Where Can I Write The NBTs? Click here to view the Test Schedule There are a number of NBT National writing sessions scheduled on Saturdays, and some on Fridays and Sundays. The NBT Project reserves the right to cancel a session with three weeks’ notice. Reasons for cancelling include low registration as well as structural… Read More »
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. Test sites and rooms are reserved with a fixed number of seats. The number of writers at a… Read More »
What does it cost to write the NBT? Costs for the 2027 admission cycle are: AQL only: R 80 AQL and MAT: R 160 Registered applicants that do not report for scheduled tests must again register and pay in order to re-schedule a missed test. Please note that you may not write only the MAT test. Can… Read More »
In what languages are the national benchmark tests available? The NBTs are available in English and Afrikaans – the common languages of instruction used at Institutions of Higher Education in South Africa. When registering, you will be asked to indicate the language in which you wish to write. Note that you can only choose one language;… Read More »
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… Read More »
How do I prepare for the national benchmark test? How do I prepare for the test? Two booklets are available for teachers to use to assist in preparing you for the tests: AQL: Preparing your learners MAT: Preparing your learners Each of these booklets contain sample questions for you to practice and get a feel… Read More »
Must I write both the AQL test and the MAT test? Must I write both the AQL test and the MAT test? The university and faculty where you apply will determine which tests you must write. The application requirements include closing dates and deadlines for receiving NBT results. This will help you decide when to… Read More »
When should I write NBTs? You should write the NBTs when you feel ready. However, you must also meet the closing dates and deadlines for the institutions where you are applying. Remember also that you must allow time for your NBTs to be processed, scored and the results sent to institutions. The dates on which… Read More »
What are The NBTs? The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) measure your academic readiness for University. The NBT Project is a national initiative run by Universities South Africa (formerly known as Higher Education South Africa: HESA). Some South African universities use the NBTs in addition to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for access to higher education,… Read More »
NBT Sample Questions WHAT IS IN THE NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS? Download exemplar questions for the Mathematics (MAT) test. Download exemplar questions for the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test. The NBTs focus on academic readiness for university study. Each test requires you to apply prior learning – what you know and are able to do – to… Read More »