European Universities Accepting the SAT Exam – Complete List 2026

Imagine you’re sitting in a café, with an SAT score of 1350, opening your laptop to check your options. Harvard? Too expensive. UCLA? Visa hurdles, uncertainty. And then you come across information that changes your entire perspective: over 60 universities in 12 European countries accept your SAT score – from Milan’s Bocconi and the Netherlands’ Erasmus to ETH Zurich, consistently ranked in the global top 10. Tuition? From zero (Germany, Scandinavia) to a few thousand euros per year. A flight from many European cities? Just a couple of hours.

This isn’t a niche path for a handful of students. Over the past five years, the number of European universities accepting the SAT has grown by over 40%. Italy – with Sapienza, Bologna, and Politecnico di Milano – has become the largest SAT market in continental Europe. The Netherlands offers over 2100 English-taught programs. Scandinavia entices with zero tuition fees and student grants. And UK universities – though more expensive post-Brexit – still accept the SAT in combination with AP exams as a valid admission pathway.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each country, each university, and every score threshold. This is a hub article – a master list you’ll return to repeatedly while planning your applications. Ready? Let’s start with the hard numbers.

Why do European universities accept the SAT?

Just ten years ago, European universities weren’t sure what to make of an SAT score. Today, they treat it as an objective, standardized tool for comparing applicants from dozens of different educational systems. The Polish Matura (secondary school leaving exam), French Baccalauréat, German Abitur, Spanish Selectividad (the Spanish university entrance exam) – each of these exams measures different things, on different scales, in different languages. The SAT provides universities with a common denominator.

The motivation is simple: European universities want to attract the best students from around the world, and the easiest way to do that is by accepting a test taken by over 2 million people annually across six continents. For applicants, the benefit is equally clear – instead of taking an unfamiliar, often one-off university entrance exam (like the Italian TOLC or German TestAS), you can prepare for a single test and apply with the same score to dozens of universities in different countries.

Don’t know yet what the SAT is exactly and how the adaptive format works? Read our complete guide to the SAT exam in 2026 – we break down the test into its core components, from structure to preparation strategy. And if you’re looking for specific score thresholds, check what SAT score for studies in Europe.

SAT Acceptance Map in Europe

Italy – Europe’s largest SAT market

If you’re looking for a European country where the SAT offers the most benefits for the lowest score, the answer is unequivocally: Italy. Italian public universities accept the SAT as a direct alternative to the TOLC (Test OnLine CISIA) exam – the standard entrance test for engineering, economics, and natural science programs. This means that instead of taking an unfamiliar Italian exam in a foreign language, you can simply submit your SAT score. Detailed guide: Study in Italy with an SAT score – Sapienza, Bologna, Polimi.

Sapienza Università di Roma is the largest university in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe (founded in 1303). It accepts the SAT with a score of just 960 points – making it one of the most accessible universities in Europe for SAT holders. Tuition for EU citizens ranges from approximately 1000-2800 EUR per year, depending on family income. Required certificate: TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.0+.

Università di Bologna – the oldest university in the world (founded in 1088) – offers the lowest SAT threshold in all of Europe: just 950 points. The SAT replaces TOLC for English-taught programs. Tuition: 0-2800 EUR/year (progressive system based on income). Details in our guide to the University of Bologna.

Politecnico di Milano – a leading polytechnic in Italy and one of the best technical universities in Europe (QS top 140). It requires a minimum of 620 points from each SAT section (1240 total). The SAT replaces the TOL exam for engineering programs. Tuition: 900-3900 EUR/year for EU citizens. More: Politecnico di Milano – guide.

Politecnico di Torino – the second leading technical university in Italy – requires at least 650 points in each section (approx. 1300 total). The SAT replaces its own entrance exam for engineering programs.

Bocconi University in Milan is in a separate league. This private economics and business university accepts the SAT with a formal minimum of 1040 points, but let’s be honest – the average score for admitted students is 1400-1450. Tuition: approx. 14,000 EUR/year. Bocconi is one of the few European universities where the SAT is as crucial as at American universities. Details: Bocconi University – how to get in and study.

LUISS Guido Carli in Rome offers direct admission for candidates with an SAT score of 1200+. This is a prestigious private university with strong ties to the Italian business and political world. Tuition: approx. 7000-12,000 EUR/year.

