Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, does not have a large number of official SAT test centers. As of now, students wishing to take the SAT may need to travel to neighboring countries such as Senegal or The Gambia, where international SAT testing facilities are more readily available. Alternatively, it’s possible that a local international school or educational institution might host the SAT if there’s sufficient demand. Students are encouraged to frequently check the College Board’s official website to stay updated on the availability of SAT test centers in Guinea-Bissau or nearby locations.
List of 2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Guinea-Bissau
Although Guinea-Bissau currently has limited options for taking the SAT, students may still register for the exam in a nearby country. The following are expected SAT test dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- August 23, 2025
- October 4, 2025
- December 6, 2025
- March 7, 2026
- May 2, 2026
- June 6, 2026
These dates are aligned with the global SAT test schedule, and students are advised to plan well in advance if they need to travel to take the exam. The registration deadlines typically occur about one month before the test date.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Guinea-Bissau
For students from Guinea-Bissau registering to take the SAT, the fees align with the College Board’s international pricing. While the country itself may not have test centers, the costs involved in taking the SAT abroad, such as in Senegal or The Gambia, are as follows:
- Base SAT Fee: $60 (for the SAT without Essay)
- International Test Center Fee: $49
- Optional SAT with Essay Fee: +$16 (if available)
- Additional Fees:
- Late Registration: +$30
- Test Center or Date Change Fee: $25
Therefore, students from Guinea-Bissau can expect the total fee for taking the SAT to range from $109 to $155, depending on whether they choose optional services like the Essay or late registration.
How to Register for the SAT in Guinea-Bissau
Although Guinea-Bissau currently lacks a dedicated SAT test center, students can still register for the SAT and take the exam in nearby countries. Here’s how to register for the SAT:
- Create a College Board Account: Visit the College Board’s official website (collegeboard.org) and create an account. If you already have one, simply log in.
- Choose a Test Date and Center: Select a test date and a nearby SAT test center, such as one in Senegal or The Gambia. Make sure to check the availability of seats at your chosen center.
- Complete the Registration Form: Fill in your personal information, including your name, contact details, and academic history. Ensure the information matches your identification documents.
- Upload a Recent Photo: Upload a passport-sized photo that will be used for identity verification on test day.
- Pay the Required Fees: Use a valid credit card or other accepted payment methods to pay the registration fees, including international fees and any additional costs.
- Receive Confirmation: After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your admission ticket. Print this ticket and bring it with you to the test center on exam day.
It’s essential to register early, especially when traveling to test centers in neighboring countries, as seats can fill up quickly.
Guinea-Bissau Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 2.0 million (as of 2023)
- Capital: Bissau
- Largest Cities:
- Bissau
- Bafatá
- Gabú
- Canchungo
- Languages:
- Portuguese (official)
- Crioulo (widely spoken)
- Various African languages, including Balanta, Fula, and Mandinka.
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2: GW
- Alpha-3: GNB
- Numeric: 624
Geography
According to e Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Bissau is a small coastal country in West Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north, Guinea to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It covers approximately 36,125 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller nations on the African continent. The country is characterized by a low-lying terrain, with most of the landscape made up of coastal plains, mangroves, and swamps.
Key geographical features include:
- Bijagós Archipelago: A group of more than 80 islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, known for their biodiversity and cultural heritage.
- Rio Geba: The country’s main river, which flows through the capital, Bissau, and provides an important transportation route.
- Tropical Climate: Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
The country’s natural environment includes savannahs, forests, and coastal ecosystems that support a variety of plant and animal species.
Education
Guinea-Bissau’s education system faces significant challenges, including limited infrastructure, a lack of qualified teachers, and a high dropout rate. Education in Guinea-Bissau follows a structure similar to that of many other West African nations:
- Primary Education: Lasts for six years and is officially compulsory, though many children do not complete it due to economic pressures and the need to contribute to family income.
- Secondary Education: Follows primary education and lasts for six years, divided into two cycles of three years each. However, access to secondary education is limited, particularly in rural areas.
- Higher Education: The country’s only public university is the Universidade Amílcar Cabral, located in Bissau. Many students pursue higher education abroad, especially in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
The government, along with international organizations, is working to improve access to education, reduce gender disparities, and increase the quality of teaching and learning resources.
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure in Guinea-Bissau is underdeveloped, with many roads in poor condition and limited access to public transport in rural areas. However, there are several key modes of transportation within the country:
- Roads: The road network is largely unpaved and often becomes impassable during the rainy season. A limited number of paved roads connect major cities like Bissau, Bafatá, and Gabú.
- Air Travel: The main airport is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, which offers flights to regional destinations, including Senegal and Portugal. Domestic flights are rare due to the country’s small size.
- Waterways: Given the extensive river network, boats are a common means of transport, especially in the coastal and island regions. Ferries operate between the mainland and the Bijagós Archipelago.
- Public Transport: Public transportation within cities mainly consists of shared taxis and minibusses, known as “toca-tocas.” These are often overcrowded and unreliable but are an essential part of daily life for many people.
Efforts are being made to improve the transportation network, but progress is slow due to economic constraints and limited resources.
Major Landmarks
Guinea-Bissau is rich in culture and natural beauty, with several landmarks that reflect its history and biodiversity. Some of the major landmarks include:
- Fort of São José da Amura: Located in the capital city of Bissau, this fort dates back to the Portuguese colonial period and is a symbol of the country’s fight for independence. The fort also contains the mausoleum of Amílcar Cabral, the country’s foremost independence leader.
- Orango Islands National Park: Part of the Bijagós Archipelago, this national park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich marine life, including manatees, sea turtles, and saltwater hippos.
- Bissau Velho: The old quarter of Bissau, featuring colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets, offers a glimpse into the country’s colonial past and the blend of Portuguese and African cultures.
- Bolama Island: Once the capital of Portuguese Guinea, Bolama Island is now a quiet island with abandoned colonial buildings, attracting visitors interested in the country’s colonial history and scenic beauty.
- Cacheu River Mangroves Natural Park: A protected area that is home to various species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. It is an important site for conservation and eco-tourism.
These landmarks highlight the country’s mix of cultural history, wildlife, and natural beauty, making Guinea-Bissau an emerging destination for eco-tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Economy and Development
Guinea-Bissau is one of the world’s poorest countries, with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and cashew nut exports. The country faces challenges related to political instability, poverty, and underdevelopment, which have hindered its economic progress. Key agricultural products include rice, palm oil, and peanuts, with cashew nuts being the largest export.
Efforts are underway to diversify the economy and improve the standard of living, but progress is slow. International organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, continue to support Guinea-Bissau in its development goals, focusing on education, infrastructure, and sustainable development.