If you are an international student planning to study in the U.S., then taking the ACT® can help you stand out from the other applicants during college admissions. This internationally recognized aptitude test assesses students’ knowledge and preparedness for college-level coursework. In this guide, we will discuss the ACT international test dates, registration process, fee waivers, policies, accommodations, and more.
Is ACT Important for International Students?
Yes! ACT, being a standardized test, is widely recognized by colleges in the U.S. and many other countries and can be advantageous to students' college applications. Here are a few reasons why taking the ACT is important for international students:
Is the ACT Hard for International Students?
How hard the test is will depend on the student's education, familiarity with standardized tests, and how well they have prepared. The ACT may be seen as especially hard for international students for 2 main reasons:
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Command of the U.S. version of the English Language:
Every section of the ACT involves reading—whether it’s passages, word problems, or data explanations—so a firm grasp of English grammar, syntax, and vocabulary is essential. For international students, challenges may arise when encountering unfamiliar idioms, complex sentence structures, or culturally specific references in reading passages. Non-native English speakers might find these parts more difficult, even if they’re confident in other subjects. Focusing on reading comprehension and everyday U.S. English usage can make a big difference. One helpful tip: watching U.S. television shows or movies with English captions turned on can improve your understanding of how words and phrases are used in context.
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Broad Syllabus:
The ACT covers a wide range of topics typically taught in U.S. high schools, including English, math, reading, and science. For international students, the scope of the test may feel broad, but not necessarily difficult. Many students outside the U.S. find the math and science sections more manageable, as they may have already studied more advanced material. However, some areas—like U.S.-centric reading passages or writing tasks—may feel unfamiliar. Understanding how the ACT structures its questions and prioritizing more challenging areas can help you study more efficiently.
Remember, with the right preparation, every challenge can be overcome. Read our ACT study guide for exam tips and to create an effective study plan.
ACT International Registration, Fees, and Test Dates
If you have decided to take the ACT, the next question is usually, “How do international students apply for the ACT?” The answer is simple! You can register for your ACT test through the ACT official website in just 30 minutes by following these simple steps:
- Create your MyACT account
- Select a test date and location
- Fill out the application form with all the required information
- Pay the test fee
But before you start the registration process, make sure you have the following things handy to avoid any last-minute hustle:
- Computer with internet access
- Credit card or other online payment methods
- High school course details
ACT International Test Dates and Deadlines
Remember, it is very important to keep track of the ACT international test dates and deadlines since missing a deadline will cause late fees or prevent you from taking the test. To make registration easy, we have put together below all the important information related to the ACT international test dates.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Fee Required | Photo Upload Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–8 February 2025 | 10 January | 24 January | 3 February |
| 4–5 April 2025 | 7 March | 21 March | 28 March |
| 13–14 June 2025 | 16 May | 30 May | 6 June |
| 11–12 July 2025 | 13 June | 27 June | 4 July |
| 12–13 September 2025* | 15 August | 29 August | 5 September |
| 24–25 October 2025* | 26 September | 10 October | 17 October |
| 12–13 December 2025* | 14 November | 25 November | 5 December |
*Estimated ACT international dates
ACT International Registration and Scores Service Fees
The ACT test registration fees, with and without the writing section, are $211.50 and $186.50, respectively. With your test registration (both with and without writing), you can request 1 free score report for yourself and 4 free score reports for the colleges of your choice. Here is a list of a few additional ACT international fees that you might require to pay:
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test option change | $25 | To add or remove the Writing test. |
| Late registration | $38 | To register or change the test date during the late registration period. |
| Change fee | $44 | To change the test date or the test center. |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | $19 | To order reports before the test date. This is refundable upon written request if you do not take the test. |
| Additional Score Reports | $19 | To order additional score reports after registration. |
Did you know? The ACT also offers international subject tests in the North African and Middle Eastern regions to determine students’ understanding of concepts in ELA, math, science, and U.S. History and check their readiness for post-secondary courses.
How to Get an ACT Fee Waiver for International Students
International students are eligible for an ACT fee waiver only if they take the test in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico. U.S. citizens or foreign nationals taking the test in countries other than the U.S. are not eligible to receive fee waivers.
To qualify for the fee waivers, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in grades 11 or 12.
- Be part of a federal free or reduced-price lunch program.
