The Truth About ETS May Sell GRE and TOEFL: What Happens to Graduate Admissions Now
The global testing landscape for higher education may soon see a major shift. Educational Testing Service (ETS), the nonprofit organization behind the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), is reportedly exploring options to sell the exams or bring in strategic investors.
The discussions come as demand for standardized tests evolves due to changing graduate admissions practices and shifting international student trends.
Declining Demand For The GRE
For decades, the GRE was a central requirement for many U.S. master’s and doctoral programs. However, participation has declined significantly in recent years.
According to ETS data, around 200,000 candidates took the GRE during the 2024–2025 testing cycle, down from more than 350,000 in 2020–2021.
The shift began during the pandemic when universities made the test optional due to limited testing access. Many institutions have continued those policies, with several graduate programs now evaluating applicants through academic performance, work experience, and recommendations instead of standardized test scores.
Growing Competition For English Tests
While the GRE is seeing reduced demand, the TOEFL faces increasing competition from newer English proficiency tests.
The Duolingo English Test, for example, gained popularity during the pandemic because it offers lower costs, fully online testing, and faster results. As universities expand the range of accepted exams, the English-language testing market has become more competitive.
Changing International Student Trends
Testing demand is also linked to broader shifts in international education. Factors such as visa uncertainty, rising tuition costs, and changing immigration policies have slowed growth in international graduate enrollments in the United States.
Despite these challenges, India remains the largest source of international students in the U.S., with more than 360,000 students enrolled during the 2024–2025 academic year.
Expert Perspective
According to Mrs. Sanchita Gupta, CEO of CLBS, these changes reflect a broader shift in how universities evaluate applicants.
“Graduate admissions are becoming more holistic. Universities are increasingly evaluating the overall academic profile — including academic performance, projects, research, and career goals — rather than relying solely on standardized tests.”
The Bigger Picture
If ETS moves forward with restructuring or selling the GRE and TOEFL, it would signal a larger transformation in global admissions systems.
For students planning to study abroad, the message is clear: strong academic preparation, clear career goals, and a well-rounded application are becoming more important than standardized test scores alone.