Ca’ Foscari in Venice accepts the SAT for English-taught programs, with a threshold similar to other Italian public universities (~1000 SAT). Tuition: 900-2800 EUR/year. This is an excellent option if you’re interested in economics, languages, or humanities – and want to study in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Netherlands – Europe’s English-speaking hub

For years, the Netherlands has been one of the most popular destinations for international students, and for good reason. Over 2100 English-taught programs, geographical proximity (e.g., a flight from Central Europe: 1h 45min), tuition fees of 2,530 EUR/year for EU citizens, and universities regularly in the global top 100. More and more Dutch universities are accepting the SAT in their admission process. Full guide: Study in the Netherlands with an SAT score.

Erasmus University Rotterdam – particularly strong in economics and social sciences (Erasmus School of Economics is top 20 in Europe) – accepts the SAT with a minimum of 1170 points. It requires TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.5. More: Study at the University of Amsterdam – guide.

Leiden University – the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575), consistently in the global top 100 – accepts the SAT with a score of approx. 1300. Strong in law, political science, and medicine.

University of Groningen – a prestigious research university in the northern Netherlands – accepts the SAT with a score of approx. 1300. It offers over 50 English-taught bachelor’s programs.

University of Amsterdam – for some programs (e.g., PPLE – Politics, Psychology, Law, Economics), it considers the SAT as supplementary. It officially requires candidates from the American system to have 4 AP exams passed, but a high SAT score can positively influence the admissions committee’s decision.

Maastricht University – known for its innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system – accepts the SAT as part of the qualification. Tuition: 2,530 EUR/year for EU. The city is 20 minutes from the German and Belgian borders.

TU Delft – one of the best polytechnics in Europe (QS top 50) – accepts the SAT for English-taught programs, although the main criterion is the equivalent of the Dutch VWO diploma (pre-university education). It requires a strong math section.

Important: the Dutch admission system is based on the Studielink platform and requires qualifications equivalent to the Dutch high school diploma (VWO). For applicants with a Polish Matura (secondary school leaving exam), the SAT often supplements missing qualification elements. Admissions open on October 1st, the deadline for most programs is January 15th.

United Kingdom – prestige with SAT + AP

After Brexit, the realities of studying in the UK changed for EU citizens – new visa rules and international tuition fees (15,000-38,000 GBP/year). Nevertheless, British universities remain among the best in the world, and many of them accept a combination of SAT + AP as a valid alternative to A-levels. Key phrase: combination – the SAT alone without AP is usually not enough. Full guide: Study in the UK with an SAT score.

King’s College London – accepts SAT 1350-1500 in combination with 3 AP exams (scores 4-5). KCL is a Russell Group university, top 40 globally, in the heart of London.

University of Edinburgh – top 20 globally – accepts SAT 1200-1350 plus AP. Scottish degrees last 4 years (not 3 as in England), but tuition is lower: approx. 23,000 GBP/year for international students.

University of Bristol – a prestigious research university (Russell Group) – accepts SAT 1200-1350 as an assessment component. Requires AP for selected programs.

Cardiff University – a Welsh Russell Group university – accepts the SAT with a minimum of 1250 points. Tuition is lower than in England: approx. 18,000-23,000 GBP/year.

Oxford and Cambridge – expect SAT 1470+ plus a minimum of 5 AP exams with a score of 5. The SAT alone is not enough – it’s a supplement, not a replacement. Additionally, both universities have their own entrance tests (TMUA, TSA, UCAT, etc.).

Remember that in the UK, you apply through the UCAS system (deadline: January 15th, Oxford/Cambridge: October 15th) and must submit a personal statement. Also, prepare for language exams – check our TOEFL vs IELTS guide.

Switzerland – ETH Zurich and EPFL

Switzerland offers some of the best technical universities in the world – ETH Zurich (QS #7 globally) and EPFL in Lausanne (QS #36). Both accept the SAT as part of the admission process, though not as the sole criterion. Full guide: Study in Switzerland – ETH Zurich, EPFL, and other universities.

