GMAT Exam Fees: Your Complete Guide to Costs & Payments in 2025

Planning to take the GMAT in 2025?

You’re probably wondering how much the GMAT costs and what fees you need to budget for.

For that, understanding the GMAT fee structure ahead of time can save you from surprises and help you plan your college application finances effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down GMAT exam fees, additional costs (like rescheduling or score reports), regional price differences, payment methods, and even ways to save money or get fee waivers.

What Are the GMAT Exam Fees in 2025?

Before you plan to take the exam, it is important to understand the full cost, including standard pricing and optional service fees.

Standard GMAT Registration Fee (USD and International)

• $275 USD – Test-center GMAT
• $300 USD – Online GMAT

These fees include sending your scores to up to 5 schools for free.

Prices are globally set in USD but charged in local currency based on exchange rates and taxes.

Examples:

• India: ₹22,000–₹25,000
• UK: £250 (test center), £275 (online)
• Canada: Same USD fees, paid in CAD
• China: $250 USD (test center)
• Europe: €275–€310 (may include VAT)

Always check your local fee, before registering.

Regional Price Differences (e.g., India, Canada, UK)

Be aware of these optional or situational charges:

Rescheduling Fees

Fees depend on how early you reschedule:

• 60+ days before: $55 (test center), $60 (online)
• 15–60 days before: $110 (test center), $120 (online)
• 14 days or less: $165 (test center), $180 (online)
   No reschedules allowed within 24 hours of test time.

Cancellation (Refund) Fees

Refunds vary by timing:

• 60+ days before: $110 refund (test center), $120 (online)
• 15–60 days: $80 (test center), $90 (online)
• 14 days or less: $55 (test center), $60 (online)
   No refund if canceled within 24 hours.

Additional Fees: Rescheduling, Cancellation, Score Reports

Beyond the registration cost, be prepared for a few additional GMAT fees that could arise:

• Extra Score Reports: $35 each beyond the free 5
• Enhanced Score Report (ESR): $30 (only for test-center exams)
• Cancel score after viewing: $25
• Reinstate canceled score: $50
• AWA Essay Rescore: $45

How to Pay Your GMAT Exam Fees

Choose the option that works best for you and follow the prompts online to complete your registration.

Accepted Payment Methods

You can choose from several secure options:

• Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover)
• PayPal (available in many regions)
• Wire transfer (requires advance planning and may incur bank fees)
• Checks or money rrders (slowest, seat is only held once payment clears)
• Local methods (e.g., UPI or net banking in India; Alipay in China)

How to Register and Pay Online

Follow these steps to book and pay in one session:

1. Create an account
2. Choose test format & date (in‑center or online)
3. Enter personal details (required profile questions)
4. Select add‑ons (e.g., enhanced score report)
5. Submit payment through your chosen method
6. Receive confirmation via on‑screen message and email

What to Do if Payment Fails

If your transaction doesn’t go through, try these fixes:

• Check card details for typos in number, expiry, or cvv
• Verify funds & limits with your bank (especially for international charges)
• Use an alternate method such as a different card or paypal
• Wait before retrying to avoid duplicate holds
• Contact GMAT support if you suspect a site glitch (phone registration adds a small service fee)

Can You Get a GMAT Fee Waiver or Discount?

GMAT fee waivers aren’t issued directly by GMAC, you must apply through schools or organizations before their deadlines and confirm you meet their eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for Fee Waivers

GMAC itself doesn’t hand out waivers, you must receive one from a school or approved group.

These institutions get a small supply of waiver codes each year and award them to applicants who can’t easily afford the test or who come from underrepresented backgrounds.

If your school’s career center, an MBA program, or a nonprofit organization agrees you need help, they’ll give you a code that covers your exam registration and includes the standard free score reports.

Each school sets its own rules for who gets a waiver, often based on financial need or special programs you’ve joined.

Because waivers are limited, it’s smart to ask early and show why you qualify.

Military & Veteran Benefits

U.S. service members and veterans have another route: you can pay the fee up front, then submit your receipt and score report to the DANTES or VA program for reimbursement.

That way, the cost ends up covered even though you register normally.

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

GMAC doesn’t give fee waivers directly, so you’ll need to get one through a school or organization.

Here’s how to become eligible for fee waivers:

1. Find a Sponsor

Reach out to your university’s career or fellowship office (if you’re a student) or to the MBA programs you’re interested in.

Many schools and nonprofit groups set aside a limited number of GMAT waivers each year.

2. Ask Early

Waivers are distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Check your selected schools about the deadlines and application process well before you plan to test.

3. Show Your Need

You’ll likely complete a short form or write a brief statement about your financial situation and your genuine interest in the program.

4. Use the Waiver Code

Once approved, you’ll receive a one‑time code. Enter it when you register for the GMAT to have your fee waived.

5. Match Your Test Date

Plan your exam date so it falls before your waiver expires. That way, you can be sure your code will still work when you register.

Remember, using a waiver won’t show up on your score report or affect your application, so if you qualify, don’t hesitate to apply.

Extra Costs to Consider Beyond the GMAT Fee

When budgeting for the GMAT, remember the exam fee is just one part of your total spend.

Here are the main extras to plan for:

Test Prep Costs

Prep resources range from study guides and practice questions to online courses. You can choose self‑study materials, join a structured online program, or study with a private tutor.

 Each option offers different levels of guidance, practice, and feedback, so pick the format that matches your learning style and how much support you need.

Travel and Accommodation Fees

If you take the exam at a test center, you may need to travel and stay overnight to arrive rested and ready. Look for centers close to home when possible, and plan your trip to avoid last‑minute stress.

For the home‑based exam, create a quiet, distraction‑free space, or consider booking a private room, to ensure you can focus without interruptions.

Score Reporting and Retake Fees

You can send your results to a select number of schools at no extra charge, then pay a small fee for any additional reports.

However, if you want to improve your score, you can retake GMAT exam several times a year, paying the fees again, giving you opportunities to achieve high score and submit your best performance.

Tips to Save Money on Your GMAT Exam Fees

Although you can’t avoid every GMAT fee, a little planning can help you pay less.

Here are some tips to save money on your GMAT exam fees:

Early Registration Benefits

Booking early doesn’t reduce the base fee, but it gives you more time to find cheaper travel/accommodation and avoid last‑minute reschedule or cancellation fees.

Bundling Services (Prep + Test)

Some test prep providers offer “all‑in” packages that include a free GMAT voucher (through institutional partnerships) plus prep materials.

Utilizing Official Fee Waivers

If you’re eligible for an institutional voucher, leverage it to cover the USD 300 registration fee entirely. Coordinate with your program’s GMAT liaison early.

Frequently Asked Questions About GMAT Fees

What is the current GMAT registration fee?

In 2025, signing up for the GMAT costs $275 for an in‑person test and $300 if you choose the online‑proctored version. These amounts include your exam and sending scores to up to five schools at no extra charge.

How much does it cost to reschedule or cancel the GMAT?

If you need to change your test date or center, you’ll pay a fee that depends on how soon you make the change: a smaller fee when you reschedule more than 60 days ahead, a mid‑range fee between 15 and 60 days, and a higher fee within two weeks of your appointment.

Cancelling works the same way, with partial refunds based on the timing. No changes or refunds are allowed within 24 hours of your test.

Are GMAT fees different in other countries?

The base fees remain $275 (in‑center) and $300 (online), but you’ll pay in your local currency. Exchange rates, taxes, and regional policies can make the exact amount vary slightly. For example, in India it’s around ₹22,000–₹25,000, while in the UK it’s £250 for in‑person and £275 online.

Can I get a refund if I don’t take the GMAT?

No, you won’t receive a full refund if you skip the test.

Cancel more than 60 days ahead: You get a partial refund—around $110 (in-center) or $120 (online), but you still forfeit the rest.

• Cancel 15–60 days out: You receive a smaller refund, about $80 (in‑center) or $90 (online).
• No-show or cancel within 24 hours: No refund at all, you lose the full fee.

So unless you cancel early, much of your fee may be lost, and skipping your test without canceling means forfeiting everything.

How often can I take the GMAT and pay fees?

You may retake the GMAT once every 16 calendar days, up to five times in a rolling 12‑month period, and no more than eight times in your lifetime. Each attempt requires paying the full registration fee again.