SAT Test Centers and Dates in Tonga

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Tonga

Students in Tonga who are planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year will have several dates to choose from. The SAT is generally offered on the following dates:

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

Since Tonga may have limited SAT test centers, students are advised to confirm the availability of test centers and seats through the College Board’s official website. Early registration is highly recommended to secure a place for the desired test date, especially during peak periods when demand is higher.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Tonga

The fees for taking the SAT in Tonga follow the College Board’s international pricing structure. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the fees are as follows:

• SAT (without Essay): $60.50
• SAT (with Essay): $85.50
• SAT Subject Tests: $26 per subject

Additional fees include:

• Late Registration Fee: $30
• Test Date or Test Center Change Fee: $30
• International Registration Fee (Tonga): $49

Fee waivers may be available for students who meet specific financial criteria. Students can check with their school counselors or the College Board website for more information on how to apply for financial assistance.

How to Register for the SAT in Tonga

Registering for the SAT in Tonga is an easy, online process that can be completed through the College Board’s official platform. Follow these steps:

1. Create a College Board Account: Visit www.collegeboard.org to create an account. This account is necessary for managing SAT registration, viewing scores, and sending score reports to colleges.
2. Select a Test Date and Center: Once logged in, select a preferred test date and check for available test centers in Tonga. Be sure to verify that your chosen center is open on your selected date.
3. Complete Payment: Pay the registration fees online using a credit or debit card. Ensure that you account for the international registration fee that applies to test takers in Tonga.
4. Print Your Admission Ticket: After completing the registration, print your admission ticket, which must be brought to the test center on the exam day along with a valid photo ID.

Early registration is recommended to avoid late fees and ensure a seat at the desired test center.

Tonga Country Overview

Country Facts about Tonga

• Population: Approximately 106,000 (2024 estimate)
• Capital: Nukuʻalofa
• Largest Cities: Nukuʻalofa, Neiafu, Haveluloto, Vaini
• Languages: Tongan (official), English (official)
• Currency: Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
• ISO Country Codes: TO (Alpha-2), TON (Alpha-3), 776 (Numeric)

Geography of Tonga

Tonga is an archipelago located in the South Pacific, comprising 169 islands, of which only 36 are inhabited. The country is spread over 700,000 square kilometers (270,000 square miles) of ocean but has a total land area of just 747 square kilometers (288 square miles). Tonga’s islands are divided into four main groups: Tongatapu, Haʻapai, Vavaʻu, and the Niuas. The islands vary in geological composition, with some being coral atolls and others of volcanic origin.

The largest island is Tongatapu, where the capital, Nukuʻalofa, is located. The island is relatively flat, with fertile soil and coastal areas surrounded by coral reefs. The Vavaʻu Islands, known for their limestone cliffs and clear waters, are a popular destination for sailing and whale watching.

Tonga experiences a tropical climate with a warm season from December to April and a cooler, drier season from May to November. The islands are subject to tropical cyclones, particularly during the wet season.

Education in Tonga

Tonga’s education system is based on a British model and places a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with education being a priority for the government. The country has a well-developed education system that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

1. Primary and Secondary Education: Education is compulsory and free for children aged 6 to 14, covering both primary and early secondary education. Primary school lasts for six years, and students then attend secondary school for an additional six years. At the end of secondary education, students take the Tonga School Certificate or Pacific Secondary School Certificate, which is necessary for further education.
2. Tertiary Education: Tonga has limited tertiary education institutions within the country, but students often pursue higher education at regional institutions, such as the University of the South Pacific (USP), which has a campus in Tonga. Other students study abroad in New Zealand, Australia, or Fiji to earn degrees in various disciplines.
3. Vocational and Technical Education: The government is working to enhance vocational training through institutions like the Tupou Tertiary Institute and technical colleges. These programs focus on providing students with practical skills in fields such as construction, agriculture, and tourism.

Tonga’s education system is highly respected, and the literacy rate in the country is above 98%, which reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education for all citizens.

Transportation in Tonga

Tonga has a developing transportation network that connects its islands through roads, ferries, and air services. Given the country’s island geography, both maritime and air transportation are critical for moving goods and people between islands.

