The National Benchmark Tests are standardized tests used by South African universities to measure the academic abilities of prospective students. The tests are designed to assess your readiness for tertiary education in two main areas:
- Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
- Mathematics (MAT)
Each university in South Africa may have its own specific requirements regarding which test you need to take, so it’s important to check with the institution where you are applying.
What You Need to Register for NBT
Before you begin the NBT registration process, ensure you have the following:
- Your South African ID (or passport if you’re an international student).
- A unique email address (this will be used for all communication).
- The city and test venue where you want to write your NBT.
- NBT requirements from your institution(s) – universities post these on their websites or in their prospectuses.
- Your preferred test date – remember to allow at least 4 weeks for your results to be sent to institutions after the test. You can access your results after 5 weeks on the NBT website.
- Pen and paper to record your username and EasyPay number (you will need these for future use).
How to Register for NBT
The NBT registration process is entirely online, and you can access the portal through the official NBT website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you register:
- Visit the NBT registration portal and click on “Register.”
- Create a new profile by providing your personal details, including your ID number or passport, full name, contact details, and email address.
- Select your test venue based on your location. You will choose the city and available test center.
- Choose a test date. Make sure the date fits your application deadlines for the institutions you’re applying to.
- Take note of your username and EasyPay number. These are crucial for completing your registration, checking your results, or making any changes.
- Pay the required fee using your EasyPay number at participating EasyPay outlets, or pay online.
Important Information About NBT Registration
- Test Date and Venue: Your registration is specific to the test date and venue you choose. If you miss your scheduled test, you will need to re-register and pay again.
- Payment: Your results will only be accessible once you have completed payment for all registered tests.
- Changing your details: You can use your EasyPay number and username to update personal information, change your test date or venue, and verify payment.
NBT Requirements by Institutions
It’s crucial to understand that the NBT Project does not determine which test you should write or the deadlines for submitting results. These requirements vary by institution. You must check the specific NBT requirements of each university or college you are applying to. Most institutions list this information on their websites or in their prospectus.
Accessing Your NBT Results
Your NBT results will be available online 5 weeks after you write the test. Keep in mind that you must wait an additional week for your results to be sent to the institutions you’ve applied to. You can access your results by logging in to your profile on the NBT website with the username and EasyPay number assigned to you during registration.
FAQs About NBT Registration
1. Can I change my test venue or date after registering?
Yes, but only if you haven’t missed your original test date. You can use your username and EasyPay number to request a change.
2. What happens if I miss my test?
If you miss your test, you must re-register and pay the full fee again.
3. How do I know which test to write?
Check the NBT requirements of the institution(s) you are applying to. Some require only the AQL test, while others may require both the AQL and MAT tests.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.