What is the GRE & Minimum GRE Score Required for MS Admission in Canada?

Having a Bachelor’s degree is considered a basic education these days. However, in today’s competitive world, it’s evident that students who complete their MS become very successful in their careers. Suppose you wish to get a Master’s degree and pursue higher studies abroad. In that case, Canada is one of the most sought-after foreign destinations. 

However, a candidate has to satisfy various criteria to get admission to Canadian universities. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is one such test that one has to clear, among other criteria. Continue reading this article to understand what is the GRE, the minimum score required for MS admission in Canada, what is a good GRE score and more about GRE.

What is GRE Exam?

GRE is one of the tests that make students eligible for admission to MS programs at several leading universities worldwide, including Canada. GRE is a standard computer test conducted by the ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is a mandatory multiple-choice test for international students who want to pursue their MS program in Canada.

Most Canadian universities accept GRE in different management and business courses. And a high GRE score will go a long way in helping students get scholarships, student loans, financial aid, and more.

GRE is of Two Kinds:

• GRE General Test
• GRE Subject Test

International students appear for the general test for MBA, Master’s in Business, doctoral, or JD degree. This test has three sections:

• Quantitative reasoning: evaluates the ability to understand mathematical concepts and solve problems through the quantitative method.
• Verbal reasoning: evaluates the skills to analyze information and identify the relationship between concepts and words.
• Analytical writing: evaluates the ability of critical thinking and writing analytically.

The general test reflects the skills and thinking that students would need in graduate-level programs. The score on this test allows universities to understand your capability to pursue advanced studies.

Some universities require students to take a particular GRE subject test (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology) to prove their strengths in the specific field of study or subject.

Is GRE Required for MS in Canada?

Yes. A score between 310 and 320 out of 340 is required for students to study Masters in Canada. Students from abroad with good GRE scores will have an easier time studying for a graduate degree in Canada.

GRE Score Range and Minimum GRE Score for MS Admission in Canada

International students who get a good GRE score will find it easier to get admission to a good university for their Master’s degree. The GRE cut-offs are different for each university. Students have to work hard to get a good score. The GRE score range is between 320 to 340 for getting into top canada universities for ms. The GRE minimum score is 310. With this score, you can expect to get into a decent university.

Section-wise, students should get an average score of 150 in quantitative and verbal reasoning and 4.0 in analytical writing to get admission to top universities. Experts generally advise aspiring candidates to aim for the highest score in the band rather than targeting the minimum score so they can enter the best universities.

Students must understand GRE tests, like scoring schemes, GRE score range, GRE cut-off, and minimum GRE score. Staying aware of all these aspects and getting clarity can help them ease their way through the preparation.

GRE General or GRE Subject Test for MS admission in Canada?

It is preferred to take the GRE General test for MS admissions in Canada. Whereas the GRE Subject Test covers a specific subject (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology).

GRE General Test helps you learn the kinds of thinking and skills you’ll need in graduate programs. It allows you to demonstrate to graduate schools that you are capable of pursuing advanced studies.

In certain universities, students are encouraged to take a certain GRE Subject Test in order to demonstrate their proficiency in a specific subject or field. A student may have to take either the GRE General or GRE Subject to supplement his or her academic records and other qualifications in order to be admitted to MS programs in Canada.

How is the GRE different from IELTS?

It is true that a good score on the GRE and IELTS is essential for university admission, but the GRE has a unique function that makes it different from IELTS. GRE is taken by undergraduate degree holders to enroll in a master’s program. A non-native English speaker needs the IELTS test in order to study or work in an English-speaking country.

Top 25 Universities for Masters in Canada that Accept GRE Scores Cut-Offs:

Here is a quick listing of the leading universities for pursuing a Masters in Canada with GRE scores:

Course-wise GRE Requirements for MS in Canada

Below are the course-wise GRE requirements for MS programs in Canada, taken from the top 100 graduate schools and universities:

Canadian Universities without GRE

A GRE score is a prerequisite for MS programs at top Canadian colleges and universities. Some Canadian universities do not require the GRE for master’s programs and scholarship opportunities for international students. They are as follows:

1. Brandon University – TOEFL – 550, PTE Academic – 59 is required
2. University of Windsor – GPA – 3.0 or more is required
3. University of Ottawa – GMAT – 6.0; IELTS – 6.5 is required
4. Lakehead University – Duolingo English Test – 110 is required
5. Royal Roads University – IELTS Academic – 6.0 is required
6. University of New Brunswick – IELTS Academic – 6.5 is required
7. Thompson River University – GPA – 3.0 is required.
8. University of Manitoba – GPA – 3.1 is required
9. Capilano University – IELTS – 6.5 is required
10. University of Victoria – GPA – 9.0 is required
11. Acadia University – TOEFL – 93 is required
12. Brock University – TOEFL – 80 is required
13. Trinity Western University – IELTS – 7.0; Duolingo – 115 is required
14. York University – GMAT – 550; IELTS – 7.5 is required
15. University of Winnipeg – IELTS Academic – 6.5 is required

MS Programs in Canada That Don’t Need GRE Scores

GRE is an important criterion set for getting MS admission in leading universities. Even though it is compulsory in many universities, you can still get admission to a good MS course without a GRE score. Here are a few MS courses from leading universities that don’t ask for a GRE score mandatorily:

• Master of Applied Sciences (Biotechnology)
• McGill University
• Master of Science (Applied Computing)
• University of Toronto Master of Science (Computer Science)
• Lakehead Master of Engineering
• University of British Columbia

Other universities that admit students to various MS programs without a GRE score are – 

• University of New Brunswick
• University of Prince Edward Island
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology