NBT

Overview

The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) are written by applicants to South African universities. They show how ready a school-leaver is for university-level work in literacy and mathematics. Each university and faculty decides which tests it requires and by when results must reach it.

Who can apply

The Academic and Quantitative Literacy test (AQL) is written by applicants to all programmes that ask for the NBT. The Mathematics test (MAT) is written only by applicants to programmes that require mathematics.

Exam pattern

Both are multiple choice and timed. The tests are offered in English and Afrikaans, and you pick one language for both. They must be written on the same day; you cannot do AQL on one day and MAT on another. Arrive by 7:30 am with official ID. There are no bathroom breaks during either session, and some major sites offer Sunday sessions instead of Saturday.

Marking and results

Results are uploaded to your NBT account about four weeks after you write, on the date given in the test schedule. Results stay locked while there is an unpaid balance on your account. Universities you have applied to request your results from the NBT directly, about three weeks after you write, so you do not need to send them.

Important dates

Testing runs from May until the first Saturday in January. Closing dates for registration and changes are posted on the site.

Fees

As listed on the official site in 2026 (South African rand): AQL only R195, AQL plus MAT R390, and a re-mark R250. Check the site for the current fees.

How to apply

Registration is online through the "Book a test" link on nbt.ac.za. Choose a city, site and date, and register under the name printed on your official ID. Your ID number or passport number is your username. Allow about four weeks for results when picking a date.

After the exam

You may attempt the NBT twice in a cycle, and both attempts must be paid in full. Not every university accepts a second score, so check with the institution first.