How long does it take to get NBT results?

Results will be sent to institutions four weeks after each writing session as shown on the NBT Test Schedule. Results are uploaded for writers approximately five weeks after the writing session. This helps ensure that learners wishing to write a second time have a minimum of six weeks between writing sessions.

How do I get my results?

You can access your results by logging onto the NBT website using your ID number as your username and the password you created when you registered, or by sending a request to nbt@uct.ac.za five weeks after the session. If you have difficulties accessing your results, you must send an e-mail to request your results. NBT Project staff are not allowed to release your results over the phone.

How do institutions get my results?

When you apply to an institution, they will place you on their applicant list. As institutions and bursary awarders process applications, they send the NBT Project a request for scores that match the applicants on the list. Institutions and bursary awarders will only get your results when requested by them.

Before you submit your registration request to the NBT Project, you are asked to check a box giving permission for your results to be sent to requesting institutions and for use in research projects. Be sure to read and check this before hitting ‘Submit’.

Can I write twice to try for a better score?

The NBT Project allows an individual to write the tests two times. Note that you must pay the total fee both times. If you write the MAT test a second time, you must also write the AQL test a second time that morning. You must first check with the institutions where you are applying; not all will accept a second score.

How are the results reported?

The results of the NBTs are reported as three percentage scores: AL, QL and MAT that reflect actual performance, not ranking. Results are categorized by ‘Benchmark Level’ for use by institutions as shown in the table below.

What is the pass mark?

There is no pass mark for the NBTs. Rather, each institution and programme uses the Benchmark Levels, along with other available information, when processing applications and determining placement.

Some programmes and some institutions will accept a wider range of scores, while others have set a higher target and more narrow range.

If you have any questions about how your result is used by an institution to which you have applied, you must contact the relevant Admissions Office.

The NBT Project does not determine nor create policy on the use of results.

What do the results mean?

THE NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS LEVELS:

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Assessment of required institutional response	Description of benchmark category
Assessment of required institutional response	ACADEMIC LITERACY	QUANTITATIVE LITERACY	MATHEMATICS
Performance in domain areas suggests that academic performance will not be adversely affected. If admitted, students may be placed into regular programmes of study.	*Writers performing at the Proficient* Level should be able to:** Select and use a complex range of vocabulary; understand and interpret non-literal language; understand and critically evaluate the structure and organisation of texts and ideas within these texts; evaluate and use a complex range of different text genres; develop academic arguments; evaluate and interpret the evidence for claims.	*Writers performing at the Proficient* Level should be able to:** Select and use a range of quantitative terms and phrases; apply quantitative procedures in various situations; formulate and apply complex formulae; read and interpret complex tables, graphs, charts and text and integrate information from different sources; do advanced calculations involving multiple steps accurately; identify trends/ patterns in various situations; reason logically & competently interpret quantitative information.	*Writers performing at the Proficient* Level should be able to:** Demonstrate insight, and integrate knowledge and skills to solve non-routine problems and make competent use of logical skills (conjecture, deduction). Tasks typically require competence in multi-step procedures, represented in the framework outlined below: Modelling, financial contexts, multiple representations of functions (including trigonometric), trigonometric and geometric problems (2D and 3D), measurement, representation and interpretation of statistical data.
The challenges in domain areas are such that it is predicted that academic progress will be affected. If admitted, students’ educational needs should be met as deemed appropriate by the institution (e.g. extended or augmented programmes, special skills provision).	*Writers performing at the Intermediate* level should be able to:** Derive word-meanings from context; recognise non-literal language; recognise the fundamental structural and organisational characteristics of texts; recognise and be able to use a specific range of text genres; understand difference between academic and everyday arguments; make conclusions on the basis of evidence given for claims.	*Writers performing at the Intermediate* level should be able to:** Select and use many quantitative terms and phrases; apply known quantitative procedures in familiar situations; formulate and apply simple formulae; read and interpret moderately simple tables, graphs, charts and text; do routine calculations accurately most of the time; identify trends/patterns in familiar situations; reason moderately in simple situations.	*Writers performing at the Intermediate* level should be able to:** Integrate knowledge and skills to solve routine problems with tasks that involve multi-step procedures and require some information processing and decision-making skills, within the framework below: Estimation, calculation, pattern recognition and comparison (in numerical algebraic and financial contexts); solution of equations; use and interpretation of relevant functions represented algebraically or graphically; geometric properties (2D and 3D); geometric and trigonometric problems (2D); calculation and application of statistical measures; representation and interpretation of statistical data.
Serious learning challenges identified: it is predicted that students will not succeed without extensive and long-term support. Institutions admitting students performing at this level would need to provide this support through bridging programmes (e.g. FET provision or non-credit preparatory courses).	*Writers performing at the Basic* level should be able to:** Cope with a limited range of vocabulary; summarise key ideas related to the organisational structure of texts; recognise that texts have different purposes; understand the fundamental syntactical features of English language; interpret textually explicit information	*Writers performing at the Basic* level should be able to:** Select and use some basic quantitative terms and phrases; apply some known quantitative procedures partially correctly in familiar situations; formulate or apply simple formulae; interpret simple tables, graphs, charts and text; sometimes do simple calculations correctly; identify trends/patterns in familiar situations.	*Writers performing at the Basic* level should be able to:** Carry out mathematical computations that require direct application of simple concepts and procedures in familiar situations. Tasks involve single-step problems requiring recall and reproduction of basic knowledge or procedures, within the real numbers system; simple algebraic contexts; single representations of relevant functions and recognition of their graphs; identification of objects (2D and 3D); simple geometric and trigonometric calculations; identification and use of some statistical measures; simple representation of statistical data.

Related Resources

🛡️ PSIRA Registration Guide Step-by-step PSIRA registration and renewal process

💼 UIF Claims Guide Complete guide to UIF applications and claims

🧠 Best Brainz Education Educational resources and academic support services

📌 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:

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

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

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

Visit the NSFAS Website

Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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.
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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.
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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:

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

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Facebook: NSFAS

📝 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.