SAT Test Centers and Dates in Spain

topschoolsintheusa March 19, 2019

According to the College Board, there are 16 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Spain. 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 Spain.

SAT Testing Centers in Spain

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Spain

Students in Spain planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year have multiple test dates available to them. The following are the expected SAT test dates:

• March 8, 2025
• May 3, 2025
• June 7, 2025
• August 23, 2025
• October 4, 2025
• November 1, 2025
• December 6, 2025
• March 14, 2026
• May 2, 2026
• June 6, 2026

These dates may change, so students should confirm them with their local SAT test centers or on the College Board website. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your preferred date and location.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Spain

The SAT fees for students in Spain during the 2025-2026 academic year are as follows:

• SAT without Essay: $104
• SAT with Essay: $120 (subject to availability, as the Essay section may be discontinued in many regions)
• Late Registration Fee: $30
• Change Fee: $30 (applies for changes to the test center or test date)

Students can pay these fees through the College Board website using a credit or debit card. It’s advised to register early to avoid late fees and ensure a spot at your preferred test center.

How to Register for the SAT in Spain

Registering for the SAT in Spain is a simple online process through the College Board website. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Create a College Board Account: Begin by setting up an account on the College Board website, which will be used for registration and tracking your scores.
2. Select a Test Date and Center: Choose the SAT test date and a test center in Spain, typically in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia.
3. Fill in Your Information: Enter personal and academic details, ensuring all information is accurate.
4. Upload a Photo: Upload a passport-style photo that meets the SAT guidelines, which will be used on your admission ticket.
5. Pay the Fees: Complete the registration by paying the required fees using a credit or debit card.
6. Print Your Admission Ticket: After registering, print the admission ticket and bring it along with a valid ID on the test day.

It is recommended to register early to avoid extra fees and ensure your place at the preferred test center.

Spain Country Overview

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 47 million (2024 estimate)
• Capital: Madrid
• Largest Cities:
  • Madrid
  • Barcelona
  • Valencia
  • Seville
  • Zaragoza
• Official Languages:
  • Spanish (Castilian)
  • Catalan, Galician, Basque (regional languages)
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• ISO Country Codes:
  • Alpha-2: ES
  • Alpha-3: ESP
  • Numeric Code: 724

Geography

According to Dress Spain, Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by France and Andorra to the northeast, Portugal to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east. Spain also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, in North Africa.

• Area: Spain covers an area of approximately 505,990 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest country in Europe by area.
• Topography: Spain’s landscape is diverse, featuring mountains such as the Pyrenees in the north and the Sierra Nevada in the south. The Meseta Central is a large plateau that covers much of the interior, while coastal plains run along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
• Rivers: Major rivers include the Tagus, Ebro, and Guadalquivir, which play vital roles in the country’s agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
• Climate: Spain experiences a variety of climates, including a Mediterranean climate along the southern and eastern coasts, a continental climate in the interior, and an oceanic climate in the northern regions. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters vary from mild on the coasts to cold in the mountains and interior regions.

Spain’s geographic diversity makes it a top destination for both tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from sunny beaches to snow-capped mountains.

Education

Spain’s education system is highly developed and structured similarly to other European Union countries. It focuses on providing quality education across all levels and preparing students for both domestic and international opportunities.

• Primary and Secondary Education: Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The system is divided into primary education (6 years) and secondary education (4 years). After completing compulsory education, students can choose to pursue further education at bachillerato (upper secondary) or vocational training schools. The Bachillerato program typically lasts two years and prepares students for university entrance exams.
• Higher Education: Spain is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, including the University of Salamanca, Complutense University of Madrid, and University of Barcelona. Spanish universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and the country follows the Bologna Process, ensuring that degrees are recognized across Europe. Many programs are now available in English to attract international students.
• Vocational Training: In addition to traditional academic pathways, Spain offers vocational education and training (VET). These programs are designed to provide students with practical skills in fields like engineering, healthcare, hospitality, and IT. Vocational training is a popular option for students who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning.
• International Schools: Spain has a large number of international schools offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British GCSE/A-Levels, and American AP programs, particularly in cities with large expatriate communities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Marbella.

Spain’s education system is evolving to meet the demands of a globalized world, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and technology.

Transportation

Spain boasts a highly developed transportation network, including modern highways, high-speed rail lines, and international airports, making it easy to travel within the country and to neighboring European nations.

• Road Network: Spain has an extensive road system, with over 165,000 kilometers of roads. Major highways, or autovías and autopistas, connect cities and towns across the country. The AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast and the A-1 connecting Madrid to the north are two of the most important motorways. Driving is common, and car rental services are available for tourists.
• Railways: Spain’s railway network is operated by Renfe, the national rail company. The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) high-speed trains connect major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, making it easy to travel across the country quickly. Spain has one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, and regional train services connect smaller towns and rural areas.
• Airports: Spain is home to several major international airports, including Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. These airports serve as major hubs for flights to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Domestic flights between cities are also frequent, and low-cost airlines operate on many routes.
• Public Transport: Most major cities in Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona, have extensive public transport systems, including metro networks, buses, and trams. The Madrid Metro is one of the largest in Europe, while the Barcelona Metro efficiently covers the city and its surroundings. Public transportation is affordable and widely used by residents and tourists alike.
• Seaports: Spain has several important seaports, including Port of Barcelona, Port of Valencia, and Port of Algeciras, which handle a significant portion of the country’s imports and exports. Spain’s ports also serve as gateways for cruise ships, especially along the Mediterranean coast.

Spain’s transportation infrastructure supports both domestic mobility and international connectivity, making it a major player in Europe’s trade and tourism industries.

Major Landmarks

Spain is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes. The country boasts a wide range of landmarks that attract millions of visitors every year, from ancient Roman ruins to modern architectural marvels.

• Alhambra: Located in Granada, the Alhambra is one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. This Moorish palace and fortress complex dates back to the 13th century and is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Visitors can explore its intricate palaces, gardens, and fortifications, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Sagrada Familia: Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is an awe-inspiring basilica designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882, and while it remains unfinished, it is one of the most visited sites in Spain. The basilica’s distinctive towers and intricate façades make it a symbol of Barcelona.
• Park Güell: Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, Park Güell is a whimsical public park in Barcelona that showcases the architect’s signature style. Its colorful mosaics, winding pathways, and fantastical structures make it one of the city’s most beloved attractions.
• The Prado Museum: Located in Madrid, the Prado Museum is one of the world’s premier art museums, housing an extensive collection of European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. It is a must-visit for art lovers and tourists interested in Spain’s artistic heritage.
• Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower: Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its impressive interior includes the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The Giralda Tower, originally a minaret, now serves as the cathedral’s bell tower and offers stunning views of Seville.
• Plaza Mayor: Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is a grand, historic square in the heart of the city. Surrounded by arcaded buildings, the plaza has been a focal point of city life for centuries and hosts cultural events, markets, and festivals.
• Mezquita of Córdoba: The Mezquita is a former mosque in Córdoba that dates back to the 8th century and is renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture. Today, it functions as a Catholic cathedral, and its forest of red-and-white arches makes it one of Spain’s most distinctive monuments.
• Santiago de Compostela: Santiago de Compostela in Galicia is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The city’s cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity.