The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are a crucial part of the university application process in South Africa, providing insights into a student’s academic readiness. After taking the tests, many candidates eagerly await their results. This blog post will guide you through the process of obtaining your NBT results, what to do if your results are not available, and how these results are sent to universities.
How to Obtain Your NBT Results
Your NBT results are typically uploaded to your NBT account approximately four weeks after your test date. To check your results, follow these steps:
- Log into Your Account: Visit the NBT portal at NBT Login.
- Username: Your ID number
- Password: The one you created during registration. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the password reminder link provided on the login page.
- Accessing Results: Once logged in, navigate to the results section of your account.
When Will My Results Be Available?
To keep track of your results, refer to the NBT Test Schedule. Here’s a quick overview of the timeline for 2023:
| Test Date | Results Available to Institutions | Results Available to Writers (by 12 noon) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-May | 06-Jun | 13-Jun |
| 21-May | 13-Jun | 20-Jun |
| 04-Jun | 27-Jun | 04-Jul |
| 11-Jun | 04-Jul | 11-Jul |
| 25-Jun | 18-Jul | 25-Jul |
| 02-Jul | 25-Jul | 01-Aug |
| 09-Jul | 01-Aug | 08-Aug |
| 16-Jul | 08-Aug | 15-Aug |
| 23-Jul | 15-Aug | 22-Aug |
| 30-Jul | 22-Aug | 29-Aug |
| 13-Aug | 05-Sep | 12-Sep |
| 20-Aug | 12-Sep | 19-Sep |
| 10-Sep | 03-Oct | 10-Oct |
| 01-Oct | 24-Oct | 31-Oct |
| 08-Oct | 31-Oct | 07-Nov |
| 15-Oct | 07-Nov | 14-Nov |
| 26-Nov | 15-Dec | 15-Dec |
| 03-Dec | 30-Jan | 06-Feb |
Make sure to check these dates closely, as timely access to your results is essential for your university application process.
Troubleshooting: “My Results Aren’t Available”
If you encounter a message stating that your results are not available, it may be due to an outstanding balance on your account. This usually happens when there is an unpaid fee for a previous test booking. To resolve this issue:
- Ensure that all fees have been paid in full.
- If you believe there’s an error, contact the NBT support team for assistance.
Results Sent to Universities
Your NBT results are automatically sent to any universities where you have applied, approximately three weeks after you complete your tests. You don’t need to manually send your results; institutions will request them directly from the NBT.
Interpreting your results
Performance on the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) places your scores into one of three performance levels or benchmark categories. These are:
- ‘Proficient’,
- ‘Intermediate’, or
- ‘Basic’.
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.