SAT Test Centers and Dates in Kazakhstan

topschoolsintheusa March 18, 2019

According to the College Board, there are 10 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Kazakhstan. 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 Kazakhstan.

SAT Testing Centers in Kazakhstan

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Kazakhstan

For students in Kazakhstan planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year, the following international test dates are available:

• August 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• March 2026
• May 2026
• June 2026

These dates follow the international SAT schedule, and students can confirm specific test dates and availability through the College Board website. SAT test centers in Kazakhstan are typically located in major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Early registration is advised due to the limited seating in these test centers.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Kazakhstan

The SAT test-taking fees in Kazakhstan align with the College Board’s international fee structure. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the fees include:

• SAT (without Essay): Approximately $60.
• SAT (with Essay): Around $85.
• International Registration Fee: An additional $43 is required for students registering in Kazakhstan.
• Late Registration Fee: $30 for registering after the deadline.
• Change Fee: A $25 fee applies for changes in the test date, center, or test type after registration.

Students may incur additional costs for extra score reports or rush services. For the most accurate and updated fee details, students should refer to the College Board’s official website.

How to Register for the SAT in Kazakhstan

Registering for the SAT in Kazakhstan is a simple online process. Follow these steps:

1. Create an Account: Visit the College Board website and create a student account if you do not already have one.
2. Select a Test Date: Choose a test date from the available SAT dates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
3. Find a Test Center: Select a test center in Kazakhstan, typically located in cities like Almaty or Nur-Sultan.
4. Pay the Fees: Complete the registration process by paying the required fees using a credit card or other accepted payment method.
5. Receive Confirmation: Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your admission ticket, which must be printed and brought to the test center on exam day.

Early registration is recommended, as test centers may have limited space.

Kazakhstan Country Overview

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 19.1 million (2024 estimate).
• Capital: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana).
• Largest Cities:
  • Almaty
  • Nur-Sultan
  • Shymkent
  • Karaganda
• Languages: Kazakh (official), Russian (official in some contexts).
• Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT).
• ISO Country Code: KZ (ISO 3166).

Geography

According to Get Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, located in Central Asia and partly in Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world.

The country’s vast landscape is characterized by steppes, deserts, mountains, and flat plains. The Kazakh Steppe, a large semi-arid grassland, covers much of the central and northern regions. In the south and east, Kazakhstan features the Tien Shan Mountains and Altai Mountains, home to some of the country’s highest peaks. The country also has significant water bodies, such as the Caspian Sea (to the west) and Lake Balkhash (to the east), which are essential to the country’s ecosystem.

Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The northern regions are especially cold in winter, while the southern and central areas are known for their hot, dry summers.

Education

Kazakhstan has made significant investments in its education system since gaining independence in 1991. Education is compulsory for children from ages 6 to 16, with the system divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The country follows a 12-year education system: four years of primary school, five years of lower secondary, and three years of upper secondary education.

The primary language of instruction is Kazakh, though Russian is also widely used in schools, especially in urban areas. English has become increasingly popular as a foreign language, particularly in international schools and higher education institutions. Nazarbayev University in Nur-Sultan, an institution that follows an American-style curriculum, offers courses in English and attracts students from across the region.

Higher education in Kazakhstan includes a variety of universities and technical colleges. In addition to Nazarbayev University, other notable institutions include Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty and Kazakh-British Technical University. These institutions offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, business, and medicine.

While Kazakhstan has made significant strides in improving access to education, challenges remain, including disparities in educational quality between urban and rural areas and the need for more vocational training programs. The government has also focused on modernizing the education system to align with international standards and promote innovation.

Transportation

Kazakhstan’s transportation infrastructure has expanded rapidly in recent years, thanks to its strategic location between Europe and Asia. The country’s extensive road, rail, and air networks connect its major cities and make it an important hub for regional trade and travel.

• Roads: Kazakhstan has a well-developed road network, with major highways linking cities like Nur-Sultan, Almaty, and Shymkent. The Western Europe-Western China Highway is a major transportation route that connects Kazakhstan with both Europe and China, facilitating trade and travel. In cities, public buses and taxis are the most common modes of transport, while cars are popular for long-distance travel.
• Railways: Kazakhstan’s railway system is one of the largest in the world, connecting major cities within the country and providing links to Russia, China, and Central Asian neighbors. The national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), runs both passenger and cargo services. High-speed trains, such as the Talgo, operate between Nur-Sultan and Almaty, reducing travel time between the two cities.
• Air Travel: Kazakhstan has several international airports, with Almaty International Airport and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport being the busiest. These airports offer flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, operates a wide range of domestic and international flights, making air travel the most efficient way to navigate the country’s vast distances.
• Public Transport: Public transportation in Kazakhstan’s cities includes buses, trolleys, and metro systems. Almaty is the only city with an operational metro system, which offers a clean and efficient mode of travel. In addition, taxis and ridesharing services like Yandex.Taxi are widely available in urban areas.
• Ports: Although Kazakhstan is landlocked, the Port of Aktau on the Caspian Sea serves as a crucial port for shipping goods to neighboring countries and beyond. It is an essential hub for the oil and gas industries and connects Kazakhstan with maritime trade routes.

Major Landmarks

Kazakhstan boasts a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, offering a variety of historical and modern landmarks that highlight the country’s history and development. Some of the most notable landmarks include:

• Bayterek Tower: Located in Nur-Sultan, the Bayterek Tower is one of the city’s most iconic symbols. Standing at 97 meters tall, the tower offers panoramic views of the city and represents Kazakhstan’s aspirations for growth and prosperity. It is also a popular tourist destination, with a viewing platform and exhibitions on Kazakh culture.
• Charyn Canyon: Often compared to the Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon is located in southeastern Kazakhstan, near the Tien Shan Mountains. The canyon is famous for its dramatic red rock formations and deep gorges. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and photography.
• Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is located in the city of Turkestan. This stunning 14th-century mausoleum was built to honor the famous Sufi mystic Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and is a prime example of Timurid architecture.
• Big Almaty Lake: Nestled in the mountains near Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is known for its pristine turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings. The lake is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography, offering stunning views of the snow-capped peaks.
• The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation: Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Nur-Sultan is a pyramid-shaped building that symbolizes unity and peace. The building hosts conferences, exhibitions, and concerts, and its unique architecture has made it a key landmark in the capital.
• Almaty Central Mosque: As one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan, the Almaty Central Mosque is a significant religious and cultural landmark. The mosque features stunning Islamic architecture and intricate designs, making it a must-see destination for visitors to Almaty.
• Tamgaly Petroglyphs: Located northwest of Almaty, the Tamgaly Petroglyphs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 5,000 rock carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. The petroglyphs depict animals, people, and religious symbols, offering a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s ancient history.