As of now, Iran does not host any official SAT test centers. Due to political and logistical issues, the College Board does not provide testing centers for the SAT exam within the country. Iranian students who wish to take the SAT typically travel to nearby countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, or Armenia, where the SAT is regularly administered. Major cities like Istanbul, Dubai, and Yerevan offer multiple test centers and dates. Students from Iran must carefully plan their travel and accommodations in advance to secure their preferred SAT testing location.
List of 2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Iran
Since SAT test centers are unavailable in Iran, students must consider test dates in nearby countries where the exam is held. The following are the anticipated global SAT test dates for the 2025-2026 academic year, applicable to locations such as Turkey or the UAE:
- August 23, 2025
- October 4, 2025
- December 6, 2025
- March 7, 2026
- May 2, 2026
- June 6, 2026
Students from Iran who plan to take the SAT abroad should register as early as possible, as international test centers often fill up quickly. Additionally, students must factor in the visa and travel arrangements required for international exams.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Iran
Although there are no SAT test centers in Iran, Iranian students taking the SAT abroad will need to pay international registration fees. The College Board applies standard fees for international test-takers, which are as follows:
- Base SAT Fee: $60 (for the SAT without Essay)
- International Test Center Fee: $49
- Optional SAT with Essay Fee: +$16 (if the Essay is available)
- Additional Fees:
- Late Registration: +$30
- Test Center or Date Change: $25
The total cost of taking the SAT in a nearby country typically ranges between $109 and $155, depending on whether the Essay or other additional services are selected. Students should also account for travel expenses when planning their SAT test-taking strategy.
How to Register for the SAT in Iran
Since there are no SAT test centers in Iran, Iranian students must register to take the SAT at an international test center in a neighboring country. Here’s a step-by-step guide for registering:
- Create a College Board Account: Visit the College Board’s website (collegeboard.org) and create an account if you don’t already have one. This account is necessary for SAT registration.
- Select Test Date and Location: Choose a suitable test date from the available global SAT dates, and then select a test center in a nearby country, such as Turkey or the UAE.
- Fill in Personal Details: Complete the registration form by providing personal information, including your full name, contact details, and educational background.
- Upload a Photo: Make sure to upload a passport-style photo that meets the College Board’s specifications for identification purposes on test day.
- Pay the Registration Fees: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the required registration fees, including the international test center surcharge.
- Receive Confirmation: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email and an admission ticket. Be sure to print the admission ticket and bring it to the test center on the day of your exam.
Given that Iranian students need to travel to a different country to take the SAT, it is advisable to register as early as possible to secure a seat and arrange travel plans.
Iran Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 88 million (as of 2023)
- Capital: Tehran
- Largest Cities:
- Tehran
- Mashhad
- Isfahan
- Shiraz
- Tabriz
- Languages:
- Persian (Farsi) (official)
- Azerbaijani
- Kurdish
- Luri
- Arabic (spoken by minorities)
- Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2: IR
- Alpha-3: IRN
- Numeric: 364
Geography
According to Printer Iran, Iran is a large country in the Middle East, covering approximately 1.65 million square kilometers, making it the 18th-largest country in the world. It shares borders with seven countries, including Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, as well as the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. The country’s geography is extremely diverse, with mountains, deserts, and fertile valleys.
Key geographical features include:
- The Zagros and Alborz Mountains: These mountain ranges dominate the northern and western regions of Iran and are home to several peaks, including Mount Damavand, the highest point in the Middle East.
- Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut Deserts: These vast deserts cover much of central and southeastern Iran and are known for their extreme temperatures and unique landscapes.
- Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf: Iran has a long coastline along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south, with oil-rich regions, and access to the Caspian Sea to the north.
Iran’s diverse climate ranges from arid desert regions to temperate coastal areas, with the northern regions experiencing lush vegetation and the south being characterized by heat and aridity.
Education
Iran has a well-developed education system with a strong emphasis on science, mathematics, and engineering. Education in Iran is free and compulsory until the end of middle school (grade 9). The country has one of the highest literacy rates in the Middle East, thanks to its significant investments in education after the 1979 revolution.
- Primary Education: Iranian children attend six years of primary school, starting at age six.
- Secondary Education: After primary school, students attend three years of middle school followed by three years of high school. At the end of high school, students take the Konkur, Iran’s highly competitive national university entrance exam.
- Higher Education: Iran is home to several prestigious universities, including University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, and Amir Kabir University. Iran has a strong focus on engineering, science, and medical studies. Many students also pursue graduate studies abroad, particularly in the United States and Europe.
The education system in Iran is recognized for producing highly skilled professionals in STEM fields, and the government continues to invest in higher education and research.
Transportation
Iran has an extensive transportation network that connects its cities and rural areas, with major investments in roads, railways, and airports.
- Roads and Highways: Iran has a comprehensive highway network, particularly connecting major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Public transport within cities is typically provided by buses and taxis.
- Railways: Iran has a well-developed railway system that connects major cities, such as the Tehran-Mashhad and Tehran-Isfahan routes. The Trans-Iranian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historic railway that crosses the country from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf.
- Airports: Iran has several international airports, with Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport being the largest and busiest, providing flights to regional and global destinations. Other important airports include Mashhad International Airport and Shiraz International Airport.
- Public Transport: Tehran has a modern metro system that serves millions of passengers daily, while other cities such as Isfahan and Mashhad are developing metro systems as well. Buses and taxis are commonly used for city travel.
Iran’s location makes it a key transportation hub for trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with ongoing efforts to expand its infrastructure.
Major Landmarks
Iran is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural and historical landmarks, reflecting its rich history as the center of the Persian Empire. Major landmarks include:
- Persepolis: Located near Shiraz, Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of this ancient city include impressive palaces, reliefs, and columns.
- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque): This mosque in Shiraz is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows, which create beautiful displays of color inside the mosque when the sun shines through.
- Golestan Palace: Located in Tehran, this historic royal complex was the seat of the Qajar Dynasty and is known for its exquisite architecture and gardens.
- Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square): Situated in Isfahan, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest squares in the world and is surrounded by architectural masterpieces such as the Shah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace.
- Mount Damavand: The highest peak in the Middle East and a popular destination for mountaineers, this dormant volcano is considered a symbol of Iranian identity.
Economy and Global Influence
Iran possesses one of the largest economies in the Middle East, heavily reliant on its vast reserves of oil and natural gas. However, the country also faces significant challenges due to international sanctions and internal economic mismanagement. In recent years, Iran has focused on diversifying its economy, investing in technology, agriculture, and tourism.
Iran’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and natural resources make it a key player in regional geopolitics. It is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, OPEC, and the Non-Aligned Movement.