GRE International Score Sending Through ETS for Graduate Applications

If you are applying to graduate programs from outside the United States, GRE international score sending usually means making sure your official GRE scores reach universities in other countries, or sending scores from an international test location to programs anywhere in the world. In most cases, ETS handles score delivery electronically or by approved reporting methods after your test, but the exact way schools receive scores, which department code to use, and whether scores are required can vary by institution. The safest approach is to confirm both ETS score reporting procedures and each university’s current admissions instructions before you send anything.

Quick Answer

International applicants can send GRE scores through ETS just like domestic applicants, but they need to pay close attention to school codes, application deadlines, name consistency, and whether the university accepts official electronic score reports from ETS. You may be able to select a limited number of score recipients through ETS as part of your testing process, and you can usually order additional score reports later through your ETS account. Because policies can change, always verify current score reporting options, timing, and school-specific requirements on the official ETS website and the admissions pages of the universities you are applying to.

Why This Matters

Score sending is not just an administrative detail. For international applicants, it can directly affect whether an application is marked complete, reviewed on time, or delayed.

This matters for several reasons:

• Application deadlines may be strict. A program may require official test scores by the deadline, not after it.
• International applicants often apply to multiple countries. Different universities may have different reporting instructions, code lists, and score policies.
• Name matching is critical. If your GRE record, passport, and university application use different names or spellings, score matching can be delayed.
• Some schools are test-optional, test-flexible, or do not accept scores for certain programs. Sending a score when it is not needed can waste time and money.
• Department selection can matter. At some universities, sending scores only to the institution may not be enough if a department code is also required or recommended.

In short, understanding international score sending helps you avoid missed deadlines, incomplete applications, and unnecessary reporting errors.

Main Explanation

What “international score sending” actually means

Many students assume that international score sending refers only to sending GRE scores to schools outside the United States. In practice, the concept can include several situations:

• You took the GRE outside the United States and want to send your scores to universities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, or elsewhere.
• You are an international student applying to graduate school in another country and need official score reports sent by ETS.
• You are comparing how score delivery works across schools in different countries.
• You need to make sure your score report reaches the correct admissions office, program, or department.

The GRE is administered by ETS, also known as Educational Testing Service. ETS is the official organization that manages GRE registration, testing, and score reporting. Universities generally rely on official score reports sent directly from ETS, rather than screenshots, student-submitted PDFs, or self-reported values, unless the school explicitly says self-reporting is acceptable for an initial review.

How ETS score reporting generally works

After you take the GRE, your scores become part of your ETS testing record. Depending on the current GRE reporting system and the options offered by ETS at the time you test, you may be able to choose score recipients around the test date and later order additional score reports through your ETS account.

Important points to understand:

• Official score reports come from ETS. Universities typically consider these the authoritative source.
• Unofficial scores are not the same as official score reports. You may see some score information earlier, but schools often still require official reporting.
• Sending scores is separate from submitting your application. Completing one does not automatically complete the other.
• Schools may receive scores electronically. In many cases this is the standard method, but institutions may have different internal processing times.

ETS policies and system features can change over time. Readers should verify the current score sending process on the official ETS GRE website before relying on older advice.

Sending GRE scores to universities in different countries

From the ETS side, sending scores internationally is usually not fundamentally different from sending scores domestically. What changes more often is the school’s admissions process.

For example, one university may:

• Require official GRE scores before the application deadline
• Accept self-reported scores for initial review, then require official scores only after admission
• Use a central graduate admissions office code
• Require scores to be directed to a specific department
• No longer require GRE scores for your program at all

That means international applicants should not assume that every school uses the same reporting rules, even if ETS sends all scores through a common system.

Institution codes and department codes

When sending GRE scores, ETS may ask you to choose a recipient using an institution code and, in some cases, a department code.

Here is what those terms generally mean:

• Institution code: Identifies the university or institution receiving your score report.
• Department code: Identifies the academic area, school, or program within the university.

