National Benchmark Test (NBT)



National Benchmark Test (NBT)

All About NBT

If you’re considering applying to a South African university and you’ve had a look at their admission requirements, chances are you’ve come across the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). Here’s everything you need to know about the NBTs.

The National Benchmark Tests are a set of tests that measure your academic readiness for university. They complement and support, rather than replace or duplicate your National Senior Certificate results.

Who uses them and how?

A number of universities in South Africa use the NBTs to help interpret your National Senior Certificate results. Universities use the NBT results in different ways:



  • Some use them to help make decisions about your access to university. This means that your NBT results, in combination with your NSC results, are used to determine whether you are ready for academic study.
  • Some use them for placement within university. This means that the results are used to decide whether you will need extra academic support after you have been admitted to university.
  • Some use them to help develop curricula within their university.

What do I have to know about writing the NBT?

You can find out all you need to know about writing the NBT . Read this Article: Writing NBT

Key Points:

  • There are two tests: AQL, which is the Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy test, and MAT, which is the Mathematics test.
  • The university faculty to which you are applying will determine which test you have to write, so check with them. Generally, the MAT test is reserved for those who wish to apply to courses that require Mathematics, such as Engineering and the Sciences.
  • There are no past papers or special study materials to prepare for the tests. The tests assess your prior knowledge – what you know and are able to do.
  • Read  NBT tests coverage to find out what is covered in the tests.
  • The duration of the tests is three hours.
  • Even if you’re applying to more than one university, you need only write the tests once.The tests consist of multiple choice questions.
  • You should write the test in time to meet the university admission deadlines. If you are applying to more than one university, make sure you write in time to meet the earliest deadline.

How to register?



  • You must register online to write the tests and pay up front.  Click on the links below for fees and instructions
  • You should write the test in time to meet the university admission deadlines. If you are applying to more than one university, make sure you write in time to meet the earliest deadline.
  • Even if you’re applying to more than one university, you need only write the tests once.

For more information, go to the NBT website. If you have any queries about the NBT, contact us at our Call Centre (021-650 3523), or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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