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Everything you need to know about the SAT test in South Africa - from registration to test centres, scoring expectations, and free preparation resources. Your pathway to international university admission starts here.
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a globally recognised standardised test that measures your readiness for university. It's NOT a matric equivalent - it's an admissions test used alongside your GED or American High School Diploma.
Since 2024, the SAT is fully digital and takes only 2 hours 14 minutes. You'll use the Bluebook app on test day, with an on-screen calculator available for all maths questions. The test adapts to your performance in real-time.
Essential for US university applications and increasingly accepted by SA universities for GED/AHSD holders. Stellenbosch University requires SAT scores for international curriculum students. It's your pathway to global education opportunities.
💡 Important for SA Students: The SAT uses American terminology and spelling. You'll see "math" instead of "maths", "color" instead of "colour", and measurements in imperial units. Practice with official materials to familiarise yourself with these differences.
12 official test centres across SA. Not all centres offer every test date - book early to secure your preferred location.
📍 Address: 42 Soetvlei Avenue, Constantia
🔢 Center Code: 79616
✨ Note: Popular centre - book early!
📍 Address: 21 Herschel Road, Claremont
🔢 Center Code: 79615
✨ Note: Central location, easy access
📍 Address: Bredell Road (off R44), Somerset West
🔢 Center Code: 79665
✨ Note: Helderberg area option
The SAT is offered 7 times per year internationally. Registration is now open for the entire 2025-26 testing year.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2025 | 21 February 2025 | 25 February 2025 | Open |
| 3 May 2025 | 18 April 2025 | 22 April 2025 | Open |
| 7 June 2025 | 22 May 2025 | 27 May 2025 | Open |
| 23 August 2025 | 8 August 2025 | 12 August 2025 | Open |
| 4 October 2025 | 19 September 2025 | 23 September 2025 | Open |
| 1 November 2025 | 17 October 2025 | 21 October 2025 | Popular |
| 6 December 2025 | 21 November 2025 | 25 November 2025 | Popular |
⏰ All deadlines are at 11:59 PM ET (USA Eastern Time) - approximately 6:59 AM SAST the next day
Base fee: $68 (R1,290)
International fee: $43 (R815)
*Based on R19/$1 exchange rate
Visit collegeboard.org and click "Sign Up". You'll need:
Select your preferred date and South African test centre:
Fill in all required information:
Total cost for South African students:
Payment methods accepted: Credit/debit card, PayPal
After successful registration:
Understanding what scores to expect based on your qualifications and preparation level
| Qualification | Without Prep | With Prep (3-6 months) | Score Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
|
NSC/Matric Bachelor (60-70%) | 950-1100 | 1100-1250 | +150 |
|
NSC/Matric Distinction (70-80%) | 1050-1150 | 1200-1350 | +150-200 |
|
NSC/Matric Diploma (50-59%) | 850-1000 | 1025-1175 | +175 |
|
GED Basic Pass (145-164 score) | 750-900 | 950-1100 | +200 |
|
GED College Ready (165-174 score) | 900-1050 | 1100-1250 | +200 |
|
GED College Ready + Credit (175+ score) | 1000-1150 | 1200-1350 | +200 |
|
American HS Diploma (Standard 2.5-3.0 GPA) | 950-1100 | 1150-1300 | +200 |
|
American HS Diploma (Honours 3.5+ GPA) | 1100-1250 | 1300-1450 | +200 |
|
American HS Diploma (With AP Courses) | 1150-1300 | 1350-1500 | +200 |
1000-1100: Many US state universities
1100-1200: Good US universities
1200-1350: Top 100 US universities
1350-1450: Top 50 US universities
1450+: Ivy League competitive
SA Context: Stellenbosch requires 1100+ for international curriculum
Global Average: 1050
US Average: 1028
Asia Average: 1239
Europe Average: 1108
Africa Average: 991
SA Goal: Aim for 1100+ to be above global average
1200+: Merit scholarships possible
1350+: Significant scholarships
1450+: Full scholarships available
1500+: Presidential scholarships
Note: Scholarships also consider GPA, essays, and activities
Expected gain: 50-75 points
Expected gain: 100-150 points
Expected gain: 150-250 points
Quality preparation is the key to achieving your target score. Start with free official resources, then add targeted support as needed.
Official SAT Practice Partner
Personalised study plan based on your practice test results
Official Test Application
Practice on the same app you'll use on test day
Free Peer Tutoring
4-week SAT bootcamps by Sal Khan (Khan Academy founder)
College Board provides 8 full-length practice tests completely free. These are actual past SAT exams and are the best representation of what you'll face on test day. Available through Khan Academy and Bluebook app.
Form study groups with other SA students preparing for the SAT. Share resources, practice together, and motivate each other. Check local libraries and schools for study spaces.
Hundreds of free SAT prep videos on YouTube. Search for "SAT Math tips" or "SAT Reading strategies". Many educators provide complete courses for free. Perfect for visual learners.
Whether you're aiming for US universities or strengthening your SA applications, proper preparation is key to SAT success.
Register on College Board
Start Khan Academy prep
Book your test date
Need help with your educational journey?
💬 WhatsApp Support
© 2025 SAT Guide for South African Students. Information accurate as of December 2024.
Always verify details on the official College Board website before registration.
