Can international students take AP Exams?

Absolutely. The AP program is a global qualification, and international students are encouraged to take AP Exams to demonstrate their academic capabilities to universities in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and around the world. Earning strong AP scores can significantly strengthen an international student's college application and showcase their readiness for rigorous university-level coursework. The process for international students is straightforward but requires some planning.

First, students need to find an authorized AP test center. Not all international schools offer AP courses, but many schools around the world serve as test centers for external students. The College Board provides an online search tool on its website to locate the nearest authorized center. Once a center is found, registration is typically handled directly through that center's AP coordinator. It's crucial to pay close attention to registration deadlines, which may differ from those in the U.S. The widespread adoption of digital AP Exams has made it easier for international test centers to offer a full range of subjects without the logistical challenges and shipping costs associated with large volumes of paper exam materials. International students should also be aware that the fees for taking AP exams outside the U.S. are typically higher than the domestic fee.