ETH Zurich – candidates with an SAT of 1450+ can apply for admission via a simplified pathway (reduced exam). Instead of a full entrance exam, you take an exam in 2 subjects instead of 4-5. Tuition: just 730 CHF/semester (~750 EUR) – even for non-EU students. Bachelor’s degrees are taught in German, master’s in English.

EPFL Lausanne – ETH’s French-speaking sister, equally prestigious in engineering and computer science. Accepts the SAT as an assessment component. Tuition: 730 CHF/semester. Bachelor’s degrees in French, master’s in English.

HSG University of St. Gallen – one of the best business schools in continental Europe, regularly in the top 10 in Financial Times rankings. Accepts the SAT in the admission process for bachelor’s programs. Requires an additional HSG test (online). Tuition: 3,326 CHF/semester for international students.

University of Zurich – the largest university in Switzerland – accepts the SAT for selected English-taught programs. Tuition: 720 CHF/semester.

Germany – zero tuition and growing SAT acceptance

Germany is a top destination for international students planning to study abroad – mainly due to zero tuition fees at public universities (only a semester fee of 150-350 EUR, which often includes a public transport ticket). SAT acceptance is growing, especially among private universities and English-taught programs. Full guide: Study in Germany with the SAT exam – TUM and other universities.

TU Munich (TUM) – one of the best technical universities in Europe (QS top 40) – accepts the SAT with a score of approx. 1300 for English-taught programs. Tuition: 0 EUR (public university). This is probably the best opportunity in all of Europe – a world-class university for free.

LMU Munich – the other Munich giant, strong in humanities, law, and medicine – accepts the SAT as a supplementary qualification for selected English-taught programs.

Constructor University Bremen (formerly Jacobs University) – a private international university with an American-style campus. Requires SAT with a minimum of 1300+. Tuition: 20,000 EUR/year, but offers generous scholarships (up to 50% discount).

Carl Benz School of Engineering (KIT) – an English-taught engineering program at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Mandatorily requires SAT with a minimum of 1200 points. Certificate: TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.5.

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management – requires an SAT score of approx. 1350+ (or its own test). Tuition: approx. 8500 EUR/semester. Strong ties to the financial sector in Frankfurt.

WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management – requires the SAT in the admission process for bachelor’s degrees. Tuition: approx. 7500 EUR/semester. One of the best business schools in Germany.

RWTH Aachen – a leading polytechnic in Germany, particularly strong in mechanical engineering – accepts the SAT as a supplementary qualification. Tuition: 0 EUR.

At German public universities, an alternative pathway is Studienkolleg (a one-year preparatory course) for candidates whose high school diploma is not directly recognized. The SAT can exempt you from this requirement at selected universities.

Spain – business schools with SAT

The Spanish sector of private international universities is growing dynamically, and the SAT is increasingly widely accepted. Public universities (Universidad Complutense, Universidad de Barcelona) still require Selectividad (the Spanish university entrance exam) or homologation of a foreign diploma – but private schools? That’s a different story. Full guide: Study in Spain with SAT – IE University and ESADE.

IE University (campuses in Segovia and Madrid) is the most popular option among international applicants with SAT scores. The university is officially test-optional, but most admitted students provide standardized test scores. Medians for admitted students: 1270-1460 SAT. IE is known for its innovative approach to education, small groups, and strong networking. Tuition: approx. 22,800 EUR/year.

ESADE Business School in Barcelona – a leading Spanish business school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). It offers a BBA in English and accepts the SAT as an alternative to its own competency test. A competitive score: 1300+. Tuition: approx. 16,200 EUR/year.

Ramon Llull University (Barcelona) and Universidad Carlos III (Madrid) accept the SAT as an assessment component for selected English-taught programs. Carlos III is a particularly interesting option – a public university with tuition of approx. 2500 EUR/year and a growing offer of English-taught programs.

Scandinavia – zero tuition and SAT

Scandinavia offers something you won’t find anywhere else: free tuition at public universities + student grants + SAT acceptance. This combination should be at the top of every international high school graduate’s list. Full guide: Study in Scandinavia with SAT – SSE, Hanken, and Finnish universities.

Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) – the most prestigious business school in Scandinavia, the median SAT among admitted students is 1390. Tuition: 0 SEK (free even for non-EU citizens). SSE accepts SAT, ACT, or its own TSA test. More about Scandinavian options in our guide to CBS Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Business School – the largest business school in Northern Europe, Triple Crown accredited. The SAT is not required but can strengthen the application. Tuition: 0 DKK for EU citizens. Danish SU grant: ~6,400 DKK/month (~800 EUR) for working students.

Hanken School of Economics (Helsinki) – accepts the SAT with a minimum of 1100 points as an alternative to the Finnish entrance exam. 60% of places are reserved for the SAT/ACT pathway. Tuition: 0 EUR for EU citizens. What’s more, a high EBRW score on the SAT can replace an English certificate – the only university in Europe to do so.

BI Norwegian Business School (Oslo) – accepts the SAT with a score of approx. 1200 for English-taught programs. Tuition: 0 NOK for all students on public programs.

Lund University (Sweden) – one of the oldest universities in Scandinavia (1666), regularly in the global top 100. The SAT is considered supportive in the admission process. Tuition: 0 SEK for EU citizens.

Aalto University (Helsinki, Mikkeli campus) – admissions for International Business based on SAT/ACT. No minimum threshold, but competitive scores are 1200+. Tuition: 0 EUR for EU citizens.

Ireland – English-speaking alternative in the EU

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the European Union after Brexit, making it an extremely attractive alternative to the UK – with lower tuition, easier visas, and a 2-year post-study work visa. Full guide: Study in Ireland with an SAT score – Trinity College Dublin and UCD.

Trinity College Dublin – the most prestigious Irish university (QS top 100). Accepts SAT 1300+ in combination with 3-4 AP exams (scores 4-5). Tuition for EU citizens: approx. 7,600 EUR/year – a fraction of the price of its British counterparts.

University College Dublin (UCD) – the second leading Irish university. Accepts the SAT with a score of 1000-1400 (depending on the program). Broader SAT acceptance than Trinity. Tuition: approx. 7,600 EUR/year.

DCU (Dublin City University) – accepts the SAT with a score of approx. 1100 for many programs. Tuition: approx. 6,000 EUR/year. Known for practical programs and strong industry ties.

University of Galway – accepts the SAT as an assessment component. Lower cost of living than Dublin, beautiful location on Ireland’s west coast.

Belgium – KU Leuven and Ghent

Belgium is an underrated destination – with tuition below 1000 EUR/year and universities in the global top 100. The two largest Belgian universities accept the SAT as an assessment component for applicants.

KU Leuven – the best university in Belgium, regularly in the global top 50 (QS #59). Accepts the SAT as supplementary for English-taught programs. Tuition: just ~1,000 EUR/year for EU citizens. Leuven is a charming university town 20 minutes by train from Brussels.

Ghent University – the second leading Belgian university (QS top 150). Accepts the SAT as an assessment component. Tuition: ~1,000 EUR/year.

VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) – a Brussels university with a growing offer of English-taught programs. The SAT is treated as an additional asset in admissions.

France – Sciences Po and business schools

France traditionally relies on its own admission system (Baccalauréat (French secondary school diploma), concours (competitive entrance exams)), but a few prestigious universities are opening up to the SAT.

Sciences Po Paris – an iconic political science university, through which most of the French political elite pass. The SAT is optional, but a high score (1350+) can significantly strengthen an application. Tuition: progressive 0-14,500 EUR/year (based on family income). Sciences Po offers English-taught programs on campuses in Reims, Le Havre, Menton, Poitiers, and Dijon.

ESSEC Business School – one of the three best French Grandes Écoles (elite higher education institutions) business schools (alongside HEC and INSEAD). Accepts the SAT with a score of approx. 1300 for the Global BBA program. Tuition: ~17,500 EUR/year.

HEC Paris – accepts the SAT at the MBA level and for selected pre-experience programs. One of the highest-ranked business schools in the world.

Toulouse Business School – accepts the SAT for its Bachelor in Management program (English-taught). Tuition: approx. 11,000 EUR/year.

Other countries – Czech Republic, Hungary

Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) – the oldest university in Central Europe (1348). It does not formally require the SAT, but a high score is an asset when applying for English-taught medical and natural science programs. Tuition for English-taught programs: 6,000-14,000 EUR/year.

Central European University (CEU) – originally in Budapest, now in Vienna. Accepts the SAT for bachelor’s programs. Offers generous scholarships.

