GRE vs TOEFL: Know the Key Difference Between GRE & TOEFL

GRE vs TOEFL Exam 2025: Two of the common tests that Indian students need to be aware of while preparing to pursue master's studies abroad are GRE and TOEFL. Both exams are integral for getting admission into top universities in the world. Hence, it is crucial to understand GRE vs TOEFL exam for international students. Both exams, GRE and TOEFL serve different purposes and evaluate different candidates’ abilities.

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1. GRE vs TOEFL Exam: Key Highlights
2. Differences Between GRE and TOEFL Exams
3. GRE and TOEFL Full Form and Purpose
4. GRE Vs TOEFL Exam Eligibility
5. GRE and TOEFL Exam Fee: Which One is More Expensive?
6. GRE Vs TOEFL Difficulty Level
7. GRE and TOEFL Score Validity
8. Which is Better: GRE vs TOEFL?

TOEFL is an English proficiency test, whereas GRE is a graduate level test that evaluates quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing abilities in order to pursue master courses abroad, especially US universities.

Still unsure about the key differences between GRE vs TOEFL? We have mentioned in detail about the GRE vs TOEFL which is better exam for international students as per their requirements. Give this article a thorough read to navigate through GRE and TOEFL full form, eligibility, fees, scoring pattern, preparation, and much more.

Also Read:

• TOEFL Exam Dates

• GRE Exam Dates

GRE vs TOEFL Exam: Key Highlights

Check the table to have a quick overview of TOEFL and GRE differences. It includes overall contrast in terms of GRE vs TOEFL cost, requirements, pattern, scores, etc. These are some of the crucial differences between GRE and TOEFL for Indian students for better study abroad planning.

GRE vs TOEFL: Quick Glance

Differences Between GRE and TOEFL Exams

It is crucial to understand that both GRE and TOEFL are different exams with different purposes. GRE is solely for checking the academic readiness for graduate courses, whereas TOEFL is for checking the candidate’s English proficiency.

Hence, the GRE vs TOEFL differences are mentioned below. Explore the below headings in depth to get answers to the main question: GRE Vs TOEFL which is better?

• Purpose

• Eligibility

• Pattern

• Format

• Reattempt Availability

• Difficulty Level

• Fees

• Scoring Method

Let’s discuss in detail some of the crucial differences for clearer understanding.

GRE and TOEFL Full Form and Purpose

GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. Both GRE and TOEFL full form cannot be compared with each other as these are very different from each other. The main purpose of the GRE is to evaluate your readiness for graduate level courses abroad, especially in US.

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The main purpose of TOEFL is to assess the English proficiency level. Applicants appear for IELTS whose native language is not English and are seeking studies, work or migration in an English speaking country.

GRE Vs TOEFL Exam Eligibility

The exam eligibility varies depending on the preferred test among GRE and TOEFL. When we compare both exams: GRE TOEFL exam eligibility, we can consider the following.

There is no such GRE eligibility requirement 2025. Candidates who are seeking higher education abroad in postgraduate courses can appear for the exam. Irrespective of age, candidates can appear for GRE to check their readiness for graduate courses abroad.

GRE and TOEFL Exam Fee: Which One is More Expensive?

In comparison to the GRE vs TOEFL cost, for appearing for the exam, GRE exam fee is typically higher than the TOEFL exam fee. Check the TOEFL and GRE exam fee for Indian students in the table below

GRE and TOEFL Exam Fee in India

GRE Vs TOEFL Difficulty Level

On comparing the difficulty levels of two exams, GRE and TOEFL, we can consider GRE way more challenging than TOEFL exam. The GRE exam includes a wide range of advanced subject-specific topics such as reasoning, maths, critical thinking, verbal reasoning, etc. These topics might be difficult.

On the contrary, the TOEFL exam is the English proficiency exam that evaluates the English proficiency in reading, listening, writing and speaking. These topics are relatively less complex.

GRE and TOEFL Score Validity

Both GRE scores and TOEFL scores are acceptable in universities abroad for admission purposes. GRE is valid for 5 years whereas TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. This means that candidates can use the scores for visas and study applications until the expiry of GRE or TOEFL scores. Check below the GRE and TOEFL score validity details:

GRE vs TOEFL Exam Score Validity:

Which is Better: GRE vs TOEFL?

The answer typically depends on the candidate’s academic goals and purpose. If you are looking to appear for graduate courses abroad, especially in the fields of engineering, business, or sciences, then GRE is the right exam for you between GRE vs TOEFL.

On the other hand, if you are looking to prove your English proficiency for study, work or migration applications, TOEFL is the right exam for you.

Related Reads:

• GRE Exam Preparation Tips

• TOEFL Preparation Tips