If you are unsure which department code to use, check the graduate admissions website for your target program. Some institutions tell applicants to send all GRE scores to a general graduate admissions office. Others provide a specific code or note that any department code is acceptable because scores are matched centrally.

If the university gives instructions that differ from the general ETS directory, follow the university’s current published instructions and contact the admissions office if needed.

Do international universities always require official GRE score reports?

No. Requirements vary widely. Some programs still require official GRE scores. Others are optional, and many have removed the GRE requirement entirely for some or all applicants.

Before sending scores, confirm:

• Whether the GRE is required, optional, recommended, or not accepted
• Whether the school accepts self-reported scores temporarily
• Whether official ETS scores are needed before review, after admission, or only for enrollment verification
• Whether your specific program has different rules from the broader university

This is especially important for international applicants because graduate programs in different countries may use different terminology and admissions workflows.

How long does score sending take?

Exact processing times can vary depending on when your official scores become available, how ETS transmits reports, and how quickly the receiving university processes incoming data. Because timelines can change, it is best not to rely on an old estimate from forums or third-party websites.

Instead:

• Check ETS for current information about when official GRE scores are released and how additional score reports are processed.
• Check each university’s admissions website to see how long score matching may take after receipt.
• Build a buffer before application deadlines.

Even if ETS sends a report promptly, the university may still need time to attach it to your application file.

Requirements, Rules, and Eligibility

Registration and account requirements

To send GRE scores successfully, you generally need:

• An active ETS account with accurate personal information
• A completed GRE test record
• Your name entered exactly as required by ETS and matching your identification documents
• Access to the score sending feature in your ETS account, if you are ordering reports after test day

If your account contains errors, especially in your name or date of birth, score reporting and matching can become more complicated.

Identification and name consistency requirements

Identification rules are especially important for international applicants because passport-based identification is commonly required for testing. While score sending itself happens after the test, identification issues can create downstream problems if your registration record does not match your official documents.

Pay attention to:

• Exact legal name order and spelling
• Middle names or multiple surnames
• Accents, hyphens, or spacing differences
• Name changes after registration

If your university application uses a different version of your name than your GRE record, the admissions office may have trouble matching the score automatically. This is a common issue for international applicants whose names are transliterated from another alphabet or formatted differently across documents.

School-specific eligibility and policy requirements

Whether a score should be sent often depends on school policy, not just ETS policy.

You should verify:

• Whether your program accepts GRE scores from your test date range
• Whether the school has a minimum score validity window
• Whether the program accepts at-home GRE scores, if applicable
• Whether the program requires scores from all attempts or allows score choice according to ETS procedures
• Whether a separate department or campus code is needed

Do not assume all campuses within a university follow the same rule.

Technical and delivery requirements

For score reporting, practical technical requirements may include:

• Access to your ETS account to order additional reports
• A valid payment method if additional score reporting requires payment
• Correct recipient selection from ETS’s reporting system
• Internet access and working login credentials

If you are using a university portal that allows self-reporting, make sure you enter the scores exactly as shown in your ETS record.

Step-by-Step Process

How to send GRE scores as an international applicant

1. Check whether the GRE is required for each program.

   Before sending any score, visit the official admissions page for each university and each program. Confirm whether the GRE is required, optional, or not accepted.

2. Confirm the correct recipient information.

   Look for the institution code, department code, or official reporting instructions. If the school says to send scores to a general graduate office, follow that instruction.

3. Review your ETS account information.

   Make sure your legal name and personal details are accurate. If there is an error, address it as early as possible.

4. Select score recipients through the ETS process.

   Depending on the timing and current ETS policies, you may choose recipients around your test date or order additional score reports later through your ETS account.

5. Double-check the school and department before confirming.

   Many reporting mistakes happen because applicants select the wrong campus, wrong department, or wrong institution with a similar name.

6. Save confirmation records.

   Keep screenshots, order confirmations, email receipts, and any ETS transaction details in case you need to follow up.

7. Monitor your application portal.

   After ETS sends the scores, check the university application system to see whether your report has been marked as received.

