How do I register for NBT?

By | April 3, 2024

How do I register for NBT?

Why do I have to register?

The NBT Project and the local sites guarantee space and materials only for learners registered to write at a specific site on a specific day.

  1. Test sites and rooms are reserved with a fixed number of seats. The number of writers at a site is limited to the number of seats available. When registration reaches capacity, we work to increase available seats. When registration is very low at a site, the testing session may be cancelled.
  2. Registration information allows the NBT Project to contact writers if a test is moved to a different location, delayed or cancelled due to emergencies such as strikes, weather conditions, or power outages.
  3. A few days before the test date, NBT materials are sent to sites based on registration. Immediately following a test session, all NBT materials are returned – including unused tests and answer sheets. Adherence to test security policies prevents the NBT Project from shipping surplus materials.
  4. Registration does not ‘roll-over’ to a later session if you miss the scheduled date. Each test session has a unique set of testing materials. Test materials are prepared with the name and ID number of registered writers for each test session.

What do I need in order to register for a NBT writing session?

You must have your official ID booklet or foreign passport. You are required to enter your ID number and your name exactly as it appears in your ID booklet. You also need to check the following before you select the date and test site:

  • Your school’s calendar for sporting and social events, holidays, and exams;
  • Closing dates and application deadlines at all institutions where you intend to apply;
  • The language of instruction where you are applying; and
  • Your transportation options to the test site.

How do I register?

You must register on the Internet. Click on “Book a Test” and then simply follow the prompts. A letter confirming your registration and with an EasyPay barcode will be available for you to download and print immediately after you click on ‘Submit’.

If you can access the Internet on your cell phone, you can go to the NBT website in the same way as you would to other sites. After entering your personal information, you can obtain your NBT registration letter and EasyPay barcode in one of two ways:

  1. Enter your email address and the letter will be sent for you to download and print later; or
  2. When you have access to a computer and printer, return to http://nbt.uct.ac.za, log-in with your ID, and then print the letter.

You must take this NBT registration letter to an EasyPay Paypoint near you to pay the testing fees. You may also pay on the EasyPay website: www.easypay.co.za and then print out your receipt.

See also  What are ECD courses

What if I want to change my registration to a later date?

Registration for the NBTs is specific to the date and location you select. You are allowed to make changes to your registration online until the closing date posted on the test schedule. Once registration closes for that test date, you cannot make any changes. If you miss the test for which you are registered, you must register again and pay again in order to write the NBTs.

Remember that the test materials are unique for each test date; a new set of test materials must be prepared for you in order for you to write on a later date.

What if I get sick or have a family emergency?

If an emergency prevents you from writing the test for which you have registered, you must send an e-mail to nbt@uct.ac.za as soon as possible. NBT Project staff will contact you the following week to explore your options for a make-up test. With documentation of a legitimate emergency (like a doctor’s certificate, or a police incident report), you may not be required to pay a second time.

Legitimate situations that have occurred in the past include taxi accident on the way to the test site, hospitalization, broken collar bone, and family funeral.

Writers that become sick during the NBTs are always offered the next available writing session. However, the entire test must be written at the make-up session as partial answer sheets are not scored.

What if I did not register? Can I still ‘pitch up’ and write the NBTs?

NBT test materials are sent to each site based on the number of registered and paid writers. The NBT Project is only responsible for providing seats and test materials for registered writers.

NBT test materials are prepared for each learner that is registered. Materials prepared for learners that do not show up cannot be used again and must be destroyed.

Learners that register but do not show up are still responsible for the cost of these materials and the officials hired to administer the writing session.

Learners intending to apply to universities must act responsibly. You must register, pay, and show up on time!

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

See also  Burs Contacts

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.