GRE study resources
GRE Registration and Fees: Cost, Booking and Fee Reduction
Register for the GRE through ETS. Before choosing an appointment, check your identification, application deadlines, test location and total budget. The standard General Test fee is US$249 in most locations; regional pricing and optional services can change your total.
GRE fees at a glance
Amounts below are in US dollars, checked against the ETS fee table on November 9, 2026. ETS may change fees. For India, use the regional site linked from that table; do not convert the US price yourself.
| Item | Listed fee |
|---|---|
| General Test: most locations | $249 |
| General Test: China | $237.86 |
| Reschedule: most locations / China | $55 / $55.43 |
| Change test center | $55 |
| Additional score report, per recipient | $40 |
| Analytical Writing score review | $60 |
| Score reinstatement | $50 |
The test fee includes up to four score recipients selected on test day. Reports ordered later cost extra. Read ETS’s score-sending rules before deciding when to send.
How to register for the GRE
The booking process is easier if you gather your details before opening the appointment calendar. Test Ninjas is a preparation provider; your appointment and payment are handled by ETS.
- Check your programs. Record whether each program requires, accepts or does not consider GRE scores. Confirm you need the General Test; a Subject Test is a separate exam.
- Check your identification. Read the country-specific ETS ID requirements. Use the name required by those rules when creating your account. Resolve a mismatch before booking.
- Open the official registration portal. Start from ETS’s scheduling page, then sign in or create an ETS account. A Test Ninjas account is separate.
- Compare test-center and at-home options. Consider travel, reliable equipment and whether you can meet the testing environment requirements. Convenience is useful only when the setup is workable.
- Choose a date and confirm the details. Check location, time zone, appointment time and the selected test. Use our GRE test-date planner to work backward from deadlines.
- Review the price before paying. Confirm the checkout total and any approved voucher. Keep your confirmation and add preparation reminders to your calendar.
If you need testing accommodations, follow the ETS approval process before scheduling as directed. Do not assume a standard appointment can simply be converted later. The registration portal should be your final source for availability and booking conditions.
Plan for the costs beyond registration
Estimate a standard US testing budget
This planner assumes the standard US registration fee. It excludes taxes, travel, preparation purchases and fee-reduction vouchers. Reports means paid reports ordered separately, not your included test-day recipients.
A planning estimate, not an ETS price quote. Reserving for a retake does not book one.
Consider a concrete example: one standard US test plus two paid score reports costs $329 before any other expenses. If you also reserve $249 for another attempt, your planning total becomes $578. These examples help you set aside money; they do not imply that everyone should retake the test.
Keep optional preparation spending separate from your testing budget so you can compare like with like. Transport, time off work and at-home equipment can matter as much as a small price difference between preparation resources. A free timed practice test can help you decide whether a planned appointment is realistic before you incur a change fee.
GRE fee reduction: check eligibility before paying
Approved recipients pay $100 for the General Test. ETS describes routes based on financial need, unemployment, current Peace Corps service and participating programs. Review the exact eligibility and evidence requirements on the official fee-reduction page, then use its application instructions.
Build this step into your planning instead of treating a voucher as an instant checkout discount. Keep copies of what you submit and wait for the applicable instructions. If you belong to a participating organization, ask its coordinator about the program’s process. Do not rely on a coupon shared online as proof that you qualify.
If you need to move or cancel your appointment
Read your confirmation and the official rescheduling rules before making a change. Deadlines, refunds and regional conditions can differ. Cancelling, rescheduling and simply missing an appointment are different actions; do not assume they have the same financial result.
When comparing alternatives, include the effect on score delivery and your preparation schedule. A later date is useful if it gives you time to address a specific weakness, but it may create a deadline problem. Check the score-release planner and the receiving program’s policy before committing.
A short checklist before you book
- I verified that the intended programs accept or require this test.
- I checked identification and name requirements for my testing location.
- I tried timed practice and have a realistic preparation plan.
- I allowed time for score delivery, not just the test itself.
- I checked voucher eligibility and the final checkout price.
- I can meet the equipment and room rules if testing at home.
Use the GRE test-day checklist for practical preparation, and our difficulty guide if you are still deciding what skills to work on first.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the GRE General Test cost?
ETS lists US$249 for most locations, with separate pricing for China and India. Check the official fee page and your checkout total before paying. This guide was checked November 9, 2026.
Is the GRE fee reduction a full fee waiver?
The ETS Fee Reduction Program lowers the General Test registration fee to US$100 for approved recipients. Eligibility and documentation requirements apply; it is not a universal free-test offer.
Where do I register for the GRE?
Register through ETS, the test administrator. Test Ninjas provides preparation resources and does not book GRE appointments or collect ETS registration fees.
How far ahead should I book?
Check your earliest application deadline, score-delivery needs, preparation progress and available appointments. Leave room for unexpected delays and a possible retake rather than choosing the last theoretically possible date.
Sources and further reading
Official test information checked November 9, 2026. Practice material and study recommendations are by Test Ninjas.