (post-test) | $35 each | Sent to additional institutions after test day. ETS delivers reports electronically twice a week — allow time for processing. |
| Score Select | FREE | GRE Score Select lets you choose which test date's scores to send to each institution. You are not required to send all attempts — only your best. |
| Score validity | N/A | GRE scores remain reportable for 5 years from your test date — the longest validity of any major graduate admissions test. |
| Analytical Writing re-score | $65 | Human re-scoring of your AW essay. Refunded if score changes by ≥0.5 points. Not available for Verbal or Quantitative sections (computer-scored). |
The GRE's Score Select feature lets you choose which test attempt(s) to send to each institution. If you took the GRE three times, you can send only your best performance — or your best individual section scores from different attempts (if the program accepts superscoring). This gives Pakistani students who retake the GRE significant strategic flexibility compared to tests with mandatory full score disclosure.
GRE Test Centers in Pakistan (2026)
ETS-authorized GRE test centers in Pakistan operate in four major cities. The GRE General Test is available most days of the week at these centers — you are not restricted to specific calendar dates as with IELTS or GRE Subject Tests.
| City | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | Active | Available (fixed windows) | Most days of the week |
| Lahore | Active | Available (fixed windows) | Most days — high demand; book early |
| Karachi | Active | Available (fixed windows) | Most days of the week |
| Rawalpindi | Active | Check portal | Fewer seats — verify before booking |
GRE test seats in Lahore and Islamabad fill up quickly during peak graduate admissions seasons — particularly August through November, when most US Fall intake deadlines fall. Book your preferred date 2–3 months in advance. Unlike IELTS, you can book a GRE date as soon as the next day in quieter periods — but do not rely on this if you have a firm application deadline.
GRE Score Requirements by Program Type
GRE score requirements vary significantly by field, program level, and institution. These are generally accepted benchmarks — always verify the exact requirement with your specific program.
| Program Type | Competitive Score (V+Q) | Typical Verbal | Typical Quant | AW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Engineering / Computer Science (US top-50) | 315–330 | 155+ | 162–170 | 3.0+ |
| MBA programs | 310–325 | 155–162 | 157–165 | 4.0+ |
| Social Sciences / Humanities PhD | 310–325 | 158–165 | 150–160 | 4.5+ |
| Natural Sciences PhD | 315–330 | 155–162 | 162–170 | 3.5+ |
| Psychology / Neuroscience PhD | 308–322 | 158–163 | 150–158 | 4.0+ |
| Law / Public Policy (LLM, MPA, MPP) | 308–322 | 157–163 | 150–160 | 4.0+ |
| Fulbright Pakistan (STEM fields) | 310–315+ typical | 155+ | 158+ | 3.5+ |
| HEC PhD Pakistan (domestic) | 280–295 minimum typical | 145+ | 145+ | 3.0+ |
*These are generalised benchmarks based on publicly available program data. Always check your specific institution's median GRE scores (often available on department websites) before setting your target score.
Expert Tips — Score High, Save Money, Apply Smart
This is the number one practical mistake Pakistani students make. Call your bank or open your banking app before you sit down to register. A declined card means you may lose your preferred date. Banks that commonly work include Meezan Bank (Visa), HBL, MCB, and Bank Alfalah — but all require international payments to be activated first.
ETS gives you two full official practice tests free with registration. Do not waste them. Take each one under real test conditions — timed, no interruptions, same time of day as your scheduled test. These are the most accurate predictors of your actual score. The test format has changed; do not rely on old practice materials from before 2023.
Research your 4 target programs before test day and have their ETS institution codes ready. You designate free score recipients on test day — before you see your Verbal and Quant scores. Once you view your scores, adding any new institutions costs $35 each. Four programs at $35 each = $140 (~PKR 39,000) that could have been free.
ETS's Score Select feature is one of the GRE's most powerful advantages. You can choose which test date(s) to send to each program. If you retake and improve, you only send the better attempt. Some programs even superscore across attempts. This makes the GRE uniquely forgiving compared to tests that require full score disclosure.
Pakistani students frequently underestimate GRE preparation time. The Verbal section — especially Text Completion and Reading Comprehension — requires deep familiarity with academic English at a level most Pakistani students are not regularly exposed to. Plan 3–4 months of structured study for a competitive score, 5–6 months if targeting 320+. Starting late is the single biggest predictor of a disappointing first score.
If you need to move your test date, always reschedule ($50) rather than cancel and re-register ($220). This saves $170 per change. The only time to cancel is if you need to change to a date that is more than a few weeks different and rescheduling to that date is not available.
For US Fall 2027 intake (deadlines December 2026 – February 2027), target an October or November 2026 test date. This gives you official scores by late October/November, time to evaluate whether a retake is necessary, and a December or January retake window before most program deadlines close. Sitting the GRE for the first time in December or January for a February deadline is a very tight and stressful position to be in.
Frequently Asked Questions
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