SAT Test Centers and Dates in Albania

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Albania

The SAT is a standardized test that is widely used for college admissions in the United States and is available for students in Albania. SAT test dates for the 2025-2026 academic year in Albania generally align with international testing schedules. The anticipated test dates are as follows:

• 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 should confirm these dates on the College Board website or with local test centers, as dates and availability might change. Early registration is advised due to limited seating at test centers.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Albania

Students in Albania planning to take the SAT should be aware of the following fees associated with the exam:

• SAT without Essay: $104
• SAT with Essay: $120
• Late Registration Fee: $30
• Change Fee: $25 (for changing the test date or center)
• Additional Score Reports: $12 per report (beyond the first four free reports included with registration)

Students facing financial hardship may qualify for a fee waiver, allowing them to take the test at a reduced cost. Fee waivers are available through schools or directly from the College Board, and eligibility should be checked well in advance of the registration deadlines.

How to Register for the SAT in Albania

Registering for the SAT in Albania can be done either online or by mail. The process is straightforward and follows these steps:

1. Online Registration

• Visit the College Board’s official website at collegeboard.org.
• Create an account or log in to an existing account.
• Select your preferred test date and location in Albania.
• Enter your personal information and upload a photo for identification purposes.
• Pay the required fees using a credit card or other accepted methods.
• Review and submit the application to complete the process.

2. Mail Registration

• Download the registration form from the College Board website.
• Fill out the form with accurate details.
• Attach payment via check or money order.
• Mail the completed form and payment to the College Board’s specified address.

Registering early is recommended to secure your preferred test date and avoid any late fees.

Albania Overview

Albania, located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is a country with a rich cultural history, beautiful landscapes, and a developing economy. It has transitioned significantly since the fall of communism in the early 1990s and has become an increasingly popular travel destination.

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 2.8 million (as of 2023)
• Capital: Tirana
• Largest Cities: Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Shkodër, Fier
• Languages: Albanian (official), with English and Italian widely spoken as secondary languages.
• Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
• ISO Country Codes:
  • Alpha-2: AL
  • Alpha-3: ALB
  • Numeric: 008

Geography

Albania is known for its diverse geography, which includes mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastlines along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The country is bordered by Montenegro to the north, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. Its capital, Tirana, is situated in the center of the country and serves as the cultural and economic hub.

According to Albania Camera, the country’s northern region is dominated by the rugged Albanian Alps, which provide stunning landscapes and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. In contrast, the southern coastal region, often called the Albanian Riviera, is famous for its crystal-clear beaches and Mediterranean climate.

Albania’s climate varies with geography—while the coastal areas enjoy mild Mediterranean conditions, the interior experiences a more continental climate with colder winters and hot summers.

Education

Albania’s education system has undergone significant reforms since the 1990s, transitioning from a centrally controlled model to a more modern, inclusive system. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, covering primary and lower secondary education.

• Primary Education: Typically spans from grades 1-5 and focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and foundational subjects.
• Secondary Education: Divided into lower secondary (grades 6-9) and upper secondary education (grades 10-12). Students can choose between general secondary schools (gymnasiums) or vocational schools.
• Higher Education: Albania has several universities, with the University of Tirana being the largest and most prestigious. Other prominent institutions include the Agricultural University of Tirana and Epoka University.

In recent years, the Albanian government has made efforts to improve educational infrastructure, quality, and access, especially in rural areas. English is increasingly taught as a second language in schools, and many students pursue higher education abroad.

Transportation

Albania’s transportation network has improved substantially in recent years, with upgrades to roads, airports, and seaports. However, some areas, particularly in the mountainous north, still have underdeveloped infrastructure.

• Roads: Albania has an extensive road network, though road conditions can vary. The A1 Highway connects Tirana to the northern city of Kukës and further into Kosovo, making it a key transport link. Taxis and buses are common modes of transport in cities and between towns.
• Public Transport: Public buses operate within major cities and provide intercity connections. Tirana, the capital, has a well-developed bus system, but the country lacks a rail-based urban transport network.
• Airports: Tirana International Airport (TIA), also known as Mother Teresa Airport, is the country’s main international airport and connects Albania to destinations across Europe. Other regional airports, such as Kukës International Airport, are smaller but growing.
• Rail: Albania’s rail system is limited and largely outdated. Trains are available between some cities, but buses and cars are the preferred modes of transport for most travelers.
• Sea Travel: Albania has several major ports, including Durrës, the largest, which connects the country by ferry to Italy and other Adriatic countries. Ferries also operate between the Albanian Riviera and the Greek islands.

Major Landmarks

Albania is home to numerous historical, cultural, and natural landmarks, reflecting its rich heritage and scenic beauty. Below are some of the most notable landmarks in the country:

1. Butrint National Park

Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Albania’s most important archaeological locations. Situated near the Greek border, the ancient city of Butrint has ruins dating back to Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. Visitors can explore the amphitheater, temples, and ancient walls, as well as enjoy the surrounding park’s natural beauty.

2. Berat and Gjirokastër

These two cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for their well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Berat, also called the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is famous for its white Ottoman houses stacked on a hill, while Gjirokastër is known for its stone fortifications and cobbled streets. Both cities offer a glimpse into Albania’s past and are popular tourist destinations.

3. Skanderbeg Square

Located in the heart of Tirana, Skanderbeg Square is the country’s central plaza and an important cultural and political landmark. Named after the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the square features his equestrian statue and is surrounded by important buildings such as the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Palace of Culture.

4. The Albanian Riviera

Stretching along the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages. Popular destinations along the Riviera include Sarandë, Dhërmi, and Ksamil, which are ideal for summer getaways, swimming, and exploring the coastal culture.

5. Rozafa Castle

Perched on a hill near Shkodër, Rozafa Castle is an ancient fortress with historical significance dating back to the Illyrians. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Shkodër and the surrounding region while learning about the castle’s legends and history through on-site exhibits.

6. Theth National Park

Located in the Albanian Alps, Theth National Park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Grunas Waterfall, the Blue Eye of Theth, and traditional stone houses. It offers opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and exploring Albania’s remote, mountainous regions.