How Much is the GRE Exam in Nigeria?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a critical step for many Nigerians aspiring to pursue graduate studies abroad, particularly in the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. As of April 2025, understanding how much the GRE exam costs in Nigeria is essential for students and professionals planning their academic futures. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide detailing the fees, additional costs, registration process, and factors influencing the total expense. Whether you’re aiming for a master’s degree, PhD, or MBA, this article provides the clarity you need to budget effectively and prepare for this globally recognized assessment.

Standard GRE Exam Fees in Nigeria

The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and its pricing is standardized internationally, with Nigeria falling under the global fee structure outside of specific exceptions like China and India. As of April 2025, we confirm the following base costs:

• GRE General Test: The registration fee is $220 USD. This covers the computer-based test, which evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, and includes sending scores to up to four institutions.
• GRE Subject Test: For those opting for a subject-specific exam (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics), the fee is $150 USD per test.

Given Nigeria’s reliance on the naira, these dollar amounts must be converted based on the prevailing exchange rate. In April 2025, with an exchange rate averaging ₦1,600 to $1 USD (reflecting economic trends and inflation), the GRE General Test translates to approximately ₦352,000, while the Subject Test costs around ₦240,000. These figures are subject to daily fluctuations in the forex market, so we advise checking the rate at the time of payment.

Additional Costs Associated with the GRE

Beyond the base registration fee, several optional or situational costs may apply. We’ve outlined these to ensure you’re fully prepared:

• Rescheduling Fee: Changing your test date costs $50 USD (approximately ₦80,000), provided it’s done at least four days before the scheduled date.
• Test Center Change Fee: Switching your test location incurs a $50 USD fee (around ₦80,000).
• Additional Score Reports: After the initial four free score recipients, each extra report costs $27 USD (about ₦43,200).
• Late Registration Fee: Registering after the standard deadline adds $25 USD (roughly ₦40,000) to the base fee.
• Score Review: Requesting a review of the Analytical Writing section is $55 USD (approximately ₦88,000).

These fees can quickly accumulate, especially if plans change or additional services are needed, so we recommend careful scheduling and selection of score recipients during registration.

Payment Methods for the GRE in Nigeria

Paying for the GRE in Nigeria requires navigating ETS’s accepted methods, as local bank cards are often incompatible with direct international transactions. We detail the viable options:

• Visa or Mastercard: Credit or debit cards issued by international banks are accepted on the ETS website. Nigerian cards may work through third-party payment platforms like Pay4Me.
• PayPal: A PayPal account linked to a funded wallet or card is another option, widely used by Nigerians for international payments.
• Vouchers: ETS occasionally offers fee reduction vouchers, which can be applied if obtained through eligible programs or partners.

Due to restrictions, cash, e-checks, or direct naira payments are not accepted. We suggest using services like Pay4Me or Flutterwave, which facilitate USD transactions and provide naira-to-dollar conversions, often adding a small service fee (e.g., ₦5,000 to ₦10,000).

GRE Test Centers and Their Impact on Cost

The GRE is offered at certified test centers across Nigeria, primarily in major cities. We’ve identified key locations and their potential cost implications:

• Lagos: Centers like Electronic Test Company and French Connection Nigeria Limited host frequent tests. Urban demand may slightly elevate logistical costs (e.g., transportation).
• Abuja: Options include Galaxy Uniprep Centre and Global Distance Learning Institute, with similar pricing but possible travel expenses for rural residents.
• Port Harcourt: Jephthah Schools Ltd. is a key center, where additional travel costs may apply for those outside the city.
• Owerri: Limited centers mean some candidates travel to nearby cities, adding to the overall expense.

While the test fee remains constant, we note that transportation and accommodation (if testing far from home) can increase the total cost by ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, depending on distance and lodging needs.

Factors Influencing GRE Costs in Nigeria

Several variables affect the final amount you’ll pay. We’ve highlighted the most significant:

• Exchange Rate Volatility: With the naira fluctuating between ₦1,500 and ₦1,700 per USD in 2025, the cost in local currency can vary by tens of thousands within weeks.
• Economic Conditions: Inflation and forex scarcity in Nigeria often inflate conversion rates on payment platforms, pushing costs higher.
• Preparation Materials: Optional prep resources, such as ETS’s POWERPREP tests or third-party courses, range from ₦10,000 to ₦100,000, depending on depth and provider.
• Retake Fees: If a retake is needed (allowed once every 21 days, up to five times in 12 months), the full $220 USD applies again, totaling ₦352,000 per attempt.

These factors underscore the importance of planning and monitoring economic trends before registering.

Read also: How Much is the TOEFL Exam in Nigeria? Cost Breakdown for 2025

GRE Fee Reduction Program

ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program for financially challenged candidates, which we believe is underutilized in Nigeria. Eligible individuals—those demonstrating financial need, unemployment, or affiliation with certain programs—receive a 50% discount:

• GRE General Test: Reduced to $110 USD (approximately ₦176,000).
• GRE Subject Test: Reduced to $75 USD (around ₦120,000).

Additionally, recipients get free access to prep materials worth $100 USD. To apply, submit the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form to ETS with proof of need (e.g., financial aid records or unemployment benefits). We encourage exploring this option via the ETS website or local educational partners.

How to Register and Pay for the GRE in Nigeria

We’ve streamlined the registration process for clarity:

1. Create an ETS Account: Visit www.ets.org, sign up, and log in.
2. Select Test Type and Date: Choose between General or Subject Tests and pick an available slot at a Nigerian center.
3. Complete Registration: Enter personal details and select four score recipients.
4. Make Payment: Use a Visa card, PayPal, or a third-party service. Confirm the naira equivalent beforehand.
5. Receive Confirmation: An email with your test details arrives within 24 hours.

We advise registering early to avoid late fees and secure preferred dates, as slots fill quickly in cities like Lagos and Abuja.

Read also: How Much is the IELTS Exam in Nigeria? A Complete Guide for 2025

Budgeting Tips for the GRE Exam

To manage costs effectively, we suggest:

• Monitor Exchange Rates: Pay when the naira is stronger to save thousands.
• Leverage Free Resources: Use ETS’s free practice tools instead of costly courses.
• Plan Travel: Test close to home to minimize extra expenses.
• Apply for Discounts: Check eligibility for fee reductions or scholarships from local organizations.

Conclusion: Preparing for the GRE Investment

The question of how much the GRE exam costs in Nigeria hinges on more than just the base fee of $220 USD (around ₦352,000). With potential add-ons like rescheduling, score reports, and travel, total expenses can range from ₦350,000 to ₦500,000 or more. We recommend visiting ETS.org for the latest fees and registering strategically to optimize your investment. As Nigeria’s economic landscape evolves in 2025, staying informed ensures this pivotal step toward graduate education remains within reach.