Each year, approximately 2 million students from around the globe take the SAT examination for the purpose of gaining acceptance into prestigious universities that are globally ranked. However, do you know the number of international students who attempt this test each year from each background? In this blog, we will analyze what the statistics state, as well as what trends exist behind the statistics, by country.
What is the SAT, and Why Does It Matter?
The SAT or the Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardized test that serves as a college entrance assessment primarily for undergraduate admissions at colleges in the United States, but recently it has begun to open doors to more than 60 countries worldwide. And with the most recent move to a digital SAT, it is easier than ever, especially at a center outside your home country
Number of Students Who Take the SAT Each Year
- Every year, the number of test takers is increasing
- In 2023, the number of participants was 1.91 million
- This number increased to 1.97 million in 2024.
- Also, the data suggests that every year the count of international participants increases, adding 100,000 more test takers every year.
Country-Wise Highlights:
The Big SAT Players -Let’s zoom into the key countries and their yearly participation:
| Country | SAT Test Takers per year | Key Trends |
| USA | ~1.87 million | Largest bulk; SAT is now taken mainly in schools, 68% tests are taken during the school day. |
| India | 25,000- 30,000 | Rapidly rising; more test centers and scholarships available. |
| China | ~20,000 – 25,000 | Growing slowly, Chinese students increasingly choose the SAT |
| South Korea | ~8,000 | Competitive market; Korean students value the SAT for admissions abroad |
| Canada | ~7,000 | Canadian universities increasingly recognize the SAT, boosting its popularity |
| Other Countries | 40,000 in total | Includes Singapore, Germany, UAE, UK, Australia, etc |
Numbers beyond the USA are estimated from recent College Board and education consultancy reports, reflecting a growing international trend.
Stories Behind the Stats: Why More Students are Taking SATs
India’s SAT Surge: Indian students now view the SAT not just as a ticket to American colleges, but to top Indian universities that accept SAT scores.
Chinese & Korean Aspirants: Students from China and Korea find the SAT less daunting compared to their local exams.
Rise in Female Participation: Female participation is increasing every year, filling up the gender gap in SAT participation. Around 5 years back, there were only 38% of female participants, but in 2024, there was a significant increase in female participation, with 41 % test takers being female.
SAT in International Student Life
Preparation: The availability of resources has changed the prep game completely. Easier prep options and platforms that are accessible yet affordable can help you prep and understand the exam from anywhere.
Test Centers: The number of international SAT centers has significantly increased. Now the test centers are present in over 170 countries, making the test centers accessible to international students.
Digital Transformation: The recent move to a digital-first SAT makes the testing experience more adaptive, quicker, and less stressful.
Key Takeaways
- The SAT is more than just a US-based test— the SAT is an opportunity for global education. The international participation is increasing, especially in India, China, and Korea—making it a truly worldwide gateway exam.
- The availability of free resources and digital tools that help in easy preparation for the SAT has made this exam more accessible for students from every corner and background of the world.
- Although with the test-optional policy, the stats for the number of applicants might seem stable.
Final Thoughts
The SAT is now known on an international level and is making higher education more accessible in international-level universities for students around the globe. Every year, the number of students taking this test is increasing, suggesting an increase in awareness and competition as well. Every student taking the SAT reflects their high ambitions and struggles to get to college through their high scores.
How can The Princeton Review help International students?
Having worked with students from Singapore, India, China, and all over Asia for many years, The Princeton Review understands how to guide international test-takers with confidence at all stages of the SAT process.
Here’s how we offer help:
1. Expert Tutors Who Know the Global Curriculum
Our experts with high experience understand the curriculum really well and can offer the best guidance for the SAT prep.
2. Digital SAT-Focused Practice
We provide full-length practice tests that mimic the actual digital test. These practice tests help you understand the exam pattern and make you adaptive to the tools.
3. Personalized Study Plan
Each student is different in school schedule, strengths, and desired score. The Princeton Review builds personalized study plans that align with student schedules to ensure effective prep without burnout.
4. Strategy-Based Coaching
The experts offer the best strategies tailored to your weaknesses and strengths. They also help you with the skill developments like critical thinking and time management that help to approach the test the right way.
5. Guidance to Global Universities
Having a high score is just one piece of the puzzle — knowing where your SAT score is accepted is useful.