SAT Test Centers and Dates in Turkey

topschoolsintheusa March 19, 2019

According to the College Board, there are 17 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Turkey. 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 Turkey.

SAT Testing Centers in Turkey

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Turkey

Students in Turkey who are planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year can register for the following test dates:

• August 2025
• October 2025
• December 2025
• March 2026
• May 2026
• June 2026

The SAT is typically offered at various test centers in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. Students are advised to check the College Board website for up-to-date information on test centers and to register early to ensure they secure a seat at their preferred location. Test center availability can vary, especially during peak testing periods.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Turkey

The fees for taking the SAT in Turkey follow the College Board’s international pricing structure. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the fees are as follows:

• SAT (without Essay): $60.50
• SAT (with Essay): $85.50
• SAT Subject Tests: $26 per subject

Additional costs may apply for:

• Late Registration Fee: $30
• Test Center or Date Change Fee: $30
• International Registration Fee (Turkey): $49

Students who meet specific financial criteria may be eligible for fee waivers. They should check with their school counselors or visit the College Board’s official website to see if they qualify for financial assistance and to learn about the application process.

How to Register for the SAT in Turkey

Registering for the SAT in Turkey is an easy process done entirely online through the College Board’s official website. Here’s how students can register:

1. Create a College Board Account: Go to www.collegeboard.org and create an account. This account will be used for registration, score viewing, and other test-related activities.
2. Select a Test Date and Center: Once logged into the account, students can select their preferred test date and a convenient test center in Turkey. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir usually have several test centers available.
3. Complete Payment: Pay the applicable registration fees online using a credit or debit card. Ensure that the international registration fee is included in the total.
4. Print Your Admission Ticket: After completing the registration, print the admission ticket, which is required to enter the test center on exam day along with a valid photo ID.

Early registration is recommended to avoid late fees and to ensure a spot at the chosen test center.

Turkey Country Overview

Country Facts about Turkey

• Population: Approximately 85 million (2024 estimate)
• Capital: Ankara
• Largest Cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Adana
• Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish (widely spoken in some regions)
• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
• ISO Country Codes: TR (Alpha-2), TUR (Alpha-3), 792 (Numeric)

Geography of Turkey

According to Makeup Turkey, Turkey is a transcontinental country, straddling both Europe and Asia, with about 97% of its landmass in Asia and 3% in Europe. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south. The country’s total area is approximately 783,356 square kilometers (302,455 square miles), making it one of the largest countries in the region.

Turkey is a land of diverse landscapes, from the rolling plains of Anatolia to the mountainous regions in the east. The Taurus Mountains run parallel to the Mediterranean coast, while the Pontic Mountains line the Black Sea coast. The highest peak in Turkey is Mount Ararat, an extinct volcano located near the borders with Armenia and Iran, standing at 5,137 meters (16,854 feet).

The country is also home to several important rivers, including the Euphrates and Tigris, which flow into the Middle East. Lake Van, located in eastern Turkey, is the largest lake in the country, while the Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles are key waterways that connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, making Turkey a vital hub for global maritime trade.

Turkey has a varied climate due to its geography. The coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, while the interior, particularly the Anatolian Plateau, experiences a more continental climate with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The Black Sea coast, by contrast, has a wet, temperate climate year-round.

Education in Turkey

Education in Turkey is highly valued, and the country has made significant investments in expanding access to education at all levels. The education system is divided into primary, secondary, and higher education, and it follows both Turkish and international standards to prepare students for global competition.

1. Primary and Secondary Education: Education in Turkey is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 18. The first stage is primary education, which lasts for four years, followed by middle school (grades 5-8) and secondary school (grades 9-12). At the end of secondary school, students take the YKS (Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı), an exam required for university admissions.
2. Higher Education: Turkey is home to several prestigious universities, including Boğaziçi University, Middle East Technical University (METU), and Koç University. Higher education institutions in Turkey offer undergraduate and graduate programs in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to social sciences and the arts. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) regulates universities in the country, and many universities offer English-language programs to attract international students.
3. Vocational and Technical Education: Turkey also places importance on vocational training, offering specialized programs in areas such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. Technical schools prepare students for specific careers, and many companies partner with educational institutions to provide training.