- Be a part of financially disadvantaged programs like Upward Bound or GEAR UP.
- Be a state ward, homeless, or living in a foster home.
- Be living in federally subsidized housing with family.
Have a family income less than the levels set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
ACT International Policies and Accommodations
It is very important for students to strictly follow all the rules and guidelines set by the ACT for taking the test. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of scores and dismissal from the testing center.
The following testing policies must be acknowledged by students:
- Discussing or sharing questions, answers, or any resource at any point during the test, breaks, or after the test while you are at the test center is not allowed.
- Using calculators during test sections other than math or sharing calculators with anyone is prohibited.
- Using electronic devices, including phones, laptops, smart wearables, and unapproved calculators, is restricted.
- Fixing errors and looking back at a section once the allotted time is up is not allowed. You are also not allowed to look ahead at a section.
- Looking at someone else’s test sheet, giving or receiving assistance, or indulging in any form of unfair practice is strictly prohibited.
Before taking your ACT test, read our blog on what to bring on the ACT test day to know all the dos and don’ts so that nothing catches you by surprise once you enter the test center.
ACT International Test Accommodations
Similar to U.S. students, international students also have the option to take the ACT test with accommodations. Accommodations are special provisions that ACT provides to students with documented disabilities, allowing them to take the test with some modifications. All requests for accommodations for your preferred test date must be made through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system before the late registration deadline. Based on your required accommodation, you will be placed in one of the following:
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International Testing:
This is for accommodation requests that can be administered at a test center (e.g., 112 time). Students who qualify for international testing will see “Accommodations” written on their admission ticket.
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Special Testing:
This is for accommodation requests that cannot be administered at a test center and require special arrangements to be made (e.g., multiple-day testing). Students who qualify for special testing will see “Special Testing” on their admission ticket.
Note that special testing is offered during the following designated two-week testing window:
| Test Date | Testing Window |
|---|---|
| 7-8 February 2025 | 7 February–23 February |
| 4–5 April 2025 | 4 April–20 April |
| 13–14 June 2025 | 13 June–29 June |
| 11-12 July 2025 | 11 July–27 July |
Read our page on ACT Test Policies and Accommodations for more information on testing policies, the consequences of violating them, calculator policies, and the various types of accommodations available for taking the ACT.
How International Students Can Prepare for the ACT
Now that you know everything about the ACT test and why it is important for international students, the next step is to start preparing for your test. Here are a few tips to help you begin:
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Familiarize yourself with the test structure:
First, it is crucial to understand the ACT format, topics, concepts, and scoring pattern to score well on the test. Once you know what to expect, preparation becomes easier, especially when you practice with an ACT mock test.
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Make sure to follow a study plan:
To study effectively, you must make a plan to balance your test preparation. Dedicating enough time to each subject to cover all the topics and revise when necessary is crucial. Free ACT practice tests can also help you assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
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Practice with quality prep courses:
Practice is the key to success. It will help you understand your strengths and improve on your weak points. Try UWorld’s ACT practice test to prepare with thousands of exam-like questions and achieve your dream score!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good ACT score for international students?
An above-average ACT score for a particular year is generally considered good. Remember that a score that fulfills the prerequisites for the college of your choice is good.
What is the average ACT score for international students?
International students can use U.S. averages as benchmarks to compare their standard ACT scores, as no separate international composite score data is available. Recent data shows the U.S. average ACT composite score was 19.5 in 2023 and 19.4 in 2024, lower than the 19.8 reported for 2022.
What ACT score is required for a scholarship in the U.S. for international students?
ACT score requirements for scholarships in the U.S. for international students vary widely depending on the scholarship program. They can range from no score requirement (test-optional or need-based awards) to specific thresholds (e.g., 24–36 for merit-based awards). Eligibility criteria are program-specific and best confirmed through official sources like university websites or scholarship providers.
How can an international student get a full scholarship?
Full scholarships for international students are limited and highly competitive. A high GPA (3.7+/4.0) and strong ACT/SAT scores (30+/1400+) are key to securing a full scholarship. Build a strong profile with extracurriculars, leadership roles, and compelling essays. Apply early with strong recommendation letters.
Are foreign-born and international students eligible to receive ACT fee waivers?
Foreign-born and international students can get an ACT fee waiver only if they take the test in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico and meet all the other eligibility requirements.
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