SAT quick facts for Pakistani students
The SAT is a digital, 2 hour 14 minute test of reading, writing and math, scored from 400 to 1600. It is run by College Board in the US and accepted by universities worldwide, including LUMS and NUST in Pakistan.
| Cost in Pakistan | US$111 ($68 registration + $43 international fee) |
|---|---|
| Format | Digital only, taken in the Bluebook app at a test center |
| Sections | Reading and Writing (64 min, 54 questions), Math (70 min, 44 questions) |
| Total time | 2 hours 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break |
| Score range | 400–1600 (200–800 per section) |
| Calculator | Allowed for all of Math; Desmos is built into the app |
| Results | About 2 weeks after the test |
| Attempts | No limit; many universities consider your best scores |
| Main cities with centers | Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad (verify before registering) |
How the digital SAT works
Each section is split into two modules. Your score on the first module decides whether the second module is easier or harder. Doing well early unlocks the harder Module 2, and only the harder module leads to top scores.
SAT test dates 2026–27 in Pakistan
International students, including those in Pakistan, follow the same weekend schedule as the US, except the August date, which is US-only. Not every center offers every date, so confirm your center when you register.
| Test date | Regular deadline | Late / changes | Scores | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | Closed | Sep 22, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | Registration closed |
| Sat, Nov 7, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | Open |
| Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | See College Board | See College Board | Dec 18, 2026 | Open |
| Sat, Mar 6, 2027 | See College Board | See College Board | About 2 weeks later | Upcoming |
| Sat, May 1, 2027 | See College Board | See College Board | About 2 weeks later | Upcoming |
| Sat, Jun 5, 2027 | See College Board | See College Board | About 2 weeks later | Upcoming |
SAT fee in Pakistan
You pay in US dollars with a card that works for international online payments. The rupee amount on your bank statement depends on the exchange rate and your bank's charges.
| Fee | Amount (USD) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $68 | Every student, every attempt |
| International fee | $43 | Every student testing outside the US |
| Standard total | $111 | What most Pakistani students pay |
| Late registration | $38 | Registering after the regular deadline |
| Change date or center | $34 | Any change after registering |
| Test center fee | Varies | Charged by some centers only |
SAT fee in rupees today
Enter today's dollar rate from your bank to see what you will actually pay.
SAT test centers in Pakistan
SAT test centers (centres) in Pakistan are mainly in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, usually hosted by international schools. Seats are limited and fill quickly, and centers are sometimes added or suspended.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa students usually travel to Islamabad if no nearer center is listed for their date.
- Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan students usually test in Karachi or Islamabad.
- Plan the trip: check-in starts early in the morning, so arriving the day before is safer if you travel far.
How to register for the SAT from Pakistan
- Create a College Board accountUse your name exactly as it appears on your ID and on your university applications. A mismatch can stop your scores from matching your application.
- Choose a date and test centerPick the date first, then check which centers in your city still have seats.
- Upload a photoA clear, recent photo of your face. It appears on your admission ticket.
- Pay US$111Use a debit or credit card enabled for international payments.
- Choose where to send scoresAdd universities now if you know them, for example LUMS (code 0513) or NUST (code 2790).
- Set up BluebookInstall the Bluebook app on your laptop or tablet, complete the practice test, and download your admission ticket before test day. If you need to borrow a device, request one at least 30 days before the test.
Which Pakistani universities accept the SAT?
The two universities where the SAT matters most for Pakistani students are LUMS and NUST. Always confirm current requirements on the university's own admissions page before applying. For scores abroad, see SAT score requirements; for full financial aid, see SAT scholarships.
LUMS (Lahore University of Management Sciences)
- SAT required for
- Business (SDSB), Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS), Law (SAHSOL). SAT, ACT or LCAT accepted.
- Minimum score
- None officially set
- SAT score code
- 0513
- Good to know
- LUMS asks for scores from all attempts. Law applicants also take the Law Admission Test.
NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology)
- SAT route
- Separate SAT/ACT application for national and international seats
- How it's weighted
- National seats: SAT replaces the NUST Entry Test (NET) weightage. International seats: SAT counts 100%.
- SAT score code
- 2790
- Score validity
- 2 years
- Deadline pattern
- Scores had to reach NUST by July 25 for the 2026 intake. Expect a similar date for 2027.
Studying abroad? The SAT is used by universities in the US and many other countries, and a strong score can support merit scholarship applications.
How to prepare for the SAT in Pakistan
Most students need 2–4 months of regular practice. Start with a full timed practice test to find your level, then work on your weakest skills, and finish with several full-length adaptive practice tests.
Free official practice
Take College Board's full-length practice tests in the Bluebook app. They are the closest thing to the real exam. Khan Academy, College Board's official partner, has free lessons and practice questions for every skill.
Tayarri SAT practice
Free, step-by-step SAT practice built for Pakistani students: a diagnostic test, 29 skills with Urdu explanations, full-length adaptive practice tests, and practice that tracks your mistakes until they stop repeating.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the SAT cost in Pakistan?
The SAT costs US$111 for students in Pakistan: a $68 registration fee plus a $43 international fee. Late registration adds $38 and changing your test date or center costs $34. Some test centers charge an extra center fee. The fee is paid in US dollars by card, so the rupee amount depends on the exchange rate.
When is the next SAT in Pakistan?
The remaining 2026 international SAT dates are November 7 and December 5, 2026, followed by March 6, May 1 and June 5, 2027. For November 7, the regular registration deadline is October 23 and the late registration deadline is October 27, 2026.
Where can I take the SAT in Pakistan?
SAT test centers in Pakistan are mainly in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Seats are limited and the list changes, so check College Board's Find Test Centers tool before registering. Students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa usually test in Islamabad if no nearer center is listed.
Does LUMS accept the SAT?
Yes. LUMS requires the SAT, ACT or its own LCAT for the Suleman Dawood School of Business, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Law. LUMS states there is no minimum SAT score. The SAT code for sending scores to LUMS is 0513.
Does NUST accept the SAT?
Yes. NUST has SAT/ACT-based seats in national and international categories through a separate application form. For national candidates the SAT score replaces the NUST Entry Test weightage. The SAT code for NUST is 2790, and scores are valid for two years.
Is the SAT on paper or computer in Pakistan?
The SAT is fully digital. You take it at a test center on a laptop or tablet using College Board's Bluebook app. It has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, and is scored from 400 to 1600.
How long does it take to get SAT results?
SAT scores are released about two weeks after the test. For example, scores from the November 7, 2026 SAT are released on November 20, 2026.