SAT Fee Waiver 2025: Guide For International Students

9 min read

The SAT is crucial for Indian students who aspire to study at top universities abroad. However, the cost of taking the test can be a significant hurdle for many. Thankfully, the SAT Fee Waiver Programme offers eligible students the opportunity to reduce this financial burden, making it easier to take the exam and pursue higher education.

Each year, over a million students globally take the SAT, with Indian students representing around 25,000 of them. If you’re in Class XI or XII and meet the required criteria, you could qualify for the SAT Fee Waiver, making the process more affordable. 

SAT Fee Waiver 2025: Guide For International Students

This programme ensures that financial challenges don’t prevent students from demonstrating their academic potential.

Understanding how to apply for and qualify for the SAT Fee Waiver is the first step. Once you’ve cleared the cost barrier, you can focus on what truly matters and that is preparing for the SAT and shaping your academic future.

What Does the Fee Waiver Include?

The SAT Fee Waiver Programme helps you reduce the cost of taking the exam, covering not only the cost of taking the exam but also other valuable benefits. 

With more than 85 countries now accepting the SAT as a standardised test for admissions, this waiver becomes even more valuable.

You can use your SAT scores not just for international applications but also to secure a spot at top universities in India. Here’s a breakdown of what the SAT Fee Waiver includes.

What Does the Fee Waiver Include?
  • SAT Registration Fee Waiver for Indian Students: The primary benefit is the waiver of the exam registration fee, ensuring you don’t have to worry about the cost of sitting for the test.
  • Free SAT Score Reports: The programme also covers the cost of sending your SAT scores to universities, which can be especially useful when applying to multiple institutions.
  • College Application Fee Waivers: In some cases, students eligible for the SAT fee waiver may also qualify for a waiver of college application fees at certain institutions.
  • Eligibility for Additional Fee Waivers: You might also be eligible for further discounts, such as waivers for test-prep services.

SAT Fee Waiver for Indian Students

The SAT exam opens doors to top universities, but the cost of registration can be a concern for many students. 

The SAT Fee Waiver Programme or College Board India Scholars Program helps eligible Indian students afford the exam by reducing this burden.

If you’re in Class XI or XII and meet certain income requirements, you could try and meet the eligibility for SAT fee waiver. This will allow you to focus on your exam preparation rather than the cost.

SAT Fee Waiver 2025: Guide For International Students

Eligibility Criteria of SAT Fee Waiver for Indian Students

You can qualify if you meet the following eligibility for SAT fee waiver.

  • You live in India and are in Class XI or XII.
  • Your family income is within the following ranges as mentioned below.
    • Less than INR 8L
    • Between INR 8L and INR 15L

Eligible students will receive a voucher that can be redeemed during online registration.

Benefits of SAT Fee Waiver

The SAT Fee Waiver Programme offers several benefits, as mentioned below.

  • Significant Savings: It helps reduce the cost of the SAT registration.
  • Universal Access: All eligible students will receive the fee waiver.
  • Easy to Use: The voucher system makes it straightforward to apply and save.

This programme removes the financial barrier, allowing you to focus on preparing for the SAT and your academic goals. 

Now that you know about SAT fee waivers, learn about some major scholarships available for Indian students.

Major SAT Scholarships for Indian Students

While there is only one SAT fee waiver available for Indian students, there are several scholarship opportunities that can help reduce the financial load of studying abroad. 

These scholarships, offered by various organisations and universities, are designed to reward academic excellence and provide additional financial support. 

Here are some of the top SAT scholarships available for Indian students.

Scholarship NameAmount (Lumpsum)
APIA ScholarshipUSD 2.5K to USD 5K (INR 2.1L to INR 4.2L)
ISS – International Student ScholarshipUSD 1.5K to USD 3K (INR 1.3L to INR 2.5L)
The American Indian College Fund ScholarshipUp to USD 5K (INR 4.2L)
ACFE Foundation ScholarshipMaximum USD 10K (INR 8.5L)
The UNCF ScholarshipUp to USD 5K (INR 4.2L)
JAJ ScholarsUSD 1K to USD 2K (INR 85K to INR 1.7L)
The Boren Awards for International StudyUp to USD 20K (INR 17L)
The National Merit Scholarship CorporationMaximum USD 2.5K (INR 2.1L)  each year

Top University-Wise SAT Scholarships

Over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. accept SAT scores for admission, and many of these institutions offer SAT-based scholarships to help reduce the cost of your education. 

Depending on the university and the scholarship programme, these scholarships can provide partial or full funding. Here is a quick overview.

College/University NameSAT Score RequiredSAT Scholarship Amount (Lumpsum)
Colorado State University1130 to 1300+USD 5K to USD 10K (INR 4.2L to INR 8.5L)
Baylor University1200 to 1390+USD 3K to USD 15K (INR 2.5L to INR 12.7L)
Georgia University1200+USD 3K (INR 2.5L)
Texas Tech University1000 to 1600USD 1K to USD 9K (INR 85K to INR 7.6L)
University of Oregon1250USD 3K to USD 10K (INR 2.5L to INR 8.5L)
University of Mississippi1130USD 7K to USD 10K (INR 6L to INR 8.5L)
University of Missouri1200 to 1390USD 3K to USD 15K (INR 2.5L to INR 12.7L)
University of Nevada1130USD 7K to USD 11K (INR 6L to INR 9.3L)

Now, learn about the SAt fee waiver registration process.

