According to the College Board, there are 1 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Bhutan. 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 Bhutan.
SAT Testing Centers in Bhutan
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2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Bhutan
Students in Bhutan planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year can do so on several international test dates. The SAT is expected to be offered on the following dates:
- August 2025
- October 2025
- December 2025
- March 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
These dates align with international testing schedules. Students should check the College Board’s official website for the most up-to-date information on test dates and locations in Bhutan, as these can sometimes change. Early registration is recommended to secure a seat at your preferred test center.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Bhutan
The SAT test-taking fees for students in Bhutan follow the international fee structure set by the College Board. As of 2024, the cost for taking the SAT without the essay is approximately $60. If students choose to take the SAT with the optional essay, the total fee is around $88. Additional fees may apply for services such as late registration, changing test centers, or sending extra score reports to universities. Students should confirm the exact fees and accepted payment methods on the College Board’s official website before completing the registration process.
How to Register for the SAT in Bhutan
Registering for the SAT in Bhutan is a simple process that can be completed online via the College Board’s official website. Follow these steps to register:
- Create a College Board Account: If you don’t already have an account, create one on the College Board website. This account will be used to register for the SAT, view scores, and manage other College Board services.
- Select a Test Date and Center: Choose a test date that fits your schedule and select an available test center in Bhutan. SAT test centers are typically located in major towns or cities.
- Complete the Registration Form: Fill out the required information, including your personal details, academic background, and test preferences (with or without the essay).
- Submit Payment: Pay the applicable SAT fees using a valid credit card or another accepted payment method.
- Print Your Admission Ticket: After completing the registration, print your admission ticket, which you will need to bring to the test center on the day of the exam.
Bhutan Country Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 780,000 (2024 estimate)
- Capital: Thimphu
- Largest Cities: Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Paro, Punakha
- Languages: Dzongkha (official), English (widely spoken), various local dialects
- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), Indian Rupee (INR also accepted)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2 Code: BT
- Alpha-3 Code: BTN
- Numeric Code: 064
Geography
Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south. It is known for its rugged mountainous terrain, with deep valleys, dense forests, and high-altitude plateaus. The country’s landscape is dominated by the Himalayan mountain range, with Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkhar Puensum, standing at 7,570 meters (24,836 feet), making it one of the highest unclimbed peaks in the world.
Bhutan’s climate varies dramatically depending on the altitude. The southern lowlands experience a tropical climate, while the highlands and northern regions are characterized by cold, alpine conditions. Bhutan is renowned for its lush forests, which cover approximately 70% of its land area, earning it the reputation of being one of the world’s most environmentally conscious countries.
The government places great emphasis on environmental conservation, with Bhutan being the only carbon-negative country in the world. The combination of its pristine natural environment, rich biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability makes Bhutan a unique and environmentally progressive nation.
Education
Education in Bhutan has undergone significant reforms in recent decades, with the government prioritizing the expansion of access to quality education for all citizens. The education system is divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education is compulsory and free for children aged 6 to 12, and the literacy rate has seen substantial improvements, rising to over 70%.
The medium of instruction in most schools is English, while Dzongkha is taught as the national language. Secondary education is divided into lower and upper secondary schools, with a strong focus on both academic subjects and vocational training to prepare students for the workforce.
Bhutan has several institutions of higher learning, including the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), which oversees various colleges across the country, offering degrees in subjects ranging from engineering and education to arts and sciences. Additionally, many Bhutanese students seek higher education abroad, particularly in India, the United States, and other countries in Asia.
Education in Bhutan is aligned with the country’s overall development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasizes holistic development, integrating traditional knowledge with modern education practices.
Transportation
Transportation in Bhutan has improved significantly over the years, but the country’s mountainous terrain presents challenges in terms of connectivity. The primary mode of transportation within the country is by road, and the road network has been steadily expanding to link even the most remote areas. Major highways, such as the Lateral Road, connect key cities like Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing. However, many roads are narrow and winding, especially in the mountainous regions, making travel slower and more challenging during the monsoon season.
Public transportation is available in the form of buses and taxis, with the state-run Bhutan Post providing bus services to various parts of the country. In recent years, the government has been promoting electric vehicles as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
Bhutan has only one international airport, Paro International Airport, located in the Paro Valley. Paro is known for its challenging approach due to the surrounding mountains, and only a few pilots are certified to land there. The airport serves as the main gateway to Bhutan, with flights connecting to destinations such as India, Thailand, Nepal, and Singapore. Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, and Bhutan Airlines are the two main carriers operating out of Paro.
There are no railways or major waterways in Bhutan, given the country’s geography, so road and air travel remain the primary means of transportation.
Major Landmarks
Bhutan is a country steeped in tradition, spirituality, and natural beauty. It is home to many landmarks that reflect its rich cultural heritage, as well as its breathtaking landscapes. Some of the most significant landmarks in Bhutan include:
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): One of the most iconic landmarks in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest Monastery is perched on a cliffside in the Paro Valley, about 3,000 meters above sea level. The monastery is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Bhutan and a popular pilgrimage destination. Visitors must undertake a challenging hike to reach the monastery, but the views and spiritual significance make the journey worthwhile.
- Punakha Dzong: Often referred to as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful and historically significant dzongs (fortresses) in Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers, it served as the administrative center of Bhutan until the capital was moved to Thimphu. The dzong is still used for religious and ceremonial purposes today.
- Tashichho Dzong: Located in the capital city of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong serves as the seat of the government and the residence of the King of Bhutan. The dzong is an impressive example of traditional Bhutanese architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering a serene atmosphere.
- Bumthang Valley: Known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang Valley is home to some of the country’s most ancient temples and monasteries. The valley is a center of religious activity and is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, rivers, and forests.
- Dochula Pass: Situated at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, Dochula Pass offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas on clear days. The pass is famous for the 108 chortens (stupas) that were built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who died in battle. The area is also a popular stop for travelers on their way to Punakha.
- Phobjikha Valley: A glacial valley located in central Bhutan, Phobjikha is known for its stunning landscapes and is home to the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet during the winter months. The valley is also home to the Gangtey Monastery, a major center for Buddhist learning.
- National Memorial Chorten: Located in Thimphu, the National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a popular site for both locals and visitors, who come to circumambulate the chorten as part of their daily spiritual practice.
- Haa Valley: A lesser-known but equally beautiful valley, Haa is located near the western border with Tibet. The valley is famous for its pristine forests, traditional villages, and sacred sites, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers and trekkers.