NBT Registration

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:

  1. Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
  2. 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:

  1. Visit the NBT registration portal and click on “Register.”
  2. Create a new profile by providing your personal details, including your ID number or passport, full name, contact details, and email address.
  3. Select your test venue based on your location. You will choose the city and available test center.
  4. Choose a test date. Make sure the date fits your application deadlines for the institutions you’re applying to.
  5. Take note of your username and EasyPay number. These are crucial for completing your registration, checking your results, or making any changes.
  6. 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.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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Sponsored Guide

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

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.

 

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