Discover from this blog how a GRE course for a visa boosts admission chances and supports the study plans of students in the U.S., Canada, and more.
If you are planning to study abroad, then getting a student visa is one of the most important steps. Generally, to get a visa, you need to show your academic records, proof that you can pay for your studies, and your language skills. But especially when you apply for graduate programs in the US and some other countries, you may also need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
This is where a GRE course comes in. It will help you prepare for the test and improve your chances of getting admission into a university. If you are curious in knowing about the GRE course for a visa, then read this blog. Here, we have explained what a GRE course is, how it can help with your student visa process, and why it is important for applying to universities around the world.
What is the GRE?
Like the TOEFL, the GRE is a standardized test made by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Many graduate and business schools, especially in the United States and Canada, ask for the GRE scores during the admission process.
The test mainly checks verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for doing well in most graduate programs. There are also special GRE tests for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, or Math. But most students who apply to general graduate programs take the main GRE test, called the GRE General Test.
An Overview of the GRE Course
What is a GRE course? It is a training program that helps students prepare for the GRE. A GRE course teaches how the test works, how to solve different types of questions, and gives practice to students through sample questions and full practice tests.
If you are a student, then you can take GRE courses online or in person. But some online GRE courses are self-paced, while others are led by a teacher. You can even study in a group or get one-on-one tutoring, depending on your preference.
Most GRE courses include lessons on both the verbal and math sections of the test. They also help you improve your composition skills for the Analytical Writing section. In addition, you can learn how to manage your time during the test and reduce stress. Particularly, to give a feel for the real exam, most programs include practice tests. Many students take a GRE course to get a higher score, which can help them get into better and more competitive graduate programs.
Why is the GRE Important for Visa Applications?
Student visa applications do not directly require the GRE score. However, it is indirectly essential due to its importance in university admission. Here is how
Student Visa Requires University Admission
To get a student visa (like the F-1 visa in the U.S.), you first need to be accepted by a recognized university. In many countries, such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, and sometimes the UK or Australia, GRE scores are part of the admission process for graduate programs.
Even though visa officers donāt ask for your GRE score directly, it still matters. This is because you canāt get a visa without university admission, and you often need a GRE score to get that admission.
Competitive Programs Need Higher GRE Scores
Top universities or programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) often ask for higher GRE scores. If your score is too low, you might not get accepted. Without an admission offer, you wonāt receive the I-20 form (in the U.S.) or similar documents needed to apply for a student visa.
High Scores Improve Scholarship and Funding Chances
A high GRE score can help you get scholarships or assistantships. These show that you have financial support, which is important for getting your student visa approved.
GRE Course and Visa Applications by Country
Would you like to know how the GRE and GRE courses are linked to getting a student visa in popular countries for studying abroad? If yes, then take a look below
United States
GRE scores are essential to apply for many masterās and PhD programs in the U.S. So, to improve your score and increase your chances of getting into top U.S. universities, you can take a GRE preparation course. Once you are admitted, the university will send you an I-20 form. This form is one of the important documents required for applying for a USA Visa ( F-1 student), which is one of the main types of U.S. visas for students.
Canada
In Canada, most programs donāt require the GRE, but competitive masterās and research programs usually do. Especially by taking a GRE course, you can boost your chances of getting into top schools like UBC or McGill. Once you have an acceptance letter, you can apply for a Canadian study permit.
Germany
Some German universities require GRE scores for English-taught masterās programs, especially in science and engineering. A high GRE score from a prep course can improve your chances of getting into these competitive programs. You can apply for a German student visa once a university accepts your application for admission.
United Kingdom
Most UK universities donāt usually require the GRE, but some top schools like Oxford or LSE might ask for it. You may not need to prepare for the GRE unless you want to apply to these elite places. Usually, to get a visa, you need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university.
Australia
Most Australian universities donāt usually ask for the GRE. But some programs, especially in business or engineering, might require it. You can apply for the Subclass 500 student visa once you receive your acceptance.
Should You Take a GRE Course for a Visa?
If you want to apply to graduate programs in universities from countries that require GRE scores, then enrolling in a GRE preparation course will be beneficial to you. Specifically, taking the GRE score will
- Improve your chances of admission, which you need to secure your visa.
- Help you understand the test format, so you feel less nervous on exam day.
- Offer personalized support to improve the areas where you struggle the most.
The Bottom Line
The GRE score isnāt a direct visa requirement, but universities need it for admission, which is essential to get a student visa. Typically, a good GRE score is essential for competitive programs.
So, to achieve that score and get closer to the goal of studying abroad, you can take a well-designed GRE course for a visa that fits your needs. If you experience any difficulties in applying for a student visa, then, for clarification, immediately contact travel experts at Plane Pockets or use our AI travel assistant PuNIMA. We will assist with flight booking and the visa application process.
