In this Complete Guide 2026, we will review how SAT-based scholarships operate, where to find SAT-based scholarships, requirements and eligibility, and how to prepare smartly, increasing your chance of success for SAT-based scholarships.
Studying abroad provides opportunities for a world-class education, access to a different culture, and opportunities for a world-class career. Still, the cost of attending college overseas (tuition, accommodation, and living expenses) can be daunting for many students. Fortunately, if you have a strong SAT score, this score provides access to various scholarships that make the cost of your dream to study abroad more reasonable.
Note: Scholarships are very competitive and are awarded solely to the best students achieving superior scores. The score, or other criteria, listed in this material are minimum eligibility requirements for applying and do not guarantee a scholarship. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements only means you are eligible for an award — final scholarships are contingent on overall merit, availability, and the specific selection criteria of each scholarship organization.
The Importance of SAT Scores for Scholarship Applications
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is regarded as one of the most valid standardized tests used by colleges and universities throughout the world, again, mostly in the U.S.
Universities and other institutions will often use SAT tests as a way of assessing academic merit and awarding scholarships to students. Here are a few reasons why SAT scores matter:
- Global Standardization – the SAT provides the methodology for evaluating students’ academic success that cannot be evaluated across several educational systems.
- Merit-based awards- large and small universities throughout the United States will automatically provide merit scholarships based on a student’s SAT score.
- Competitive advantage – having an SAT can provide strength to a student’s overall application for both admission and scholarship opportunities.
Types of SAT-Based Scholarships
Scholarships based on SAT qualifications generally fall into two primary types:
1. Automatic Merit Scholarships
This category involves universities automatically taking one’s SAT score into consideration in regards to merit scholarships. If you meet or exceed the SAT score, you would receive a specified merit amount of scholarship money without any further application on your part.
Example:
- University of Alabama offers automatic merit scholarships to international students based on specified levels of SAT scores.
2. Competitive or holistically-based scholarships
This category involves scholarship awarding based on SAT scores in addition to one’s overall academic performance, activities, and essays.
Example:
- Iowa State University offers merit scholarships to international students based on SAT/ACT scores and GPA.
Popular Universities Offering SAT-Based Scholarships (2025)
| University | Approx. SAT Requirement | Scholarship Name | Award Range (USD) |
| Baylor University | 1200+ | Academic Excellence Award | $3,000 – $15,000 per year |
| Texas Tech University | 1190–1400+ | Presidential Merit Scholarship | $4,000 – $9,000 per year |
| University of Alabama | 1280+ | International Freshman Automatic Merit Scholarship | Up to $28,000 per year |
| University of Missouri | 1300+ | International Merit Scholarship | Up to $20,000 per year |
| Iowa State University | 1250+ | International Merit Award | $2,000 – $10,000 per year |
Tip: Even if a university is test-optional, you can still bolster your scholarship consideration by having a competitive SAT score.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Each institution may have its own requirements; however, here are the common eligibility criteria for SAT-based scholarships.
- Strong SAT Score – For most mid to top-tier SAT-based scholarships, schools will want to see a score of 1300+, though some schools require only a score of 1200+.
- High GPA or Rank in Class – This area is important, as the SAT alone likely will not be enough. You need a solid score and results from the entire application process.
- English Proficiency – Non-native English speakers usually need to provide the institution with their TOEFL or IELTS scores for their application.
- Application Deadlines – Be sure to submit your scores and your application before their established deadlines (generally, before the admissions deadlines; however, be sure to follow the institution’s timeline).
- Extracurricular Experience – many schools prefer applications that have direct leadership experience, community service, or accomplishments, etc. Each of these variables contributes positively to your overall profile and contributes to the total.
When To Apply For SAT Scholarships
- 11th Grade: Start to prepare for the SAT and to research colleges that offer scholarships based on SAT scores.
- 12th Grade: In the fall, take the SAT or retake it, so that you have ample time to allow your score to be reported to your school, prior to scholarship deadlines.
- Before Scholarship Applications are Due: Lots of merit scholarships will have priority deadlines in the timeframe during which merit scholarship applications are due, so submit your applications early!
How to Improve Your Chances
- Break your SAT as necessary – It’s common for students to see an increase of 200 points by studying solely for the SAT.
- Strive for better than minimum cutoff – Scoring anywhere from 50-100 points over eligibility helps your chances of being selected.
- Investigate multiple colleges – Apply to various reach, match, and safety colleges, all of which give merit awards.
- Write an excellent personal statement – Even for automatic awards, writing an essay helps for other awards.
- Complete application for any of the other scholarships – the College Board Opportunity Scholarship, Fulbright, EducationUSA, etc., shortlist high-scoring students for scholarships, and some of those schools also offer scholarships for similar applicants.
Scholarships Outside the U.S.
Although the SAT is mainly utilized by universities in the United States, some universities overseas also consider SAT scores for scholarship purposes:
- University of Toronto (Canada) – Offers merit scholarships to very strong academic students who utilize SAT scores.
- Sydney University (Australia) – Very interested in standardized assessment excellence for a select number of entry awards.
- National University of Singapore (NUS) – Uses for scholarships and for consideration at some of the faculties.
Don’t make a mistake.
- Let scholarship deadlines pass without applying.
- Assuming that the SAT is considered at all schools.
- Underestimating GPA or extracurricular activities.
- Applying for your scholarships in one place—cast a wider net!
In Conclusion
There are some great scholarship opportunities for international students to reduce the cost of higher education abroad via the SAT. They can help lower tuition significantly if you have a strong GPA, a strong SAT score, and submit an application on time—some universities even fully fund international students!
How The Princeton Review Can Assist You
The SAT is a tough undertaking, but you don’t have to take it on yourself.
The Princeton Review has teacher-led SAT prep programs to help you obtain your best score and qualify for top scholarships.
They can provide:
- Custom SAT Prep: They provide personalized feedback, interactive classes, and full-length SAT practice tests to build students’ skills in a shorter timeframe.
- Time-saving test strategies from professionals: Test indicators that are helpful in working through the harder sections of the test.
- Guidance on College Admissions: You’ll have support on selecting universities that will give you scholarship opportunities and help you compile your stronger application.
- Tracking Your Progress: You have access to learning tools that have adaptive learning technology to help you monitor your progress and identify areas to work on.
The Princeton Review’s team of experts, flexible schedules, and guarantee improvement programs could lead to turning your performance on the SAT into scholarships.
Start your SAT scholarships journey with The Princeton Review!