Is the SAT Only for the US? Universities Worldwide That Accept It

Most students think of the SAT as the test for American universities, and it is essential there. But it's also the most widely recognised university admissions test in the world. A strong score can keep options open in several countries at once, so you can prepare once and apply widely.

United States

Many of the most selective colleges, including MIT, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Dartmouth, Brown and Penn, require SAT or ACT scores again. Many others are test-optional, but a strong score still helps admission and is often used for merit scholarships.

United Kingdom

UK universities mainly admit on A-Levels, the IB or national qualifications. For students on an American curriculum, many accept the SAT together with AP scores. The University of Edinburgh, for example, publishes an entry route combining an SAT score with APs.

Europe

• Bocconi (Milan) accepts the SAT in place of its own admissions test, with a minimum of 1040 overall and at least 520 in each section.
• IE University (Madrid) accepts the SAT instead of its own admissions test.

Canada

The University of Toronto and McGill accept SAT scores from applicants on a US curriculum. For most programmes they're optional, but a strong score can still support an application.

Asia

The National University of Singapore and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology both list the SAT among accepted qualifications, usually alongside AP results. Programme requirements vary, so check the specific course.

Australia

The University of Melbourne and the Australian National University publish SAT entry scores for applicants with a US high school diploma, with different scores for different degrees.

India

A growing number of Indian private universities accept the SAT, including Ashoka, Krea, FLAME and Plaksha. The College Board's India list includes many more, and score sends to participating Indian universities are free for Indian residents.

Middle East

NYU Abu Dhabi accepts the SAT as one of its testing options.

How universities use the SAT

Universities outside the US use the SAT in different ways, so read each course's requirements carefully:

• In place of an entrance test (Bocconi, IE University, FLAME).
• Alongside AP scores or a US high school diploma (many UK, Australian and Asian universities).
• As one part of a holistic application (most US colleges and several Indian universities).

Policies change each admissions cycle. Use this guide to build your list, then confirm every requirement on the university's own admissions page.