According to the College Board, there are 2 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Mali. Please note that before you register either of the SAT exams, you should choose your test date and test location. Each testing location is affiliated with an educational institution, such as high school, community college, or university. The following test centers administer one or more of SAT tests in Mali.
SAT Testing Centers in Mali
AMERICAN INTL SCH OF BAMAKO
COURS DE LANGUES
2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Mali
For students in Mali looking to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year, the SAT will be available on several international test dates. The SAT is typically offered globally on the following likely dates:
- August 2025
- October 2025
- November 2025
- December 2025
- March 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
Test-takers in Mali can confirm specific dates and test center availability through the official SAT website or their local test center. Early registration is advised to ensure a seat at the closest location, as seats may be limited.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Mali
The fees for taking the SAT in Mali follow the international SAT fee structure. The typical costs for the 2025-2026 test cycle include:
- SAT (without Essay): Approximately $60.
- SAT (with Essay): Around $85.
- International Registration Fee: An additional $43 is charged for students in Mali.
- Late Registration Fee: $30 for those who register after the deadline.
- Change Fee: $25 for any changes to the test center, test date, or test type after registration.
Additional fees apply for sending extra score reports or utilizing rush services. It is recommended that students consult the College Board’s website for the latest information on fees.
How to Register for the SAT in Mali
Registering for the SAT in Mali is an easy process that can be done online. Students must follow these steps:
- Create an Account: Visit the College Board website and sign up for a student account.
- Select a Test Date: Choose one of the available test dates from the SAT schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Find a Test Center: Choose a convenient SAT test center in Mali, typically in cities like Bamako.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the required SAT fees using a credit card or another available payment method.
- Receive Confirmation: After completing the registration, you will receive a confirmation email with an admission ticket. Be sure to print and bring the admission ticket on the test day.
Early registration is recommended, as test centers may have limited capacity.
Mali Country Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 22 million (2024 estimate).
- Capital: Bamako.
- Largest Cities:
- Bamako
- Sikasso
- Kayes
- Mopti
- Languages: French (official), Bambara, Fula, Soninke, and many other local languages.
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF).
- ISO Country Code: ML (ISO 3166).
Geography
Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa, covering an area of approximately 1.24 million square kilometers. The country shares borders with Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west.
The geography of Mali is diverse, with the northern part of the country dominated by the vast Sahara Desert, while the southern part is characterized by savannahs and the fertile Niger River basin. The Niger and Senegal Rivers are the two primary waterways in Mali, providing essential resources for agriculture and transport. The country’s climate ranges from arid in the north to tropical in the south, with a distinct rainy season from June to September.
Education
Mali’s education system has improved in recent decades but still faces significant challenges. Education is compulsory between the ages of 7 and 16, and the system is divided into primary, secondary, and higher education levels. The language of instruction in most schools is French, but many schools also incorporate local languages, such as Bambara.
Mali has several higher education institutions, including the University of Bamako, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields. However, access to higher education remains limited, especially in rural areas, and literacy rates in the country are relatively low. Efforts are being made to increase access to quality education, with international partnerships and programs aiming to improve educational infrastructure and resources.
Transportation
Mali’s transportation infrastructure is developing, with roads, railways, and air travel serving as the primary means of moving people and goods across the country. Key transportation aspects include:
- Roads: Mali has a road network that connects major cities, but many roads remain unpaved, particularly in rural areas. During the rainy season, road travel can be difficult, especially in the southern and central parts of the country.
- Railways: Mali has a limited railway system, with the key line connecting Bamako to the port of Dakar in Senegal. This railway is important for trade and freight transport, but it has experienced disruptions in recent years.
- Air Travel: Bamako–Sénou International Airport is the main international gateway, with flights connecting Mali to regional and global destinations. Domestic flights are available but limited in frequency and routes.
- Waterways: The Niger River plays an important role in transportation, especially for communities in the central and southern regions of Mali. Goods and passengers are transported along the river, though the availability of these services depends on seasonal water levels.
Major Landmarks
Mali is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with several major landmarks that draw both locals and international tourists. Some of the country’s most famous landmarks include:
- Timbuktu: One of Mali’s most renowned cities, Timbuktu was historically an important center of learning and trade during the medieval period. It is home to several ancient mosques and libraries, including the Sankoré Mosque and the Djinguereber Mosque. Timbuktu’s ancient manuscripts and its role as a center for Islamic scholarship have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
- Djenné: Famous for the Grand Mosque of Djenné, the largest mud-brick structure in the world, Djenné is one of Mali’s most picturesque and historically significant cities. The Grand Mosque is an architectural marvel and serves as a central place of worship for the local community.
- Bandiagara Escarpment: Located in the Dogon Country, the Bandiagara Escarpment is a dramatic sandstone cliff that stretches for over 150 kilometers. The Dogon people, who inhabit the region, have preserved their traditional culture and way of life, attracting anthropologists and tourists interested in indigenous African societies.
- The Niger River: The Niger River is Mali’s lifeblood, providing water for agriculture, fishing, and transportation. Many of Mali’s largest cities, including Bamako and Mopti, are located along the river, and it is a vital resource for the country’s economy.
- Gao: Once the capital of the Songhai Empire, Gao is an important historical city in Mali. It is home to the Tomb of Askia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 15th century and stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and Islamic architecture.
- Ségou: Known for its vibrant markets and traditional Malian crafts, Ségou is situated along the Niger River and is an important cultural hub. It is famous for its annual Festival on the Niger, which celebrates Malian music, art, and dance.
Mali’s landmarks reflect its diverse history, from the ancient empires that once thrived in the region to its deep cultural traditions that continue to flourish today.