GRE Cancellation and Reschedule Policy 2026

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a critical step for students worldwide who aspire to pursue graduate and business school programs. But life happens schedules change, emergencies arise, and sometimes plans don’t go as expected. If you’ve registered for the GRE in 2026 and need to cancel or reschedule, it’s essential to understand the policies set by the test administrator, ETS (Educational Testing Service).

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the GRE cancellation and reschedule policies for 2026, including deadlines, fees, regional differences, and practical tips to avoid unnecessary costs. Whether you’re taking the exam at a test center or from home, this guide will ensure you know exactly what to do if your plans change.

Why Understanding GRE Policies Matters

The GRE is not a small investment. Registration fees range from about US$220 to US$255 depending on the country, and additional services like score reports and rescheduling come with extra costs. Misunderstanding the cancellation or reschedule rules could lead to losing part or even all of your exam fee.

By knowing the deadlines, refund policies, and procedures, you can protect both your money and your peace of mind.

GRE Reschedule Policy 2026

Key Rules for Rescheduling

ETS allows test takers to reschedule their GRE General Test or Subject Test if needed. However, strict rules apply:

• Deadline: You must reschedule at least 4 days before your test date (local test center time).
• China exception: Test takers in China must reschedule at least 10 days before the exam.
• Rescheduling fee: A standard fee of US$50 applies in most countries. In China, the fee is slightly higher (around US$53.90 in local equivalent).
• Scope of reschedule: You may change the date, time, or test center (if available), but not all options may be open depending on capacity.

How to Reschedule Your GRE

1. Log in to your ETS account at ets.org/gre.
2. Navigate to your scheduled test appointment.
3. Select “Reschedule” and choose a new available date or test center.
4. Pay the applicable rescheduling fee.
5. Confirm and save your new confirmation email.

⚠️ Tip: Availability can be limited, especially close to deadlines or in busy cities. Reschedule as early as possible to secure your preferred slot.

GRE Cancellation Policy 2026

Key Rules for Cancelling

Sometimes rescheduling isn’t enough you may need to cancel entirely. Here’s what you need to know:

• Deadline: You must cancel at least 4 days before your test date (10 days in China).
• Refunds: ETS refunds 50% of your test fee if cancellation is made within the deadline.
• No refund: If you cancel less than 4 days before your exam, you will forfeit the entire test fee.
• Voucher users: If you registered with a voucher, cancellation rules may differ, and refunds might not apply. Always read the voucher’s fine print.

How to Cancel Your GRE

1. Log in to your ETS account.
2. Go to your test appointment.
3. Select “Cancel” and follow the instructions.
4. Refunds (if eligible) are automatically processed to your original payment method.

⚠️ Note: Refund processing may take several weeks, depending on your bank or region.

Read Also: GRE Test Dates in 2026

Cancellation & Reschedule Rules for GRE at Home

The GRE at Home follows the same policies as test center exams:

• 4-day rule (10 days in China) applies for both cancellation and rescheduling.
• The same fees (US$50+) are charged for rescheduling.
• Refunds are 50% if canceled on time.

Since the GRE at Home is monitored through human proctors and AI security tools, ETS treats scheduling changes with the same seriousness as in-person exams.

Comparing Cancellation vs. Reschedule

Option	Deadline	Fee	Refund	Notes
Reschedule	≥4 days (10 in China)	US$50 (US$53.90 in CN)	No refund, only date change	Can change date, time, or test center
Cancel	≥4 days (10 in China)	None	50% of test fee	Forfeits exam but recovers part of fee
Missed Deadline	<4 days (<10 in CN)	–	None	Full fee forfeited

Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Many test takers lose money because of small errors in understanding policies. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Waiting too long to decide: Leaving changes until the last 3 days means you lose your fee entirely.
2. Assuming exceptions: ETS rarely makes exceptions outside documented emergencies.
3. Forgetting time zones: The 4-day deadline is based on local test center time. A midnight miscalculation could cost you.
4. Not confirming reschedule: Always double-check that your new test appointment email has arrived.
5. Overlooking voucher terms: Refunds may not apply for voucher-based registrations.

Why ETS Charges Fees

Some students wonder why rescheduling or canceling isn’t free. The reason is that ETS must cover administrative costs, including reserving staff, test center slots, and online proctoring. The fee also encourages commitment to scheduled dates, reducing empty seats that could have gone to other students.

Practical Tips for Students in 2026

• Use a calendar app: Set reminders for both your test date and the cancellation deadline.
• Budget for rescheduling: Consider the US$50 fee part of your “safety net” budget.
• Avoid last-minute scheduling: Book dates you’re confident about to minimize changes.
• Keep backup dates in mind: Research alternative test dates before you reschedule, so you can act quickly.
• Stay flexible: If applying for grad school in Fall 2026, build testing buffers into your application timeline.

What Might Change in 2026 and Beyond

ETS occasionally updates policies, often based on:

• Regional needs (e.g., stricter China deadlines).
• Operational changes (e.g., expanded At Home testing).
• Student feedback (e.g., simplification of online forms).

It’s wise to check your ETS account and official GRE policy pages regularly in case of fee or deadline changes.

Final Thoughts

The GRE is a major milestone, and while no one plans to reschedule or cancel, it’s important to understand the policies in advance. By knowing the 4-day (or 10-day in China) rule, the US$50 fee for rescheduling, and the 50% refund policy for cancellations, you can make informed decisions without unnecessary stress.

A little preparation goes a long way. Mark deadlines, plan carefully, and you’ll avoid losing money and stay focused on the real goal: getting into your dream graduate program.