You have a course in mind, your matric exams are around the corner, and then someone casually asks, “Have you booked your NBT?” Suddenly you are not sure whether you even need it. If that sounds familiar, you are in the right place. This guide explains which universities require NBT for 2027, which ones only ask for it in certain faculties, and which ones do not use it at all.
The Short Answer
Not every South African university asks for the National Benchmark Tests, and the ones that do rarely ask for it across the board. For 2027 admission, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is the clearest case: it requires NBTs for all undergraduate programmes. Wits, Stellenbosch and the University of the Free State (UFS) require them for many, but not all, programmes. Universities such as NWU and Nelson Mandela University are generally reported as not requiring them.
University-by-University Overview
Here is a quick snapshot. Treat it as a starting point and confirm your own programme on the university’s website, because requirements can change from one admission cycle to the next.
| University | NBT status | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Required | All undergraduate programmes for 2027, for applicants resident or at school in South Africa |
| Wits University | Required for many programmes | Mostly Health Sciences, Engineering, and certain Commerce and Science degrees |
| Stellenbosch University | Required for most programmes | AQL for most; MAT as well for maths-heavy programmes |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Required for most programmes | Depends on the faculty, with Health Sciences and Economic and Management Sciences usually needing both AQL and MAT |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Conditional | Only certain programmes; check your faculty |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Usually not required | Exceptions for some competitive programmes |
| North-West University (NWU) | Not required | Admission relies on your NSC results |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Not required | Undergraduate admission is NSC-based |
| Rhodes University | Unclear | Sources disagree, so confirm directly with Rhodes |
| CPUT and CUT | Often listed | Check the specific programme before assuming |
UCT: Where the NBT Is Non-Negotiable
UCT’s 2027 admission guidelines state that NBTs are required for all undergraduate programmes. The rule applies to applicants who live in South Africa or attend school here. Which test sections you need depends on the faculty. Some programmes only need the AQL, while others, such as Health Sciences and Science, ask for both AQL and MAT.
There is a catch worth knowing about. UCT’s Commerce faculty notes that the last NBT date for 2027 consideration was 26 September 2026. That date has passed. If you have not written yet, do not wait and hope. Contact the UCT admissions office today and ask what your options are.
Wits, Stellenbosch and UFS: It Depends on Your Course
Wits does not apply the NBT to every degree. The programmes that most often ask for it are in Health Sciences, Engineering, and selected Commerce and Science fields. If you are aiming for Medicine or Engineering, assume you need it until the faculty tells you otherwise.
Stellenbosch combines your NBT results with your NSC marks. Most undergraduate programmes look at the AQL, and the MAT is added for courses that are heavy on mathematics.
UFS sets requirements faculty by faculty. Education, for example, has asked for the AQL only, while Health Sciences has asked for both AQL and MAT. Because these details shift, read the current admission requirements for your exact programme.
What Do AQL and MAT Actually Mean?
The NBT is split into parts. AQL covers academic literacy and quantitative literacy, which means reading, reasoning and working with numbers in context. MAT is the mathematics test, which goes deeper into school-level maths. Universities decide which parts they want, so writing the wrong combination can leave you short of what your course needs.
Why Do Universities Ask for the NBT at All?
Your matric results show what you achieved at school. The NBT shows how ready you are for university-level work. Many universities use it for placement as well as selection. A strong score can support your application, while a weaker one may place you in an extended programme that gives you an extra year of academic support. That is not a punishment, but it does change your timeline and your costs.
How to Check If Your Course Needs the NBT
- Open the admission page of the university you want and find your faculty.
- Look for the line on NBT requirements for your specific programme, not the general page.
- Note which sections you need: AQL only, or AQL and MAT.
- Check the last test date accepted for 2027 admission, and book well before it.
- If anything is unclear, email or call the admissions office and keep their answer.
The official National Benchmark Tests Project website is where you register and see test dates. You can also compare programme details on the UCT and Wits sites.
Mistakes That Cost Students Their Spot
- Waiting for your matric results. Many deadlines fall well before your final marks arrive.
- Assuming one university’s rule applies everywhere. It does not.
- Writing without practice. The NBT is unfamiliar in style, and a cold attempt can drag your score down.
- Ignoring the faculty page. The rule for Law may differ from the rule for Commerce at the same university.
Practice makes a visible difference here. Working through past papers shows you the question style and timing before test day. You can read our guides on NBT past papers and how to use an NBT practice test to build a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NBT compulsory for all South African universities?
No. Some require it for every programme, some only for selected faculties, and some do not use it.
Can I apply to UCT without an NBT result?
UCT requires NBTs for all undergraduate programmes for 2027, so you should speak to their admissions office about your situation as early as possible.
Do I need both AQL and MAT?
It depends on the programme. Maths-heavy and health-related degrees more often ask for both.
Where can I find current NBT dates?
The official NBT website lists test dates and registration deadlines, and they change each year, so check it directly.
Final Word
The question of which universities require NBT for 2027 does not have one neat answer, because the rule changes by university and by faculty. UCT requires it across the board. Wits, Stellenbosch and UFS depend on your course. Others leave it out entirely. Check your programme page, confirm the dates, and start practising early. If you want support with registration, past papers or admission guidance, tap the button below and we will help you sort it out.
Prepared by Accolade | Accolades.com.ng