Turkey is a signatory to the Bologna Process, which aims to standardize higher education across Europe, making Turkish university degrees recognized in other European countries. Additionally, international programs such as the Erasmus+ exchange are popular among Turkish students seeking to study abroad.

Transportation in Turkey

Turkey has a well-developed transportation network, connecting its cities and regions through roads, railways, airports, and sea routes. The country’s strategic position between Europe and Asia makes it a crucial transportation hub for both regional and international trade.

• Roads and Highways: Turkey has an extensive network of highways and roads, including modern expressways that link major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The Trans-European Motorway (TEM) passes through Turkey, providing direct road links to Europe. Buses are a popular mode of intercity transportation, with numerous companies offering affordable and frequent services.
• Railways: TCDD (Turkish State Railways) operates the country’s rail services, which include both high-speed and conventional trains. The high-speed rail line between Istanbul and Ankara has significantly reduced travel times between the two cities, and future expansion plans aim to link other major cities like Izmir and Antalya to the high-speed rail network.
• Airports: Turkey is a major hub for international air travel, with Istanbul Airport being one of the busiest in the world. Other major airports include Ankara Esenboğa Airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, and Antalya Airport. Turkish Airlines, the national carrier, offers flights to destinations worldwide, and domestic air travel is a popular way to cover long distances within the country.
• Ports and Shipping: Turkey has several major ports, including Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, and Trabzon, which serve as important points for international trade and passenger traffic. The country’s coastal areas, particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, are popular with cruise ships.

Major Landmarks and Attractions in Turkey

1. Hagia Sophia: Located in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia is one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built as a cathedral in 537 CE, it was later converted into a mosque and is now a museum. The building’s massive dome, intricate mosaics, and rich history make it a must-visit site.
2. Cappadocia: Famous for its unique rock formations, Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey known for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. The area’s historical sites, such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, offer a glimpse into early Christian monastic life.
3. Topkapi Palace: This sprawling palace in Istanbul was the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Topkapi Palace contains opulent courtyards, royal chambers, and relics of Islamic culture, including the Prophet Muhammad’s sword and cloak.
4. Pamukkale: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale is famous for its natural thermal pools and white travertine terraces. The nearby ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis offer visitors a chance to explore Roman baths and an ancient theater.
5. Mount Nemrut: Located in southeastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut is home to the remains of an ancient royal tomb built by King Antiochus I. The site is known for its massive stone statues and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Ephesus: One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, Ephesus was a major center of commerce and culture in Roman times. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the Library of Celsus.
7. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is renowned for its stunning blue-tiled interior and six towering minarets. Built in the early 17th century, it remains one of the most important religious sites in Turkey.

Economy of Turkey

Turkey has a diverse and growing economy, driven by sectors such as industry, agriculture, tourism, and services. It is classified as an emerging market, and the country has a strategic geographic position as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

• Industry: Manufacturing plays a significant role in Turkey’s economy, with major industries including automobile production, electronics, textiles, and machinery. Turkey is also a leading exporter of goods to Europe and the Middle East.
• Agriculture: Despite industrial growth, agriculture remains important, particularly in rural areas. Turkey is one of the world’s leading producers of hazelnuts, apricots, olives, and cotton. Agriculture accounts for a large share of employment, particularly in regions like the Aegean and Southeast Anatolia.
• Tourism: Tourism is a major contributor to Turkey’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. Popular tourist destinations include Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Bodrum. The country’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural beauty make it a top destination for travelers from around the world.
• Energy and Natural Resources: Turkey has significant reserves of natural gas, coal, and renewable energy resources, and it is investing heavily in hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) is an important infrastructure project that enhances Turkey’s role as an energy corridor between Europe and Asia.