• Roads and Highways: Tongatapu, the main island, has the most developed road network, with paved roads connecting key areas like Nukuʻalofa, the capital. Other islands have more limited road infrastructure, but local buses and taxis provide transportation in urban areas. Traffic drives on the left side of the road, following British conventions.
• Ferry Services: Given that many of Tonga’s islands are separated by ocean, ferries are a common means of transportation between the island groups. The MV Tongiaki and other inter-island ferries connect major islands such as Tongatapu, Vavaʻu, and Haʻapai, carrying both passengers and cargo.
• Airports: Tonga has two main airports: Fuaʻamotu International Airport on Tongatapu and Vavaʻu International Airport on the island of Vavaʻu. Fuaʻamotu International Airport handles international flights to destinations like New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. Domestic flights between the islands are operated by local carriers, facilitating quick travel across the archipelago.
• Ports: The Port of Nukuʻalofa is Tonga’s main seaport, handling both cargo and passenger ships. It is a key hub for importing goods and connecting Tonga with other Pacific nations.

Major Landmarks and Attractions in Tonga

1. Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon: Located on Tongatapu, the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui is an ancient stone trilithon believed to have been built in the 13th century. It is often referred to as the “Stonehenge of the Pacific” and is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Tonga, symbolizing the ancient power and unity of the Tongan kingdom.
2. Royal Palace: The Royal Palace in Nukuʻalofa is the official residence of the King of Tonga. Built in 1867, this wooden structure is an important symbol of Tonga’s monarchy and is one of the few remaining monarchies in the Pacific. While the palace is not open to the public, it can be viewed from the outside.
3. Mapu ʻa Vaea Blowholes: Located along the southern coast of Tongatapu, the Mapu ʻa Vaea Blowholes are a natural phenomenon where ocean waves forcefully shoot water through the reef’s blowholes, creating spectacular fountains of water that can reach up to 30 meters (100 feet) in height.
4. Vavaʻu Islands: The Vavaʻu Islands are renowned for their stunning marine environment and crystal-clear waters, making them a popular destination for sailing, snorkeling, and whale watching. The islands are a haven for humpback whales, which migrate to the region from July to October for breeding and calving.
5. ʻEua National Park: Located on the island of ʻEua, Tonga’s first national park offers visitors a chance to explore lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and deep caves. The island is ideal for hiking, bird watching, and exploring natural landscapes, and it’s home to Tonga’s largest population of native birds.
6. Talamahu Market: Located in Nukuʻalofa, the Talamahu Market is the main market of Tonga’s capital, where locals sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional goods. It’s a great place to experience Tongan culture, try local foods, and purchase souvenirs.
7. Langi Tombs: The Langi Tombs in Muʻa, Tongatapu, are ancient royal burial mounds that reflect Tonga’s rich history and its once-powerful monarchy. These massive stone structures were built for the burial of Tongan kings and serve as important cultural and historical landmarks.

Economy of Tonga

Tonga’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, tourism, and remittances from Tongans living abroad. Although the country faces challenges related to its small size and isolation, it has found ways to capitalize on its natural resources and strong cultural ties to the Pacific region.

• Agriculture: Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, with crops such as coconuts, vanilla, taro, and bananas playing key roles in both domestic consumption and export. The agricultural sector also includes the farming of livestock such as pigs and poultry.
• Fishing: Fishing is another important sector for Tonga’s economy. The country’s rich marine resources provide employment and export revenue, with fish, particularly tuna, being exported to international markets. Small-scale fishing is also important for local livelihoods.
• Tourism: Tourism is a growing industry in Tonga, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique culture. Whale watching, diving, and cultural tours are popular activities for tourists, particularly in the Vavaʻu and Haʻapai island groups. However, tourism development is constrained by the country’s limited infrastructure.
• Remittances: A significant portion of Tonga’s income comes from remittances sent by Tongans living abroad, particularly in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. These remittances help support the local economy and improve living standards for many families.
• Renewable Energy: Tonga is increasingly investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The government has set ambitious goals to transition to 50% renewable energy by 2025 as part of its sustainable development strategy.