The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most recognized standardized tests for admission to MBA, business, and management programs worldwide. While preparing for the GMAT, it’s important to understand the exam fees, additional costs, rescheduling charges, and refund policies to plan your budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of GMAT exam fees across different countries, additional costs for score reports, and financial assistance options to help you make informed decisions.
How Much Does the GMAT Exam Cost?
✔ The GMAT exam registration fee varies by country, but the standard cost is $275 USD.
✔ This fee includes one attempt at the test and sending scores to up to five schools.
📌 GMAT Registration Fees by Country
| Country/Region | GMAT Exam Fee (USD) | Approx. INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $275 | ₹23,000 |
| India | $275 | ₹23,000 |
| United Kingdom | $275 | ₹23,000 |
| Australia | $275 | ₹23,000 |
| China | $285 | ₹23,800 |
| Other Countries | $275 - $300 | ₹23,000 - ₹25,000 |
💡 Why It Matters? The GMAT exam fee is higher than GRE fees, so plan your budget accordingly.
Additional GMAT Fees (Rescheduling, Score Reports & More)
Aside from the registration fee, you may need to pay for rescheduling, additional score reports, and test cancellations.
📌 GMAT Additional Fees & Services
| Service | Fee (USD) | Approx. INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Rescheduling Fee (More than 60 days before test date) | $55 | ₹4,600 |
| Rescheduling Fee (15-60 days before test date) | $110 | ₹9,200 |
| Rescheduling Fee (14 days or less before test date) | $165 | ₹13,800 |
| Additional Score Report (Per School Beyond 5 Free Reports) | $35 | ₹2,900 |
| Score Reinstatement (If Canceled) | $50 | ₹4,200 |
| GMAT Enhanced Score Report (ESR) | $30 | ₹2,500 |
💡 Why It Matters? Rescheduling less than 14 days before your test date costs significantly more, so try to stick to your scheduled date.
GMAT Retake Fees & Policies
✔ You can retake the GMAT up to 5 times per year, but each retake requires a new registration fee of $275.
✔ You must wait at least 16 days before retaking the test.
📌 GMAT Retake Rules
| GMAT Attempt | Waiting Period | Registration Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Attempt | - | $275 |
| 2nd Attempt | 16 days | $275 |
| 3rd Attempt | 16 days | $275 |
| 4th Attempt | 16 days | $275 |
| 5th Attempt | 16 days | $275 |
💡 Why It Matters? Retaking the GMAT can be expensive, so prepare thoroughly to maximize your score on the first attempt.
GMAT Cancellation & Refund Policy
✔ If you cancel your GMAT test more than 60 days before the exam, you get a partial refund of $100 USD.
✔ If you cancel 15-60 days before the test, you get a $75 refund.
✔ If you cancel less than 14 days before the test, you only get a $50 refund.
📌 GMAT Cancellation & Refund Chart
| Cancellation Time | Refund Amount (USD) | Approx. INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days before test date | $100 | ₹8,300 |
| 15-60 days before test date | $75 | ₹6,200 |
| 14 days or less before test date | $50 | ₹4,200 |
💡 Why It Matters? If you’re unsure about your test date, it’s better to reschedule instead of canceling to avoid losing money.
GMAT Fee Waivers & Financial Assistance
✔ GMAC (the organization behind GMAT) offers fee waivers for financially disadvantaged students.
✔ The GMAT Fee Waiver Program allows universities and organizations to nominate students for reduced test fees.
📌 Who Qualifies for a GMAT Fee Waiver?
✔ Low-income students (must provide proof of financial need).
✔ Students receiving financial aid from their universities.
✔ MBA candidates nominated by their schools.
📌 What Does a GMAT Fee Waiver Cover?
✔ Partial or full reduction of the $275 registration fee.
✔ Discounts on official GMAT study materials.
💡 How to Apply for a Fee Waiver?
- You cannot apply directly to GMAC for a fee waiver.
- You must ask your university or MBA program to request a fee waiver on your behalf.
💡 Why It Matters? If you qualify for a fee waiver, you can save up to $275 (₹23,000) on GMAT registration.
GMAT Payment Methods & Currency Options
✔ GMAT fees can be paid using:
✔ Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB.
✔ PayPal: Available in most countries.
✔ Bank Transfers & Western Union: Available in selected regions.
📌 Currency Conversion Fees
✔ GMAT fees are charged in USD, so international test-takers may need to pay conversion fees.
✔ Some banks charge extra transaction fees for international payments.
💡 Why It Matters? Use a credit card with low foreign exchange fees to avoid extra charges.
FAQs About GMAT Exam Fees
1. How much does the GMAT exam cost in India?
✔ The GMAT General Test costs $275 (₹23,000) in India.
2. Can I get a GMAT fee waiver?
✔ Yes! GMAC offers a GMAT Fee Waiver Program through universities and MBA programs.
3. How much does it cost to send GMAT scores to universities?
✔ The first 5 score reports are free, but additional score reports cost $35 per school.
4. Is the GMAT exam fee refundable?
✔ Yes, but only partial refunds are available based on when you cancel.
5. How much does it cost to retake the GMAT?
✔ Each GMAT retake costs $275 (₹23,000), and you can take the test up to 5 times per year.
Conclusion
Understanding GMAT exam fees, rescheduling charges, cancellation policies, and financial aid options is crucial for planning your MBA application budget. The GMAT registration fee is $275, but additional costs like rescheduling, score reports, and retakes can add up.
