What is the NBT and who is it for?

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are used by South African universities to measure how ready a student is for higher education. Unlike school exams, these tests focus on how you apply what you know to new, fast-paced problems. Any matric learner looking to apply to a university successfully should be prepared to write the NBT. For many degrees, NBT results are just as important as your final school marks.

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• What are the NBTs?

  The NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) are standardized tests that have been created to test a learner’s academic readiness for certain university entries. These tests are designed to evaluate your academic literacy, general knowledge and mathematical skills, and have been divided into two separate tests: The AQL test (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) and the MAT (Mathematics) test. 

• What is the difference between AQL and MAT?

  1. The AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) test, is a three-hour, multiple-choice test required by South African universities to assess a student’s ability to understand, interpret, and apply academic language (AL) and basic mathematical concepts (QL) in university-level study. The (AL) section tests a learner’s knowledge on grammar, comprehension and vocabulary. The (QL) section tests a learner’s ability to interpret graphs, charts and basic mathematical reasoning.
  2. The MAT (Mathematical) test, is also a three-hour, multiple-choice test, that focuses more on a learner’s mathematical knowledge along with applicational skills, in regards to different topics, such as functions, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and geometry, and statistics and probability.

• Who should write the NBTs?

  • Any matric learner who wants to apply to university, with the most probable chance of being accepted.
  • Any matric learner who wants to apply for a degree of which the NBTs are a specific requirement.
  • Any matric learner who wants to apply to study at a university that requires the successful completion of the NBT exams.

• Are the NBTs a requirement for my university degree application?

  Use the following link for more information on the NBT requirements for certain degrees and universities:

• Can I write the NBT exams without completing the preparational course?

  Yes, it is possible to write the NBT exams without completing a preparational course; however, we would not recommend this. The NBTs assess specific academic and problem-solving skills that differ from standard school examinations, and many students are unfamiliar with these standards. Completing a preparation course equips learners with the necessary techniques, practices, and confidence to approach the exams effectively.

• How do I book for the NBTs?

  To book for the NBTs you can go directly to the NBT website: https://www.nbt.ac.za/. The 2026 NBT exam application will open on the 1st of April, and the exam has to be completed by the 31st of July.

• When is the best time to write the NBTs?

  We recommend writing your NBTs close to your preliminary exam period, when your academic knowledge is still fresh and actively applied. Writing early also ensures that your results are ready before university application deadlines close, giving you peace of mind and avoiding last-minute pressure.