Test Prep
May 5
Is The SAT Required To study In Europe?
Important tips for Top Applicants
Summary
If you're a student thinking about studying in Europe for your undergraduate degree, you might not realize that some European universities also require or accept the SAT. So let’s break it down: what is the SAT, is it really required in Europe, how can it strengthen your application, and which programs might expect or recommend it?
Studying in Europe: Understanding SAT Requirements
If you are planning on applying to a European university, there's one main piece of information that you should always keep in mind: each university will have their own requirements and even their own entrance exam, that means that nothing is a general rule, so let's dive into some details.
The SAT is commonly associated with American universities. But it is actually an international test and many European Universities accept and/or recommend the SAT as an entrance exam. The SAT is a test composed of two sections:
— The Reading and Writing section,
— The Math section, and most of the questions on the test are multiple choice.
The SAT is offered several times per year, and students are encouraged to take it during their second-to-last or final year of high school, but if you're already working with Crimson, your strategist will be able to help you decide when is the best time for you to take the SAT.
Most European universities accept recent scores, so planning ahead is key to meeting deadlines. If you're applying to programs particularly in business, engineering, international relations, architecture, the SAT may be required.
But, you might be asking yourself, if that is a good or a bad thing that you might have to take the SAT exam. Well, that depends, some students easily adapt to the SAT test format, maybe because they already come from an international school for example, but others have a hard time adapting to it, the good news is, a lot of European schools also have their on entrance exam that can be used as an alternative - but that is a topic for another conversation.
Countries and programs where the SAT may be needed
Many universities in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Ireland, France, and Spain accept SAT scores. These institutions often use standardized tests to evaluate students from different education systems.
Italy
More and more international students are becoming interested in Italian universities. Bocconi University (ranked #7 in QS WUR Ranking in 2025) not only accepts the SAT, it carries significant weight in the admissions process.
In fact, 55% of your application evaluation is based on your SAT score, while the remaining 45% comes from your academic performance in the second-to-last and third-to-last years of high school. Bocconi also has their own admission test, which can be a very interesting alternative for students that do not identify with the SAT test format.
Spain
Spain has always been a top destination for international students. The country boasts significant economic opportunities and great quality of life. In Spain, IE university has risen in popularity worldwide.
The university accepts the SAT as their entrance exam with a minimum requirement of 1200 (important note: this doesn't mean that if you have a 1200 score you'll be accepted. Rather, this score is the minimum score you need to be considered). As an alternative to the SAT, IE university also has their own admission exam and also accepts ACT or LNAT for Law school applications.
Can the SAT strengthen your European university application?
Even when not required, a strong SAT score can enhance your academic profile, especially in competitive programs or when your high school grades alone may not stand out. That is because the SAT measures essential skills like critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and these competencies that are universally valued in higher education.
Some European universities might also accept the SAT as a proof of your level of maths, some universities will require students to take an extra mathematics exam to prove their level, and some will accept the SAT score as a proof.
While the SAT isn’t a universal requirement in Europe, it can be either necessary or highly beneficial for you as a student depending on the institution. If you're aiming for competitive international programs or top-ranked universities, preparing for the SAT could significantly improve your application and broaden your options across Europe.