Corvinus University of Budapest – accepts the SAT for English-taught business programs. Tuition: approx. 3,500 EUR/year.

Cost of study – Europe vs USA

One of the strongest arguments for European universities is tuition fees. While a year at an American university costs 35,000-65,000 USD, European counterparts offer comparable quality for a fraction of the price.

The numbers speak for themselves. For the price of one year at an American university, you can complete a full bachelor’s degree at TU Munich, in the Netherlands, or at KU Leuven. And the quality of education? ETH Zurich is in the QS top 10 – higher than most Ivy League universities. Polimi and TU Munich rival MIT in engineering. Bocconi is the European equivalent of Wharton.

How to choose a university – application strategy

With over 60 universities to choose from, strategy is key. Here’s how to approach the process:

Step 1: Determine your SAT score (or target score). If you haven’t taken it yet, take a diagnostic test on okiro.io to find your starting point. If you have a score – use the tier table above to see which universities are within your reach.

Step 2: Choose 3-5 countries. Don’t apply to 15 universities in 10 countries – each country has a different system, different deadlines, and different documents. Focus on 3-5 countries that match your priorities (tuition, language, career prospects, location).

Step 3: Secure a language certificate. Taking the SAT does not exempt you from TOEFL/IELTS. Most universities require TOEFL 80-90 or IELTS 6.0-6.5. Prepare with prepclass.io – a platform with TOEFL and IELTS courses created by our team.

Step 4: Check deadlines. Different countries have drastically different deadlines:

• UK (UCAS): January 15th (Oxford/Cambridge: October 15th)
• Netherlands: January 15th (Studielink)
• Italy: March-June (depends on the university)
• Scandinavia: January 15th - March 31st
• Ireland: February 1st (CAO)
• Germany: July 15th (winter semester)

Step 5: Build your portfolio. The SAT isn’t everything. Universities want to see: your high school diploma (or equivalent), a language certificate, a motivation letter, sometimes recommendations. In the UK, you’ll need a personal statement. For Sciences Po – an essay. More on converting the Polish Matura (secondary school leaving exam): Polish Matura and studying abroad.

Required Language Certificates

Taking the SAT does not exempt you from the language certificate requirement – this is a separate application component. Most European universities require one of the following:

• TOEFL iBT: minimum 80-90 points (top universities: 90-100)
• IELTS Academic: minimum 6.0-6.5 (top universities: 7.0)
• Cambridge English: CAE (C1 Advanced) or CPE (C2 Proficiency)
• Polish Matura (secondary school leaving exam) in English: some universities (e.g., Dutch) accept an extended English exam at 80%+

Exception: Hanken School of Economics in Finland accepts a high score in the EBRW section of the SAT as an equivalent to an English language certificate – the only university in Europe to do so.

Prepare for TOEFL or IELTS with prepclass.io – preparatory courses with practice tests and test-taking strategies. Not sure which exam to choose? Check our TOEFL vs IELTS comparison.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion – The SAT is your passport to Europe

The SAT exam is not just a ticket to American universities. In 2026, it’s a passport to over 60 universities in 12 European countries – from tuition-free TU Munich and zero tuition in Scandinavia, through affordable Italian public universities with thresholds from 950 points, to prestigious business schools like Bocconi, SSE, and ESADE.

The key advantage of the European pathway with the SAT: one test, dozens of options. Instead of taking the Italian TOLC, the Finnish entrance exam, and the Spanish competency test separately – you prepare for one standardized test and apply with the same score to universities in several countries simultaneously. And tuition? At most European public universities, you’ll pay less for a 3-year degree than for one semester in the USA.

Next steps

1. Take a diagnostic test on okiro.io to find your starting point and realistically assess which universities are within your reach.
2. Review the mega table above and choose 5-8 universities from your score range.
3. Plan your SAT preparation – at least 2-3 months before your planned test date. Practice daily on okiro.io.
4. Secure a language certificate – prepare for TOEFL/IELTS with prepclass.io.
5. Check the deadlines for your chosen countries (calendar above) and start gathering documents.
6. Read the detailed country guides: Italy, Netherlands, UK, Germany, Spain, Scandinavia, Ireland, Switzerland.

Europe awaits. Your SAT score is the key.