
The SAT is a globally recognised test used by colleges around the world to assess students' academic skills and knowledge. The test can be taken in March, May, June, August, October, and December, and it costs money to register and take it. However, SAT fee waivers are available for students facing financial difficulties, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations. To be eligible for a fee waiver, students must meet specific family income criteria or be enrolled in a low-income student program. International students can qualify for an SAT fee waiver if they reside and test in the United States or its territories. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how international students can obtain an SAT fee waiver, covering eligibility criteria, the application process, and the benefits of applying for a waiver.
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What You'll Learn

Eligibility criteria for international students
The SAT is a globally recognised test that measures students' academic skills and knowledge. It is a standardised test accepted by universities worldwide. If you are an international student facing financial difficulties, you can qualify for an SAT fee waiver. This waiver is designed to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your academic aspirations.
To be eligible for the SAT fee waiver as an international student, you must meet the specified family income criteria and reside and test in the United States or its territories. Outside of the US, only US citizens are eligible for a fee waiver.
You can qualify for a fee waiver if you are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or a similar free or reduced-price school lunch program. Your family's annual income must fall within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.
Additionally, if you are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families, you can qualify for a fee waiver. For example, this could include TRIO programs like Upward Bound. If your family receives public assistance, if you are unhoused or reside in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or if you are an orphan or a ward of the state, you are also eligible for a fee waiver.
It is important to note that providing false information about your eligibility for a fee waiver may result in consequences such as a ban on your College Board student account and the cancellation of your scores. Therefore, be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria and provide accurate information when applying for an SAT fee waiver.
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Fee waiver code
If you are an international student and meet the eligibility criteria, you can request an SAT fee waiver code. This code allows you to take the SAT for free and access other benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be a low-income 11th or 12th-grade student living in the United States or its territories, or a US citizen living abroad. You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Enrolled in or eligible for the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Your family's annual income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- Enrolled in a federal, state, or local program supporting low-income students, such as TRIO Upward Bound.
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You are unhoused or reside in federally subsidized housing or a foster home.
Requesting a Fee Waiver Code
To request a fee waiver code, you can either contact your school counselor or request a fee waiver directly from the College Board.
If you choose to request a fee waiver from the College Board, you must review the eligibility criteria and read the Fee Waiver: Student Self-Identification resource. It is important to submit your request early, at least 1-2 weeks before the registration deadline. You will also need to provide the contact information of an adult who can verify your eligibility.
If you are homeschooled, you can enter AI 970000 as your school on your My SAT profile and request a fee waiver from the College Board. Alternatively, you may contact a local high school counselor and provide proof of your eligibility, such as tax records or enrolment in an aid program.
It is important to note that providing false information about your eligibility may result in consequences, including a ban on your College Board student account and the cancellation of your scores.
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SAT registration fee waiver
The SAT is a globally recognised test that measures students' academic skills and knowledge. It covers three areas of study: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The test is offered in March, May, June, August, October, and December, and the highest possible score is 1600. While the SAT is a standardised test, its registration fee may pose a financial burden for some students, especially those from low-income families.
To address this, SAT fee waivers are available for eligible students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations. If you are an international student facing financial difficulties, you may qualify for an SAT fee waiver. However, it's important to note that outside of the United States, only U.S. citizens are eligible for fee waivers.
- Check your eligibility: Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for the SAT fee waiver. This typically includes participation in low-income student programs, homelessness or residence in government-funded housing, or being an orphan or a ward of the state. Family income and size are also considered.
- Talk to your school counsellor: Discuss your intention to apply for the SAT fee waiver with your school counsellor. They will guide you through the process and help you with the necessary paperwork.
- Obtain the fee waiver code: Your school counsellor can provide you with the SAT fee waiver code. Alternatively, if you are homeschooled, you can request a fee waiver directly from the College Board.
- Register for the SAT: During registration, enter the fee waiver code provided by your counsellor or the College Board. Then, choose your preferred SAT date and testing centre location.
- Provide required information: Complete your registration by providing all the necessary personal and high school information.
By following these steps, you can obtain an SAT registration fee waiver, alleviating the financial burden associated with the exam and bringing you one step closer to achieving your academic goals.
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Low-income student programs
Eligibility for Fee Waivers:
To be eligible for an SAT fee waiver, students must meet specific criteria. Low-income 11th and 12th-grade students living in the United States, its territories, or abroad as US citizens can qualify. Eligibility is determined by factors such as participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), family income guidelines, enrollment in programs aiding low-income families, receipt of public assistance, or residence in subsidized housing or a foster home.
Applying for a Fee Waiver:
Eligible students can take advantage of fee waivers by obtaining a code from their school counselor or requesting a waiver directly from the College Board. It is recommended to initiate the process early and be prepared to provide contact information for an adult who can verify eligibility.
TRIO Programs:
TRIO programs, including Upward Bound and Talent Search, are specifically designed to assist low-income and first-generation college-bound students. These programs offer ACT/SAT tutoring, study sessions, academic advising, and support with college readiness. They provide free or subsidized test registration fees, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder a student's ability to take the SAT.
Additional Resources:
Various other resources are available to support low-income students in preparing for the SAT. Title I funding supports schools with high percentages of low-income students by providing test prep materials, running after-school programs, and covering registration fees. GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program that increases college readiness among low-income students from middle school through high school. Nonprofit organizations like College Possible provide free test prep and mentoring for low-income students, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all test-takers.
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Benefits of SAT fee waivers
SAT fee waivers are available to low-income 11th and 12th-grade students in the US or US territories, as well as US citizens living abroad. Eligibility criteria include being enrolled in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP), having a family income that meets the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, or being enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that supports low-income students.
The benefits of SAT fee waivers include:
- Financial assistance: The most obvious benefit is that eligible students can take the SAT for free, which can be a significant cost saving.
- Additional resources: Fee waivers may also provide access to other benefits and resources to support the college application process.
- Equal opportunity: By offering fee waivers, the SAT becomes more accessible to students from low-income backgrounds, providing equal opportunities for all students regardless of financial status.
- No regional fees: Students who qualify for a fee waiver are exempt from non-US regional fees for free tests, making it more affordable for international students to take the SAT.
- Support for homeschooled students: Homeschooled students can request a fee waiver directly from the College Board, ensuring that they receive the same benefits as students in traditional school settings.
It is important to note that providing false information about eligibility for a fee waiver can result in consequences, including a ban on College Board assessments and the cancellation of scores. Therefore, students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and provide accurate information when applying for a fee waiver.
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Frequently asked questions
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardised test that is widely accepted by universities worldwide. It measures students' academic skills and knowledge and consists of three areas of study: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
SAT fee waivers are available to low-income students facing financial difficulties. Nationals of countries other than the United States are eligible only if they reside and test in the United States or its territories. Outside of the U.S., only U.S. citizens are eligible.
To be eligible for an SAT fee waiver, you must meet specific family income criteria. This includes participation in a free or reduced-price school lunch program, being enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids low-income families, or being homeless or living in government-funded housing.
First, confirm your eligibility for the SAT fee waiver. Then, inform your school counsellor about your wish to apply for the waiver, and they will guide you through the process and help you with the paperwork. You can also request a fee waiver directly from the College Board.
The most immediate benefit of the SAT fee waiver is the waiver of the SAT registration fee, which saves you the full cost of the exam. This helps to reduce the financial burden and ensures that financial barriers do not stand in the way of students' academic aspirations.





























