Do you want to pursue a doctorate program but cannot take standardized tests such as the GRE or the GMAT? Perhaps you took these tests over 5 years ago and they are no longer “valid”? Don’t despair. You have options!
Below you will find information about doctorate programs that do not require GRE or GMAT test scores for admissions. You can apply for a PhD without GMAT or other standardized test scores.
As always, it is better to contact the admissions office directly and make sure to get an official list of admissions requirements.
European Ph.D. and Doctorate Programs
Most doctorate programs in Europe do not require standardized test scores such as the GRE or GMAT.
However, these programs are quite rigorous and do have other academic requirements such as undergraduate or graduate degrees, previous research work, letters of recommendation, language proficiency tests, interviews, and other requirements.
Getting a Ph.D. without GRE in Europe
Most Ph.D. programs in Europe are fully funded by the university or government programs allowing students to fully focus on their studies without incurring any student debt.
While universities in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands offer some of the best engineering and technology doctoral programs in the region, most universities offer Ph.D. programs in a wide range of subjects including Art, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Most doctoral degrees lead to careers in research and academia, so it is important to identify your career goals before you go on this path. For example, if you want to practice as a clinical psychologist in the USA, you will need to enroll in a doctoral or master’s program that leads to state licensure. If that’s the case, then a Ph.D. in Europe would not be your best option. So keep this in mind as you research some of the top universities in Europe.
If you want to pursue a research or academic career in Europe, make sure to select a Ph.D. program that will support you and prepare you to achieve your career goals.
>> You may also want to read: European Universities Offering Free Tuition
Ph.D. and Doctorate Programs in the U.S.
Private For-Profit Online Universities
Most private for-profit online universities such as Walden, Colorado Technical University, Capella, and others do not require standardized test scores for their Ph.D. programs.
Since these universities usually cater to working adult students, they try to ease the admissions process to accommodate their prospective students and their career/life responsibilities.
Students who enroll in doctoral programs at these universities usually have career advancement goals in mind. Most students are already working for a specific company and plan to get a doctorate to get a promotion and become more competitive in their industry.
Few students from for-profit universities go into research and academia. Doctoral programs at these universities are not funded and usually involve high tuition costs.
State and Private Non-Profit Universities
Doctoral programs at state (e.g. Oregon State University) and private non-profit (e.g. Georgetown University) universities are usually research-focused, rigorous, and very selective with their admissions.
Most doctoral programs at these universities are fully funded through assistantships and research grants and require doctoral students to focus full-time on their academic work.
Because these universities only admit a small percentage of applicants to their Ph.D. programs, most require standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. However, there are a few programs that make these tests optional.
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You could also apply for a Ph.D. in Management without GRE or GMAT scores. However, this applies to mainly executive management programs and applicants should have several years of experience and established managerial careers.
Let’s take a look at some PhD without GMAT or GRE:
Purdue University – Ph.D. in Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Ph.D. in Media Arts and Science, Ph.D. in Linguistics
University of Wisconsin – Ph.D. in Philosophy
University of Oregon – Ph.D. in Counseling
Oregon State University – Ph.D. in Physics
University of Idaho – Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Georgetown University – Doctor of Nursing, Doctor of Liberal Studies
Northwestern University – Ph.D. in History
Washington State University – Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Additionally, many doctoral programs in the U.S. are no longer requiring test scores during the pandemic. Contact the university admissions office for specific information regarding standardized tests.
Do you know about other Ph.D. programs that do not require test scores? Send us a message.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to pursue a doctoral program or PhD, make sure the program is aligned with your career and life goals. A doctoral program requires lots of time and effort…and funds to complete. It might definitely be worth it, but just make sure it is aligned with your values.
I personally took the GRE, and at some point in my life, I also prepared for the GMAT. Preparing for these exams takes time and money, so I understand why anyone would want to skip these tests and just apply to their dream doctoral programs.
Don’t feel discouraged if you find a great program that will boost your career and requires test scores as part of the application. Don’t pass on these types of opportunities. Just create a plan to prepare and take these tests.
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But if you are really determined to apply to doctoral programs that don’t require GRE or GMAT tests, then I hope this post offered you some insightful information.
Follow your dreams, create a plan, and apply to the best Ph.D. programs for you.
Denisse Romero
Denisse is a global education and communications consultant, as well as the main person behind MacQuil. As an international mentor and frequent traveler, she enjoys sharing information to help anyone travel, study or work abroad.
Denisse holds a Master's in Management from GWU, a Master's in Education from Harvard University and an Executive Coaching Certificate from the University of Cambridge.
