Academic Global Exams (GRE, GMAT, GAMSAT)
For the most part, postgraduate study abroad, including in Australia, translates to one of three examinations under the umbrella of global admission tests: GRE, GMAT, or GAMSAT. This PickMyUni guide should help you choose the appropriate test, comprehend the structure and scores, get your fee estimates, and head over to the courses and universities that actually require the scores.
Academic Global Postgraduate Entrance Exams Accepted in Australia
GRE
Graduate Record Examinations
Best for: Master's (MSc/MA), some MBA programs, some research degrees
GMAT
Graduate Management Admission Test
Best for: MBA and business master's
GAMSAT
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test
Best for: Graduate-entry medicine
Global Postgraduate Entrance Exams at a Glance
| Detail | GRE | GMAT | GAMSAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full form | Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test | Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) | Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) |
| Best for | MSc/MA, some MBAs | MBA/business | Graduate medicine |
| Commonly used for | Postgraduate programs; some business programs | MBA and graduate business programs | Graduate-entry medicine and some health programs |
| Format | Computer-delivered; section review features | 3 sections; flexible order | Split windows; mixed delivery |
| Duration | ~1 hour 58 minutes | 2h 15m (+ optional 10-min break) | 5+ hours across sections |
| Score range | Verbal + Quant: 130–170 each; AWA: 0–6 | 205–805 | Country-dependent; scaled score system |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years | AU 4 years; UK/IE 2 years |
| Fee (estimate) | US$220 (most regions); taxes may apply in Australia | US$275 in-person, US$300 online (varies) | AUD$568 (example cycle) |
Who Should Take Which Entrance Exam?
If you're aiming for business (MBA / business master's)
Start with GMAT, then check if your target schools also accept GRE (many do).
If you're applying for MSc/MA, analytics, engineering, research-style postgrad
Start with GRE, especially if programs mention it directly or you're applying internationally.
If you're targeting graduate-entry medicine
In Australia, GAMSAT is the main exam used across many graduate medicine pathways; check each university's current rules.
Academic Global Entrance Test Structure & Format
GRE
- Overall test time: ~1 hour 58 minutes
- Sections: AWA (30m), two Verbal sections, two Quant sections
- Score scales: Verbal/Quant 130–170; AWA 0–6
GMAT
- 3 sections: Quant, Verbal, Data Insights
- Duration: 2h 15m, 64 questions, optional break
- Section order: you can choose your section order
GAMSAT
- Written Communication: 2 tasks, 65 minutes, remote proctored
- Humanities/Social Sciences: 62 questions, 100 minutes
- Biological/Physical Sciences: 75 questions, 150 minutes
Registration Schedule for Academic Entrance Exams in Australia
GRE
You book a test date based on local availability; ETS also publishes retake rules (e.g., once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12 months).
GMAT
GMAT can be scheduled year-round; fees and rules depend on location and delivery mode (online vs test centre).
GAMSAT
Typically runs in set windows (often twice a year) and includes test-centre components in multiple countries including Australia and NZ.
Scoring Breakdown for GRE, GMAT & GAMSAT
GRE Scoring
- Verbal + Quant are each 130–170; AWA is 0–6
- Scores remain reportable for 5 years
GMAT Scoring
- Total score range 205–805
- Valid for 5 years
GAMSAT Scoring & Validity
- Uses a scaled score system; score "currency" differs by country
- Australia: 4 years; UK/Ireland: 2 years
- Programs can set minimums; selection depends on competition
Exam Dates, Fees & Test Centres
GRE: offered on many dates (availability depends on location); base US$220 (plus possible taxes in Australia).
GMAT: year-round scheduling; US reference often shown as US$275 in-person, US$300 online.
GAMSAT: set windows and test-centre delivery; example published fee: AUD$568.
AUD equivalent note: If an exam is charged in USD, your final AUD cost changes with exchange rates and card fees.
Visa & Postgrad Admission Impact
- GRE/GMAT/GAMSAT are admission tools, not student visa requirements. For the Student visa (subclass 500), the Department of Home Affairs focuses on things like your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and other eligibility factors.
- High scores can still matter indirectly: they can strengthen your university application, which can help with offers and some merit-based funding (never guaranteed).
GRE vs GMAT vs GAMSAT (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | GRE | GMAT | GAMSAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | MSc/MA, some MBAs | MBA/business | Graduate medicine |
| Format | Computer-delivered; section review features | 3 sections; flexible order | Split windows; mixed delivery |
| Score range | 130–170 per Verbal/Quant; AWA 0–6 | 205–805 | Country-dependent score rules |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years | AU 4 years; UK/IE 2 years |
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FAQ on Academic Global Entrance Exam Australia
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