University NBT requirements for admission in 2025

University NBT requirements for admission in 2025

A note from our Head of Education, Crispian Lees

Many of you will be wondering about the NBTs this year and starting to ask the many natural questions that you need to for your own unique context. Do I need to write the NBTs, when should I write, where should I write? These are all important questions that you need to answer so that you can plan what steps you need to take to launch you into your next phase beyond High School. It is, indeed, an exciting time but it can be daunting, too, with lots to navigate. That is why we put this summary together for you to help you on your way. 

This guide is continuously updated as and when universities release their updated admissions requirements for 2025. In cases where universities have not yet released their updated requirements.




Answering some frequently asked questions

When do bookings for the tests open?

The National Benchmark Tests Project of the Centre for Educational Assessments generally publish the test dates and open for booking at the start of April each year. This will likely happen on the 2nd of April in 2024 and this happens via nbt.ac.za as the administrating portal.

When are the tests?

The testing schedule typically presents 25 opportunities to take the tests during the course of the year, spanning from the middle of May to the first week of January next year. Tests are typically run every weekend (with the exception of some weekends) over that date range.

How will the tests be written?

The schedule enables learners to take the tests either in-person or online.

Should I write the test online or in-person?

As indicated by the administering organization, the Centre for Educational Assessments at nbt.ac.za:
“You should choose the test form that suits you the best. The tests are equilibrated so there is no difference in writing the online or pencil and paper form of the NBT. The online test is convenient as you would normally write the test at home, but you will need a computer that meets the minimum specification and have stable internet access and sufficient bandwidth or data. Or you may prefer to write in a test venue using the pencil and paper form of the NBT, in which case you should book your test in a venue closest to you on a date that suits you.” 
A significant factor to consider when deciding to write in-person or online is how you might be impacted during load shedding. If your power and connectivity is negatively affected during load shedding, then you should strongly consider writing in-person instead.
For more helpful Frequently Asked Questions, visit the FAQ section at nbt.ac.za.

Can I write the tests more then once?

While you are allowed to write the tests more then once, most Universities will only consider the results from your first attempt. It is very important that you do your best on your first attempt.

Which universities will be using the NBTs for admission to study in 2025?

This is always a tricky question to answer, especially since requirements vary between universities and then, further to that, requirements vary between faculties within universities. As it stands, with many Universities having released their undergraduate guidelines for 2025 enrolment, the requirements appear to be largely unchanged when compared with last year. 

In terms of understanding whether or not a university requires the NBTs for admission, the official university document that will indicate this is a university Undergraduate Prospectus or Undergraduate Guide for the year of admission (the year in which you would do your first year of study). So, for clarity, in 2024, you should look for the 2025 Undergraduate Prospectus or the 2025 Undergraduate Guide.
To help you on your way, please see a list of the major universities on the following page along with a summary of published information relating to NBTs for admission in 2025. We have also provided links to the undergraduate prospectuses where possible. Some universities have yet to publish their 2025 undergraduate prospectus and in these instances we present their most recent admissions requirements. This document continues to be updated as and when requirements are updated by the major universities in South Africa.
Note: Some Universities not only require the NBT but they also require it to be written by a certain date. Be sure to understand your requirements entirely.









Unsure of what you are going to do after Matric? 

Consider the following as it relates to the NBT...

  1. Your results are valid for 3 years from the year you wrote.
  2. If any of your University applications require it, you need to still write. It is unwise to give consideration only to your first choice.
  3. If you want to transfer course or university, or both, in 2025 or beyond, you may need an NBT score to do so.
  4. You will likely get the best results if you prepare and write in your Grade 12 year.
  5. Some bursary and scholarship programs require the NBTs to be written.


Need help preparing for the NBTs? 
Take a look at our courses to find the best option for you! 

In terms of understanding whether or not a university requires the NBTs for admission, the official university document that will indicate this is a university Undergraduate Prospectus or Undergraduate Guide for the year of admission (the year in which you would do your first year of study). So, for clarity, in 2024, you should look for the 2025 Undergraduate Prospectus or the 2025 Undergraduate Guide.

To help you on your way, please see a list of the major universities on the following page along with a summary of published information relating to NBTs for admission in 2025. We have also provided links to the undergraduate prospectuses where possible. Some universities have yet to publish their 2025 undergraduate prospectus and in these instances we present their most recent admissions requirements. This document continues to be updated as and when requirements are updated by the major universities in South Africa.

Note: Some Universities not only require the NBT but they also require it to be written by a certain date. Be sure to understand your requirements entirely.


In terms of understanding whether or not a university requires the NBTs for admission, the official university document that will indicate this is a university Undergraduate Prospectus or Undergraduate Guide for the year of admission (the year in which you would do your first year of study). So, for clarity, in 2024, you should look for the 2025 Undergraduate Prospectus or the 2025 Undergraduate Guide.

To help you on your way, please see a list of the major universities on the following page along with a summary of published information relating to NBTs for admission in 2025. We have also provided links to the undergraduate prospectuses where possible. Some universities have yet to publish their 2025 undergraduate prospectus and in these instances we present their most recent admissions requirements. This document continues to be updated as and when requirements are updated by the major universities in South Africa.

Note: Some Universities not only require the NBT but they also require it to b



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