8. Contact the university if scores are not matched.

   If the school has received your scores but your portal still shows them as missing, contact graduate admissions and provide identifying details.

What to do if a school allows self-reporting first

1. Read the university instructions carefully.
2. Enter scores exactly as shown in your ETS record.
3. Do not round or estimate section scores.
4. Send official scores later if the school requests them.

Self-reporting can reduce immediate cost, but only if the school explicitly permits it.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: You sent scores to the wrong institution or department

This can happen when universities have similar names, multiple campuses, or separate graduate schools.

Solution:

• Review the school’s official admissions instructions before sending.
• If you notice the mistake quickly, check ETS options for sending an additional correct report.
• Contact the university you intended to apply to and ask whether they can locate the score if it was sent to a central campus unit.

Problem: Your name does not match across ETS, passport, and applications

This is one of the most common international applicant issues.

Solution:

• Use your full legal name consistently everywhere.
• If your application uses a different format, notify admissions proactively.
• Keep your ETS confirmation number and test registration details available for score matching help.

Problem: The university portal says scores are missing

Sometimes scores have been sent by ETS but not yet processed or matched by the university.

Solution:

• Wait the amount of time the university says is normal for document processing.
• Then contact graduate admissions with your full name, date of birth, application ID, and ETS details.
• Check whether the score was sent to the correct code.

Problem: You are not sure whether to send scores before applying

Different schools handle this differently.

Solution:

• If the school clearly says self-reporting is allowed, you may not need to send official scores immediately.
• If the instructions are unclear, ask the admissions office before paying for additional reports.
• Do not assume a school follows the same process as another university.

Problem: You took the GRE at home and are unsure whether schools accept it

Some institutions accept at-home GRE scores in the same way as test-center scores, but applicants should not guess.

Solution:

• Verify the policy on the university’s official admissions page.
• If not clearly stated, email the admissions office.
• Keep documentation of the reply in case questions arise later.

Problem: Payment or account access issues prevent ordering additional score reports

This can be especially stressful near deadlines.

Solution:

• Log in early and test your account access well before deadlines.
• Update your payment method in advance if needed.
• Use ETS support channels if you cannot complete the transaction.

Practical Examples and Scenarios

Scenario 1: Applying from India to U.S. graduate programs

A student in India takes the GRE and applies to six U.S. master’s programs. Four programs require official GRE scores, one allows self-reported scores for initial review, and one does not consider the GRE at all.

The student should:

• Send official scores only to the four programs that require them immediately
• Self-report to the fifth program if permitted
• Avoid sending scores to the sixth program unless requested

This saves money and reduces unnecessary reporting.

Scenario 2: Name mismatch due to passport formatting

A student registers with ETS using “Aisha Khan” but the passport reads “Aisha Noor Khan.” The university application also uses the full passport name.

Possible result:

• The university may not automatically match the GRE score to the application file.

Best response:

• Contact ETS if account correction is needed and allowed.
• Inform the university admissions office that the GRE score may appear under a shortened name.
• Provide your application ID and ETS details.

Scenario 3: Sending to a university in Europe

A student applies to a European university that lists GRE scores as optional but says official reports are required only for admitted applicants.

Best response:

• Do not rush to send an official score report before confirming it is necessary.
• Self-report if allowed.
• Be ready to order an official ETS report later if the university requests it after admission.

Scenario 4: Wrong department selected

A student sends GRE scores to the correct university but selects a biology department code instead of engineering.

Possible outcome:

• The university may still receive the report centrally and match it.
• Or the score may be routed incorrectly and delay review.

Best response:

• Check the university portal.
• If the score is not matched, contact admissions and ask whether the report can be located manually.

