Canada Master's Without GRE 2027 – University List

Last updated on August 29, 2026·4 min read·

Quick Read

GRE requirements in Canada vary by university and program, not by a single national rule
UBC's Master of Science in Computer Science officially confirms the GRE is not required for admission
The GRE is more commonly required for competitive STEM and business programs than for general Master's tracks
Many universities that skip GRE still require strong academic transcripts and English proficiency scores instead

👍Best for: Indian students who want a genuine Canada Master's option in 2027 without spending months preparing for the GRE.

Is GRE Actually Required for a Canada Master's

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Universities Known to Waive the GRE

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What Universities Ask for Instead

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Business Programs and GMAT

Final Thoughts

FAQs

Resources

Summarise with AI

GRE preparation has a way of quietly eating three to four months of an applicant's timeline, on top of everything else a Master's application already demands. A lot of students assume it's simply mandatory across Canada, the way it often is in the US, and build their entire timeline around that assumption without double-checking it.

That assumption is outdated. GRE requirements in Canada are decided university by university, and in many cases, program by program, which means there's real room to build a strong shortlist without ever opening a GRE prep book. Here's where that flexibility actually shows up for 2027 applicants.

Is GRE Actually Required for a Canada Master's

The short answer is no, not universally. It depends entirely on the specific university and program you're applying to.

Some universities treat the GRE as mandatory, particularly for competitive STEM and business-analytics programs.
Others have moved away from it entirely, relying on transcripts, references, and English proficiency instead.
Even within the same university, one department might require the GRE while another skips it completely.

Universities Known to Waive the GRE

These are commonly cited names where Canada Master's without GRE options genuinely exist.

University of British Columbia (UBC): The official graduate program page for the Master of Science in Computer Science explicitly states the GRE is not required.
University of Toronto: Several Computer Science graduate tracks do not list GRE as a mandatory requirement, though this can vary by specific program.
McGill University: Certain applied and professional Master's tracks have moved away from GRE requirements.
University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg: Frequently cited among more affordable, GRE-free Master's options.

Always confirm directly on the university's current program page, since requirements can change between intakes.

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What Universities Ask for Instead

Skipping GRE doesn't mean skipping evaluation altogether. Universities without a GRE requirement typically still expect the following.

Strong undergraduate transcripts, often with a minimum percentage or GPA threshold.
Two to three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
IELTS or TOEFL scores to confirm English proficiency.
A statement of purpose or research interest, especially for thesis-based programs.

Business Programs and GMAT

If you're eyeing a business-focused Master's instead of a technical one, the pattern shifts slightly.

MBA and Master's in Business Analytics programs are more likely to ask for the GMAT instead of the GRE.
Master in Management (MIM) programs are often a cheaper, GMAT-free alternative to a full MBA.
Some business schools accept either GRE or GMAT, giving you a choice based on your stronger score.

If you're specifically comparing Data Science or Business Analytics programs and want a deeper look at fees and eligibility across universities, our guide on Canada Master's in Data Science/Business Analytics – Fees & Eligibility 2027 breaks it down program by program.

Final Thoughts

Skipping the GRE for a Canada Master's in 2027 is genuinely possible, but it takes actual research rather than assumption. Check each program's official admissions page before ruling a university in or out based on outdated advice.