According to the College Board, there are 1 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Burkina Faso. 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 Burkina Faso.
SAT Testing Centers in Burkina Faso
INTL SCH OF OUAGADOUGOU
2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Burkina Faso
For students in Burkina Faso planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year, the College Board provides several test dates throughout the year. As with other international locations, Burkina Faso’s SAT dates will align with global schedules. The tentative SAT dates for 2025-2026 are as follows:
- August 2025
- October 2025
- December 2025
- March 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
It’s essential to confirm these dates on the College Board’s website, as they may be subject to slight adjustments. Students are also advised to register early to secure their desired test center and date.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, the SAT test-taking fees align with the College Board’s standard international pricing. As of 2024, the base cost for the SAT (without the optional essay) is approximately $60. If students choose to take the SAT with the optional essay section, the fee increases to around $88. Additional costs may apply for late registration, changing a test center, or requesting additional score reports to be sent to universities. Students can make payments via internationally accepted methods, such as credit or debit cards. It is essential to check the College Board website for the most current fee structure and payment methods.
How to Register for the SAT in Burkina Faso
Registering for the SAT in Burkina Faso involves an easy online process through the College Board’s official website. Below are the steps to follow:
- Create an Account: Start by creating a College Board account if you don’t already have one. This account will be used to manage your SAT registration, scores, and other College Board services.
- Choose a Test Date and Center: After logging in, select your preferred SAT test date and location from the available centers in Burkina Faso.
- Fill in the Application: Complete the registration form with your personal details, including academic background and test preference (with or without the essay).
- Submit Payment: Pay the necessary SAT fee using a valid credit card or other accepted payment methods.
- Print Admission Ticket: Once your registration is confirmed, print your SAT admission ticket. This document will be required to enter the test center on exam day.
It’s advisable to register several weeks ahead of the exam date to avoid any delays or issues with availability.
Burkina Faso Country Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 23 million (2024 estimate)
- Capital: Ouagadougou
- Largest Cities: Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, Banfora, and Ouahigouya
- Languages: French (official), with several national languages including Moore, Dioula, and Fulfulde
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2 Code: BF
- Alpha-3 Code: BFA
- Numeric Code: 854
Geography
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It shares borders with six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d’Ivoire to the southwest. The country’s landscape consists mainly of flat plains, with occasional hills in the southwest. Burkina Faso’s climate is tropical, with a rainy season from June to September and a dry season dominated by the harmattan winds from the Sahara. Agriculture is the backbone of Burkina Faso’s economy, with cotton being the main cash crop. The country faces periodic droughts, which impact food production and water resources.
Education
Education in Burkina Faso is divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. While efforts have been made to improve literacy rates and school enrollment, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to education is limited. French is the primary language of instruction, though local languages are used in some primary schools to bridge the language gap. In recent years, the government has invested in improving access to education and increasing the number of educational institutions. Higher education is available in Burkina Faso, with the University of Ouagadougou being the most prominent institution. However, many students seek higher education opportunities abroad, especially in neighboring countries or Europe.
Transportation
Transportation in Burkina Faso is a mix of road, air, and limited rail systems. The country has about 12,000 kilometers of roadways, though only a small percentage are paved. The primary highway links the capital, Ouagadougou, with other key cities such as Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou. Public buses and minibusses are common for intercity travel, while taxis and motorcycles (known as “motos”) are widely used for local transportation in cities. Burkina Faso has a small railway line that connects it with the port city of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, which is crucial for imports and exports.
Air travel is available via Ouagadougou International Airport, the country’s largest airport, offering flights to regional and international destinations. Bobo-Dioulasso Airport also serves domestic and some regional flights. There are no navigable rivers, so water transport is not a significant part of the transportation system.
Major Landmarks
Despite its challenging geography, Burkina Faso has several cultural and natural landmarks that are significant for both residents and tourists:
- Ouagadougou Cathedral: As one of the largest cathedrals in West Africa, Ouagadougou Cathedral is an iconic landmark of Burkina Faso. It reflects the country’s colonial history and Catholic influence.
- Laongo Sculpture Symposium: Located just outside Ouagadougou, Laongo is an outdoor art museum that showcases impressive granite sculptures created by artists from around the world. The open-air site blends art with the natural landscape.
- Arli National Park: Located in the southeastern part of Burkina Faso, Arli National Park is home to various wildlife, including elephants, hippos, lions, and a wide range of bird species. It’s a major site for eco-tourism and wildlife conservation.
- Banfora Waterfalls (Karfiguéla Falls): These stunning waterfalls, located near Banfora, are a popular tourist destination. The scenic beauty of the cascading water against the backdrop of lush greenery makes it a must-see location in Burkina Faso.
- Sindou Peaks: The Sindou Peaks are a series of stunning rock formations located near the town of Banfora. These ancient and weathered sandstone formations offer breathtaking views and are a popular site for hiking and photography.
- Ruins of Loropéni: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of Loropéni are a mysterious ancient settlement believed to have been a part of a trans-Saharan trade route. The stone walls of the ruins are remarkably well-preserved and attract historians and archaeologists interested in West African history.
- Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso: This centuries-old mosque, built in Sudanese architectural style, is a major religious and historical landmark in Burkina Faso. It serves as a central place of worship and a cultural symbol for the city of Bobo-Dioulasso.
- Nazinga Game Reserve: A major wildlife conservation area, Nazinga Game Reserve is located in the south of Burkina Faso and is home to a large elephant population, as well as other animals like antelopes, warthogs, and buffaloes. It is a popular spot for safaris and wildlife observation.