SAT Fee Waiver Registration Process

Each year, the number of students enrolling in higher education rises, with 43.3 million students now enrolled—an increase of nearly 2 million in just one year. As competition for top university spots intensifies, standing out becomes essential. 

The SAT is a powerful way to showcase your potential and gain admission to top-tier colleges, both in India and abroad. However, the exam’s cost can be a barrier. The SAT Fee Waiver Programme offers a solution to help make this opportunity more affordable. Here’s how you can get started.

SAT Fee Waiver Registration Process

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin the registration, ensure that you meet the criteria. You must be in Class XI or XII and meet the specified family income requirements.

2. Get a Fee Waiver Code for the SAT

If you qualify, you will need to obtain a fee waiver code for the SAT. This can be done through your school or a recognised counsellor. They will provide you with the voucher that you’ll use during the registration process.

3. Register Online

When you’re ready to register for the SAT, go to the official SAT registration website. During the registration, enter your fee waiver voucher code when prompted. This will automatically apply the fee waiver to your registration.

4. Complete the Registration

Fill in all required details, including your personal information, test centre preferences, and test dates. Once your fee waiver is applied, proceed with the rest of the registration process.

How to Accept SAT Fee Waivers?

Once you’ve received your fee waiver and registered for the SAT, there’s no special step needed to “accept” the waiver itself. Simply complete the registration process with the voucher code, and the fee waiver will be applied automatically to your account.

The process is designed to be simple, ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of your academic aspirations. With the SAT Fee Waiver, you can focus on preparing for the test and planning your future without worrying about the exam costs.

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With expert tutors, personalised 1:1 classes, and mock tests, Leap ensures you’re fully prepared. The flexible program fits your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace over 3-8 weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Do Indian students get SAT Fee Waiver?

    Ans. Yes, Indian students in Class XI or XII can qualify for the SAT Fee Waiver if they meet specific income criteria. The fee waiver programme helps reduce the cost of the SAT exam, making it more accessible. This means you can take the SAT without worrying about the registration fee, allowing you to focus on your preparation.

  • Q. What is a fee waiver?

    Ans. A fee waiver is a programme that reduces or eliminates the cost of the SAT exam for eligible students. It is designed to make the exam more affordable for those facing financial constraints. With a fee waiver, you can take the SAT and send your scores to colleges without the added financial pressure.

  • Q. What are the benefits of fee waiver?

    Ans. The fee waiver includes significant savings on the SAT registration fee, free SAT score reports, and possible waivers on college application fees. It helps students focus on preparation without financial concerns. By receiving the waiver, you’re one step closer to accessing a world of academic opportunities.

  • Q. Can I give SAT exam for free?

    Ans. Yes, if you qualify for the SAT Fee Waiver, you can take the SAT exam for free or at a reduced cost, depending on your eligibility criteria and family income. This means you can focus on doing your best without worrying about exam fees getting in the way.

  • Q. How to ask for a SAT fee waiver?

    Ans. To request an SAT fee waiver, you need to check your eligibility and apply through your school or a recognised counsellor. They will provide you with a voucher for the waiver during the registration process. This process ensures that financial constraints don’t prevent you from taking the exam.

  • Q. How do I view my fee waiver benefits?

    Ans. You can view your fee waiver benefits by logging into your SAT account after registration. The benefits, such as waived fees for the exam and score reports, will be automatically applied once you enter your waiver voucher. This gives you full transparency on the benefits you’ve received.

  • Q. If I requested fee waivers benefits using the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form, how will I learn if I’ve been approved?

    Ans. Once you’ve submitted the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form, you’ll be notified if you’ve been approved. This notification will typically be sent to your registered email or can be checked in your SAT account. It’s always good to check your account regularly to confirm your waiver status.

  • Q. If I qualify for a fee waiver, are there any types of fees I still have to pay?

    Ans. While the fee waiver covers the SAT registration fee and score reports, some additional fees, such as for late registration or certain test centres, may still apply. Always check the details during registration to ensure you’re aware of any extra charges that might apply.

  • Q. Why can’t I access the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form?

    Ans. If you can’t access the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form, it may be due to technical issues or eligibility criteria not being met. Contact your school or a recognised counsellor for assistance in applying for the waiver, so you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.

  • Q. How much SAT score is required for a 100% scholarship?

    Ans. The SAT score required for a 100% scholarship varies by university and scholarship programme. Generally, the higher your SAT score, the better your chances of qualifying for full scholarships, especially at top universities that offer competitive financial aid packages.

  • Q. How difficult is the SAT for Indian students?

    Ans. The difficulty of the SAT for Indian students depends on your preparation. With the right study materials and consistent practice, it’s entirely possible to perform well and secure a competitive score. The more time and effort you put into preparation, the better your chances of succeeding.

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lalitha manjunath
Lalitha Manjunath

My 8-year long journey as a SAT trainer has been paved with considerable success, excellent feedback, and extremely satisfactory learning outcomes.

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