SAT Scholarships 2026: Eligibility, Documents Required, List of Colleges

SAT scholarships are usually offered to those who have scored well on the SAT exam. Various countries abroad accept SAT scores and consequently offer SAT scholarships to study in USA, UK, and Canada. SAT exam scholarships range from USD 2,500 to 28,000 annually. Check out everything about SAT scholarships here. 

SAT is a widely accepted standardised test score for undergraduate admissions abroad and in India. Students who wish to study abroad should have an aim SAT score of roughly 1200 or above in order to get SAT scholarship. To study abroad, SAT scholarships are limited and are awarded to academically excellent students with SAT scores in a pool of competitive applications. Getting a scholarship based on SAT score is tough, but with a well-rounded application and a competitive score, it is possible.

To qualify for SAT scholarships at top universities, an average score of 1300 or above is generally required on average. But requirements will vary based on course, university and country. There are instances where many universities have opted to become test-optional, which means their SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory for undergraduate admissions. Thus, there are SAT scholarships for Indian students who do not submit their SAT scores. Check out the article for all major details on SAT scholarships for international students.

What are SAT Scholarships?

The SAT scholarship is funding offered to international students, domestic students, or both for their exceptional performance on the SAT exam. Those with a competitive SAT score compared to other applicants received at the university are offered an SAT-based scholarship. Universities may not consider SAT scores as the sole indicator for offering an SAT scholarship; rather, the eligibility criteria for SAT scholarships will be considered with other key factors like GPA (use a manual, free GPA calculator). Universities, countries of origin, countries of study, and external fundraisers offer scholarships for the SAT exam. There are different types of SAT scholarships, and a different name denotes each. Check them out below. 

Are SAT Scholarships Offered to Indian Students Abroad?

Yes, but indirectly. The College Board doesn't award scholarships to Indian students directly, but many US universities factor SAT scores into merit aid decisions. Purdue's Trustees Scholarship and Arizona State's Global Excellence Award are examples. A strong score (1450+) improves both admission odds and award size. Some Indian universities accepting SAT also offer score-linked fee waivers.

Type of SAT Scholarships Offered Abroad

Various types of scholarships are offered while keeping the students' needs in mind. But the SAT based scholarship will always include the scoring factor before applicants get them. The different types of scholarships offered are as follows:

SAT scholarships are widely offered across undergraduate courses abroad. In some cases, applicants are automatically selected for a scholarship for the SAT exam. In some cases, applicants must file FAFSA in USA and then be selected for the scholarship. 

What is the Ideal Score for Getting a SAT Scholarship?

As an international student, eligibility criteria for SAT scholarships are based on the scores of the applicants. Applicants with SAT scores between 1300 - 1500 are eligible for SAT scholarships. The thumb rule is that the higher the SAT score, the higher the chances of being eligible for obtaining a scholarship for the SAT exam. Sometimes, the university may release SAT cutoffs before or after admission, and students who fall within the cutoff can be eligible for the scholarship. Thus, applicants must score good on SAT to keep their chances of getting a scholarship. 

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Indian Scholars Program - SAT Scholarship for Indian Students

There is one particular scholarship for high scorers of the SAT exam available for Indian students but to study in India. The Indian Scholars Program is not for Indian applicants applying abroad for higher education.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Scholars Program

College Board offers merit-cum-need scholarships across its participating universities to income-eligible students in India. Applicants who score 1300 or above on the SAT are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants who get an SAT score of 1300 or above will be eligible for a scholarship.

Those who cannot afford the exam fee also get a waiver. The SAT exam fee will be waived based on the student’s annual family income. The rules to get a voucher for waiving SAT exam fee is as follows:

• 90% SAT fee waiver upon registration for families with an annual income below INR 8 lakhs.
• 50% SAT registration fee waived for those whose family income is between INR 8-15 lakhs per annum.
• Applicants who are in class XI-XII are eligible to apply.

How to Apply for the Indian Scholars Program?

Income-eligible students with a score of 1300 on the SAT are eligible to apply for the Indian Scholars Program. Indian students can apply for the scholarship while they apply for admission to different universities that accept SAT scores. Participating Indian universities will then select the scholarship recipients from a pool of income-eligible students along with their SAT scores of 1300 or above and those who meet all other admission criteria.

Check out: List of merit-based scholarships for SAT and ACT.

List of Colleges Offering SAT Scholarships 2026

Various universities give scholarships based on SAT scores to Indian students. A large number of SAT scholarships are also offered across US universities with good funding. The following is a list of colleges which offer SAT scholarships to students in the USA:

All these US universities also consider other parameters like previous academic performance. The holistic application review of the applicant can make them eligible for an SAT-based scholarship. Additionally, check out SAT-accepting colleges in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria for SAT Scholarships

Indian applicants will have to fulfil eligibility criteria to get SAT scholarships to study abroad. This not just includes getting a minimum score or meeting the SAT cutoff mark but requires other requirements too. To be eligible for SAT scholarship, international applicants will have to:

• Score on a larger scale on the SAT exam
• Have a good GPA score, approximately above 3.2 on a 4.0-point scale
• Good academic standing in high school
• Timely admission application submission
• In some cases, the timely filing of FAFSA (for US admissions only)

Documents Required for SAT Scholarships

Along with eligibility, the applicants will also have to submit supporting documents so that they are accepted for scholarships based on their SAT scores. While applying for SAT scholarships, the following documents would be required:

• SAT scores
• Transcripts
• Passport copy
• GPA scores (use a GPA calculator to calculate GPA)
• Offer letter/confirmation of enrollment
• Student visa

How to Get SAT Scholarships to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is costly, but students who come with academic excellence and above-average SAT scores can definitely get some funding for themselves. Applicants who are willing to avail of SAT scholarships should take into account these pointers:

• Check the universities offering a scholarship based on SAT scores and the type of funding (one-time or annual).
• Check the eligibility based on country of origin and the admission criteria.
• Aim for 1400+ on the SAT and prepare well for the exam. Check: How to Score 1600 on SAT?

• For full-tuition waivers, apply to prestigious competitive awards. These require an SAT score typically between 1450–1550+, strong academics and extracurriculars.

• Ensure that the applications and scores for the SAT reach the university on time.
• SAT score reports should be officially submitted, and a copy should be kept handy.

Thus, following these pointers will help applicants avail of SAT scholarships while pursuing education abroad. Sign up for Shiksha Abroad Counselling for admission-related queries or write to us in the comments below.

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