NBT stands for National Benchmark Test. The AQL (Academic Quantitative Literacy) is one multiple-choice test of three hours of writing time. The MAT (Core Maths) is also a multiple-choice test with three hours of writing time. Both papers are written on the same day.

The NBT is a test that all Grade 12 learners, or any other students wishing to apply for university study have to write. This test assesses your mathematical and language literacy and readiness for university-level education.

The NBT consists of two tests, Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test & the Mathematics (MAT) test.

National Benchmark Test

Can you pass/fail the NBTs? It is not possible to pass or fail the NBTs. The tests provide an indication of the readiness of candidates for the demands of higher education.

There are no past papers or special study materials to prepare for the tests. The NBT assesses your prior knowledge – what you know and what you are able to do. Go to the NBT website to find out what is covered in the tests. Even if you’re applying to more than one university, you need only write the tests once.

There is no pass mark for the NBTs. Your scores tell universities how ready you are for university education and each university uses your NBT scores differently.

Test prep involves taking care of yourself

1. Sleep. It is important to be well rested.
2. Diet. Don’t change your diet right before the test.
3. Be aware of whatever anxiety you’re feeling.
4. Relax.
5. Visualize a successful experience.
6. Talk about it.
7. Verbal questions.
8. Writing questions.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE NBT QUANTITATIVE LITERACY TEST? There are 50 multiple-choice questions in the QL test.

The Maths test: If you’re unsure, check with the university you’re applying to. You are not allowed a calculator during the Maths test, so make sure you know how to do the simpler calculations without one. Don’t worry: the questions are asked in such a way that a calculator is not necessary.

You can write twice in one cycle (i.e. – one year). Remember, though, that each university has its own rules regarding which results they accept: some take the first result, while others take the best result. Check first with the university to which you’re applying.

The National Benchmark Tests are compulsory for all University of the Free State (UFS) applicants. The last opportunity for all students to write the NBTs is: 1 December 2019 for all other students who have applied to the UFS (Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses).

No application will be reviewed without having received the NBT results. You must pay the testing fee as soon as you have registered and received your unique EasyPay number. The testing fee is R100 to write the AQL.

All prospective students must write the National Benchmark Test (NBT). The results of this compulsory admission test will be used during the selection process. Remember to write the NBTs before 1 July 2021.

Do I need to take the NBTs to apply to UCT? Except for admission the programmes in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, writing the NBTs is mandatory for all undergraduate applicants normally resident or at school in South Africa.

No, unfortunately, the NBT online assessment platform only supports Laptops and Computers. The device specification requirements are listed on the website; refer to FAQ 1 for details!

Eligibility for admission

• Undergraduate Certificate Study.
• Undergraduate Diploma Study.
• Bachelor’s Degree Study.
• Minimum language proficiency.
• Calculating Admissions Points Score (APS)

More Definitions of Admission requirements Admission requirements means the specific minimum criteria a school must use when accepting a student into the school.

UCT offers a full range of postgraduate programmes in its 6 faculties:

• Commerce.
• Engineering & the Built Environment.
• Health Sciences.
• Humanities.
• Law.
• Science.

UCT has over 29 000 students, of whom 30% are postgraduate students. Some 5 500 degrees and diplomas are awarded each year in our six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science.

There really is no good APS score – unless you are talking about scores over 35.

To calculate your APS, add the six best subject percentages, excluding Life Orientation and scores for “Advanced Programme” (AP) subjects, but including English and any other required subject(s) for the relevant programme. Three faculties at UCT adjust the APS when calculating the FPS.

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Universities use the APS score system to inform learners on the type of courses they are able to apply for. This helps universities deal with the load of applications. Some university courses need more than your APS score. You might need to submit portfolio work, audition or attend interviews to get accepted.

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You need to write 6 subjects and pass at least 5 subjects to qualify for a Senior Certificate. You can register to write exams for at least one of the subjects, and a maximum of six subjects in one year. PLEASE NOTE: Information Technology (IT) is no longer offered as a registered subject in the Western Cape.

The Department of Basic Education has announced amendments to the matric pass requirements, which allows learners to fail 1 subject. But there are other subject requirements that need to be met in order to receive the NSC (National Senior Certificate). Remember, there are 3 pass levels: Higher certificate.

Level system

• Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding achievement)
• Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious achievement)
• Level 5: 60 – 69% (Substantial achievement)
• Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate achievement)
• Level 3: 40 – 49% (Adequate achievement)
• Level 2: 30 – 39% (Elementary achievement)
• Level 1: 0 – 29% (Not achieved – Fail)

What a learner needs for different pass levels?