According to the College Board, there are 1 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Afghanistan. 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 Afghanistan.
SAT Testing Centers in Afghanistan
KABUL EDUCATION ADVISING CENTER
2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Afghanistan
The SAT is an internationally recognized test that helps students gain admission to colleges and universities, and it is available to students in Afghanistan. The projected test dates for the 2025-2026 academic year in Afghanistan are expected to align with other international test dates. Below are the likely test dates for the SAT in Afghanistan:
- August 2025: First Saturday
- October 2025: First Saturday
- December 2025: First Saturday
- March 2026: First Saturday
- May 2026: First Saturday
- June 2026: First Saturday
Test takers in Afghanistan should confirm these dates with the College Board and their local testing center, as exact dates and availability can vary.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Afghanistan
Students in Afghanistan who wish to take the SAT will encounter similar fees as those in other international locations. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- SAT without Essay: $104
- SAT with Essay: $120
- Late Registration Fee: $30
- Test Date/Center Change Fee: $25
- Additional Score Reports: $12 per report (for additional score reports beyond the initial four free reports)
Students from low-income backgrounds may qualify for fee waivers that can significantly reduce or eliminate the SAT costs. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for these waivers through their schools or the College Board.
How to Register for the SAT in Afghanistan
Registering for the SAT in Afghanistan is a simple process that can be done online or by mail. Here are the steps for each registration method:
1. Online Registration
- Visit the College Board’s official website at collegeboard.org.
- Create an account or sign in with your existing credentials.
- Select a test date and location in Afghanistan.
- Enter all required personal details and upload a photo for identification.
- Pay the registration fee using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
- Review the registration details and submit your application.
2. Mail Registration
- Download the SAT registration form from the College Board website.
- Complete the form with accurate personal information.
- Include a check or money order for the registration fee.
- Mail the completed form and payment to the address specified by the College Board.
Registering early is recommended to secure your preferred test date and avoid late fees. Be sure to double-check all details before submission.
Afghanistan Overview
Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South-Central Asia, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Despite its challenges in recent decades, Afghanistan has a distinct cultural identity and diverse landscape that make it unique in the region.
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 41 million (2023 estimate)
- Capital: Kabul
- Largest Cities: Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad
- Languages: Pashto and Dari (official), various regional languages
- Currency: Afghan Afghani (AFN)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2: AF
- Alpha-3: AFG
- Numeric: 004
Geography
According to Afghanistan Jewelry, Afghanistan is a mountainous, landlocked country bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The terrain is dominated by the rugged Hindu Kush mountain range, which stretches across the northeast, and the Koh-i-Baba range in the central highlands. Afghanistan’s geography is varied, with arid deserts in the south and west, fertile plains in the north, and forested areas in the east.
The country’s climate ranges from hot and dry summers to cold, snowy winters in the highlands. Kabul, the capital, sits at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), contributing to its cooler climate compared to other parts of the country. The country also has several major rivers, including the Amu Darya, Helmand, and Kabul rivers, which are crucial for agriculture.
Education
The education system in Afghanistan has seen significant challenges over the years due to conflict and instability. However, recent efforts have been made to improve literacy rates and expand access to education, especially for girls and women. The education system is divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and higher education.
- Primary Education: Compulsory for children aged 7-13, covering grades 1-6.
- Secondary Education: Includes lower secondary (grades 7-9) and upper secondary (grades 10-12).
- Higher Education: Afghanistan has several universities, the most prominent being Kabul University, Herat University, and Kandahar University. These institutions offer degrees in various disciplines including engineering, medicine, law, and humanities.
However, access to education can be limited in rural areas due to infrastructure challenges and security concerns. Despite these barriers, the government and international organizations are working to increase educational opportunities, especially for girls and women.
Transportation
Afghanistan’s transportation network is still developing, with road, air, and rail systems offering limited but essential services. Despite the rugged terrain and years of conflict, the country’s transport infrastructure is gradually improving.
- Roads: Afghanistan’s main transportation artery is the Ring Road, which connects Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif. While the road network covers much of the country, many roads, especially in remote areas, are in poor condition. Local buses, trucks, and shared taxis are the primary modes of transportation.
- Airports: Afghanistan has several international airports, including Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Herat International Airport, Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport, and Kandahar International Airport. Domestic flights connect major cities, while international flights connect Afghanistan to nearby countries such as Pakistan, India, and Iran.
- Rail: Afghanistan’s rail network is limited but expanding. Key projects include rail links between Afghanistan and neighboring countries, such as the Hairatan to Mazar-i-Sharif railway, which connects the country to Uzbekistan.
- Public Transport: Public buses and minibuses are widely used in cities, with many people relying on them for daily commutes. Private vehicles and motorcycles are also common modes of transportation, particularly in rural areas.
Major Landmarks
Afghanistan is home to a number of significant historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. These landmarks reflect the country’s rich heritage and its role as a crossroads of civilizations.
1. Band-e Amir National Park
Located in the central highlands, Band-e Amir is Afghanistan’s first national park. It consists of six stunning deep blue lakes surrounded by majestic mountains. The lakes are formed by natural travertine dams, and the area is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking the beauty of Afghanistan’s natural landscape.
2. Bamiyan Valley
The Bamiyan Valley is famous for its ancient Buddhist monuments, including the remains of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were massive statues carved into the cliffs. Though the statues were destroyed in 2001, the site remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the valley is still a significant historical and cultural location.
3. Herat Citadel
The Citadel of Herat, also known as the Citadel of Alexander, is an ancient fortress that dates back to the time of Alexander the Great. Situated in the western city of Herat, it has been a key military and cultural site for centuries. The citadel has been restored and is now a major tourist attraction.
4. Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali)
Located in Mazar-i-Sharif, the Blue Mosque is one of Afghanistan’s most important religious sites. According to tradition, it is the burial place of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque’s stunning blue-tiled architecture and peaceful courtyards make it a major pilgrimage site for Muslims.
5. Minaret of Jam
The Minaret of Jam is an extraordinary piece of Islamic architecture located in the remote Ghor Province. Standing at 65 meters (213 feet), it is the second tallest brick minaret in the world. Built in the 12th century, the minaret is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a remarkable example of medieval Islamic art and architecture.
6. Kabul Museum (National Museum of Afghanistan)
Located in Kabul, the National Museum of Afghanistan is home to an impressive collection of artifacts that reflect Afghanistan’s long history. Despite suffering damage during years of conflict, the museum holds treasures from the Bactrian, Kushan, Ghaznavid, and Timurid periods, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.