According to the College Board, there are 1 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Botswana. 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 Botswana.
SAT Testing Centers in Botswana
BOTSWANA EXAM COUNCILS BLDG
2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Botswana
Students in Botswana planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year can expect multiple test dates, aligned with international schedules set by the College Board. The anticipated test dates are as follows:
- August 2025
- October 2025
- December 2025
- March 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
These dates may vary slightly, and students are advised to regularly check the College Board’s official website for updates. Early registration is recommended, as seats at test centers can fill up quickly, especially in cities like Gaborone, where demand is often higher.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Botswana
In Botswana, SAT fees follow the international pricing structure set by the College Board. As of 2024, the cost for taking the SAT without the essay is approximately $60. If students opt to take the SAT with the optional essay section, the total fee increases to around $88. Additional costs, such as late registration fees, test date changes, or additional score reports, may apply depending on the services required. Payment is typically made using internationally accepted credit cards or other online payment methods. It’s advisable to verify the exact costs on the College Board’s official website before completing registration.
How to Register for the SAT in Botswana
Registering for the SAT in Botswana is a straightforward online process via the College Board’s website. The following steps outline the registration process:
- Create a College Board Account: Students must first set up an account on the College Board website, which will be used to manage SAT registration, access scores, and handle other services.
- Select a Test Date and Location: After logging in, students should choose a suitable test date and select an available test center in Botswana. Centers are often located in major cities such as Gaborone.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in the necessary details, including personal information, academic background, and whether you will take the SAT with or without the essay.
- Pay the Fees: Submit the required payment using a valid credit card or another accepted payment method.
- Print Admission Ticket: After registration, students must print their admission ticket, which will be required on the day of the exam to gain entry to the test center.
Botswana Country Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 2.6 million (2024 estimate)
- Capital: Gaborone
- Largest Cities: Gaborone, Francistown, Molepolole, Maun, and Serowe
- Languages: English (official), Setswana (national language), various local languages
- Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2 Code: BW
- Alpha-3 Code: BWA
- Numeric Code: 072
Geography
According to Health Botswana, Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the south and southeast. The country covers an area of approximately 581,730 square kilometers, and its landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which occupies a large portion of its territory. Despite its dry environment, Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique wetland system, located in the northwest, supports a wide variety of wildlife and is a major draw for eco-tourists.
Botswana has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall is concentrated between November and March, but the amount varies across regions, with the northern areas receiving more rain than the arid southern parts.
Education
Botswana has made significant strides in education since gaining independence in 1966. The education system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, and literacy rates are high, at over 85%. The medium of instruction is English, though Setswana is widely spoken and taught in schools.
Primary education lasts seven years, followed by three years of junior secondary and two years of senior secondary school. Botswana offers both public and private schooling, with public education being free up to secondary school. Tertiary education is offered at institutions such as the University of Botswana and Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). The government also provides scholarships for students to pursue higher education both domestically and abroad.
In recent years, the government has focused on improving the quality of education by increasing access to technology, enhancing teacher training, and strengthening vocational training programs. Botswana’s education system is designed to produce graduates with the skills needed to contribute to the country’s growing economy, particularly in sectors like mining, tourism, and finance.
Transportation
Botswana has a well-developed transportation infrastructure that supports its growing economy. Road transport is the most common form of transportation in the country. Botswana has a network of tarred roads connecting major cities and towns, with key highways such as the A1 linking Gaborone in the south to Francistown and Maun in the north. Public transportation within cities mainly consists of minibusses and taxis, while long-distance buses connect larger towns.
Botswana’s rail network is operated by Botswana Railways, which provides passenger services between Gaborone and Francistown, as well as freight services across the country. The railway system is particularly important for transporting minerals, Botswana’s main export, to South Africa and other neighboring countries.
Air travel is vital for connecting remote parts of the country, especially for tourism to the Okavango Delta and other wildlife reserves. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone is the country’s largest airport, offering both domestic and international flights. Other airports include Maun International Airport, which is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and is heavily used by tourists. Kasane Airport serves travelers visiting Chobe National Park and the northern regions.
There are no major navigable rivers in Botswana, so waterways are not a significant mode of transportation. However, smaller watercraft are used in areas like the Okavango Delta for eco-tourism.
Major Landmarks
Botswana is known for its rich natural landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a major destination for eco-tourism. Some of the country’s most notable landmarks and attractions include:
- Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Okavango Delta is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. During the seasonal floods, the delta transforms into a lush oasis, attracting a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and a wide range of bird species. The delta is popular for safaris, both on land and by traditional mokoro canoes.
- Chobe National Park: Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population, which is one of the largest in Africa. The park offers riverboat safaris along the Chobe River, providing an up-close view of wildlife such as buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.
- Makgadikgadi Pans: One of the largest salt flats in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans are the remains of an ancient lake that once covered much of Botswana. The pans are a stark, otherworldly landscape that comes to life during the rainy season when migratory birds, including flamingos, flock to the area.
- Kalahari Desert: The Kalahari Desert spans much of central Botswana and is home to unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh desert conditions. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the second-largest game reserve in the world, offers a chance to see species such as oryx, springbok, and the famous Kalahari lions.
- Tsodilo Hills: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tsodilo Hills is an important cultural and archaeological site, known for its ancient rock art. The hills are considered sacred by the local San people, and the area contains over 4,500 rock paintings, some dating back thousands of years.
- Gaborone Game Reserve: Located within the capital city, this small reserve offers a convenient wildlife experience for visitors and residents of Gaborone. It is home to species such as zebra, wildebeest, and warthogs, and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
- Moremi Game Reserve: Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most scenic wildlife reserves in Africa. It combines dry land and wetlands, making it an excellent location for viewing diverse species, including leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of elephants.
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary: Located near the town of Serowe, this community-based conservation project is dedicated to protecting rhinos. The sanctuary is home to both black and white rhinos, which visitors can see on guided tours.