How to Take the GRE in Canada: 2026 Guide for Students

Are you planning to pursue postgraduate studies or an MBA at a Canadian university? Understanding the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) can help you determine whether the test is relevant to your application. In this 2026 guide, learn about the GRE General Test, GRE Subject Tests, registration process, testing options, and key policies for taking the GRE in Canada.

What are the Types of GRE Tests Available in 2026?

The GRE includes the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests. Which test, if any, you need depends on the requirements of the graduate, business, or other program you're applying to. Always check the specific admission requirements of your university and program before registering.

1. The GRE General Test

The GRE General Test measures skills in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. It is designed to assess skills that are relevant to graduate-level study rather than knowledge from a specific academic discipline.

• Format: A computer-delivered exam.
• Duration: Approximately two hours (1 hour and 58 minutes).
• Core Sections: Assesses Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
• Adaptive Testing: The test is section-level adaptive. Your performance on the first quantitative and verbal sections determines the difficulty level of the subsequent sections.

2. GRE Subject Tests

GRE Subject Tests are designed to measure undergraduate-level achievement in a specific academic field. They may be relevant to applicants whose programs require or recommend a subject-specific assessment. Check the requirements of your intended program before registering for a Subject Test.

In 2026, ETS offers GRE Subject Tests in three disciplines:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology

These tests are intended for individuals with an undergraduate major or extensive background in the relevant field. Subject Tests are offered on scheduled dates in September, October, and April.

Step-by-Step: How to Register for the GRE in Canada

Registering for the GRE is straightforward, but it requires careful planning to align with your university application deadlines. Follow these steps to secure your test date:

• Create an account on the official GRE registration site.
• Choose your country/region and the test format (center-based or at-home).
• Pick a date that fits your program deadlines and visa timeline.
• Review ETS identification requirements before test day. ID requirements vary based on your testing location and citizenship, and the name on your ID must match the name used for registration.
• After scheduling your test, review your confirmation and ETS test-day instructions so you know what to bring and what procedures apply.

Fast Facts for 2026 Applicants

• Flexible Testing: The General Test can be taken at a dedicated test centre or online via a virtually proctored session.
• Score Validity: Your GRE scores remain valid for five years from the date of the exam.
• Retake Policy: You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. 
• Test Duration: The GRE General Test takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes and currently has no scheduled break. 
• Program Requirements: GRE requirements vary by university and program. Some programs may require, recommend, accept, or not consider GRE scores, so check the specific requirements for each program you're interested in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kickstart Your Journey to Graduate School in Canada

If the GRE is part of your target program's admissions requirements, preparing early can give you time to become familiar with the test format, practice the different question types, and schedule your test before your application deadline. Because GRE requirements and score expectations vary by program, review the admissions requirements of each university and program you're considering.