What is the MAT section of the NBTs?
If you are writing the MAT of the NBT then it is compulsory that you have to write the AQL section as well.
The MAT paper is a separate three-hour paper (only written by learners applying for certain degree programmes and who have done Core Maths at school) and assesses mostly Grade 11 Core Maths syllabus content although some Grade 12 work is included, depending on the time of year the assessment is written. It also takes a multiple-choice format. It tests proficiency in such areas as problem-solving and modeling, functions, trigonometry, spatial perception, and probability.
Both the AQL and MAT are differentiated into cognitive levels, meaning there is a range in difficulty in each section – with the easier applications generally coming first.
Related Articles
Mathematics (MAT)
In order to write the MAT test, you should be studying (or have studied) Core Mathematics at school. If you are studying (or studied) Maths Literacy you will not be equipped to take the MAT test and should only take the AQL test. For this we ...
What is the AQL section of the NBTs?
The AQL (compulsory for all learners who are required to write the NBT) aims to test proficiency in language comprehension as well as logic-based numerical skills. It assesses knowledge learned in the senior high school phase. It aims to assess ...
Why you should still write the NBTs in 2025
It's a natural question to ask now that you may not need a result for your application for your first choice university and degree programme. However, the NBT results are important and you may need them in the future. Here are a few reasons why you ...
Advantage Learn has helped over 23 000 students across South Africa to prepare for their NBT Test.
Advantage Learn has helped over 23 000 students across South Africa to prepare for their NBT Test. We offer NBT Preparation courses in many mediums, to choose the right course for you [book here]. Our course includes the following training of ...
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, ...