Comparison Table

Situation	What It Means	Best Action
School requires official GRE score report	ETS must send scores directly to the university	Order score reporting through ETS and verify the correct institution or department code
School allows self-reported scores first	You can enter scores in the application before sending official reports	Follow the application instructions exactly and send official scores later only if requested
School is test-optional	You may choose whether to submit GRE scores	Review program guidance carefully before deciding to send scores
School does not accept GRE scores	Sending scores will not help your application	Do not order score reports unless the program specifically asks for them
Correct university, wrong department	Scores may arrive but not match properly	Check your portal and contact admissions if needed
Name mismatch across documents	Automatic score matching may fail	Use consistent legal naming and notify admissions of any differences

Requirements Checklist for International Applicants

Before sending scores

• Confirm whether the GRE is required for each program
• Check whether official ETS reporting is required now or later
• Verify the correct institution code and department instructions
• Review your name for exact consistency with passport and applications
• Check your ETS account access
• Allow enough time before deadlines

After sending scores

• Save the ETS confirmation
• Monitor each university portal
• Watch for missing document notices
• Contact admissions if a score is not matched after the normal processing period

Special Considerations for Test Center and GRE at Home Test Takers

Test center test takers

If you tested at a center outside your home country, your score reporting process is usually still managed through ETS. The key concern is less about the physical testing location and more about the accuracy of your ETS record and the reporting instructions for each university.

GRE at Home test takers

If you took the GRE at home, make sure the programs you are applying to accept at-home GRE scores. Many do, but applicants should verify this directly with each institution because graduate program policies can differ.

Topic	Test Center GRE	GRE at Home
Official score source	ETS	ETS
Need to verify school acceptance	Yes	Yes, especially if the program mentions testing format
Importance of name matching	High	High
Need to follow school reporting instructions	Yes	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send GRE scores to universities outside the United States?

Yes. ETS score reporting can be used for universities in many countries, but each university may have its own admissions and score submission rules. Always check the institution’s official instructions.

Are GRE scores sent internationally different from domestic score reports?

Usually the official score report itself is handled by ETS in the same general way. The main differences are often on the university side, such as whether scores are required, how they are matched, and which office should receive them.

Do I need to send scores before I submit my application?

Not always. Some schools require official scores by the application deadline, while others allow self-reporting first. Follow the specific program’s published instructions.

What if my university application portal still shows “scores not received”?

First, allow the normal processing time listed by the university. If the status does not update, contact admissions and provide your application number and ETS reporting details.

Can I choose which GRE scores to send?

ETS has its own score reporting options and policies. Because these can change or have specific rules, review the official ETS website for the current process.

Do I need a department code when sending scores?

Sometimes. Some universities require or recommend a department code, while others process all scores centrally. Use the instructions on the university’s admissions website.

Will a nickname or shortened name cause problems?

It can. International applicants should use their legal name exactly as it appears on their official identification and should keep the same format across ETS records and university applications whenever possible.

Do all graduate programs accept GRE at Home scores?

No school should be assumed to accept them automatically. Check the admissions website for each program or contact admissions directly.

Can I send scores if I took the GRE in another country?

Yes. Your test location generally does not prevent you from sending scores to universities elsewhere. What matters is following ETS procedures and the receiving school’s admissions rules.

Should I send GRE scores to a test-optional program?

That depends on the program and your broader application strategy. First confirm that the program actually accepts GRE scores and considers them in review.

Important Notes

• Policies may change. ETS score reporting options, system features, and school practices can change over time.
• Country-specific admissions practices vary. Universities outside the United States may use different terminology or document workflows.
• Program-level rules matter. A university-wide policy may differ from the rule for your specific department.
• Deadlines should be checked carefully. Do not assume score receipt and score matching happen instantly.
• ETS is the official source for GRE reporting procedures. Universities are the official source for application and score submission requirements.
• Verify current information directly. If you are making a deadline-sensitive decision, confirm details on the official ETS website and with the admissions office of each target school.

Final Thoughts

GRE international score sending is usually straightforward when you break it into two parts: follow ETS procedures correctly and follow each university’s admissions instructions exactly. The most common problems come from sending scores unnecessarily, choosing the wrong recipient, missing deadlines, or using inconsistent names across documents.

Your best next steps are to make a school-by-school checklist, verify whether official scores are truly required, confirm the correct reporting destination, and monitor each application portal after sending. A careful approach can help you avoid delays and keep your graduate applications complete and on track.