UgoIf you are thinking about pursuing postgraduate education in Canada, you should know about the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Canada is a top destination for study for most young Nigerians. People travel to Canada, an advanced economy to receive postgraduate education.
Pursuing postgraduate education is a pathway to citizenship in Canada and the country hosts some of the best universities in the world. These qualities make Canada a top destination for Nigerians seeking to pursue postgraduate education. This is where the GRE becomes key.
In this article I will explain important facts about the GRE including costs in Nigeria and other facts. Hopefully, reading this article would help you prepare adequately for the exams.
About GRE
The GRE is a standard test that is used to assess graduate school applicants in the United states and Canada.
GRE was launched as far back as 1936 by 4 ivy league universities ( Harvard, Columbia, Princeton and Yale Universities ). It was later by many other universities and used as an admission criteria.
The Exam tests the critical thinking and analytical skills of candidates. It is taken by over 319,000 candidates yearly and there is no official prerequisite for writing the test although it is intended for University graduates. The test currently administered by the ETS (Education Testing Service)
GRE Exam Cost in Nigeria
So, how much does the GRE cost in Nigeria? The GRE general test costs $220 in Nigeria. Depending on the prevailing exchange rate, it might cost anywhere between N220,000 and N330,000 in May 2024.
The GRE subject based test costs $150.
Your expenses might markedly increase if you are going to get paid tutorials to aid your preparation.
If you want to retake the test, you would have to pay an additional $50 bringing the total to $270 in Nigeria.
GRE Exam Structure
The GRE can be taken online as a computer-based test or physically on paper. The exam consists of six sections with four major themes which are;
- Verbal reasoning which has two sections out of the six.
- Quantitative reasoning which also has two sections.
- Analytical writing which has two sections as well
- Experimental questions which do not count towards your total score. They do not have their own section but are found across the entire exam.
The entire test lasts for about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The GRE also has some subject-based tests that are different from the general test described above. Scores from this test are used to supplement an applicant’s undergraduate score and other qualifications for graduate level study. The subject areas include;
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Does the GRE Test expire?
The GRE test results remain valid for five years. They would keep your scores and allow you to access them for the five year period.
So, if you don’t get admission immediately, you don’t have to retake your test for at least another 5 years.
Is the GRE difficult?
Yes, the GRE is quite demanding considering the type of skills required to pass. Most people have noted that the quantitative sections are quite tough but with adequate preparation, you might find it easy.
What is the minimum score to pass GRE
Your minimum score depends on the school you are applying to but a competitive score for top grad schools is about 320. What is ideal for your quantitative section depends on the programme you are applying for.
So, there is no set ‘minimum’ pass score.
How much time will it take to prepare for GRE
It is advisable to give yourself at least 3 months of focused preparation. Create a daily routine where you spend at least 4 hours studying for the test during this period.
It is also important to take the time to test yourself in the different areas while you prepare for this test.
Where you can write GRE in Nigeria
There are different GRE centres in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Abeokuta. It is also possible to take this test from your home.
Conclusion
The GRE tests candidates for skills that would be very useful in graduate school. The exam currently costs $220 in Nigeria.
If you want to succeed in this demanding exam, it is important to give yourself ample time (3-4 months) to prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us go over some questions you might have about taking the GRE exams in Nigeria.
Can I take the GRE exam for free?
No, the GRE is not free but it is possible to pay a discounted price if you successfully apply for fee reduction. But this is only available to US citizens or foreigners living in the United states.
With the GRE fee reduction programme, you only pay $100 for the general test instead of $220 and $75 for the subject-based test instead of $150.
Can you write during the GRE?
Yes, you can do some rough work on the paper you would be given before the online test starts but you are not to write anything on the paper before the test starts.
How long does it take for GRE results to come out?
It takes 10-15 days to get your GRE results in Nigeria.
Timeyin Mammah
