The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are standardised assessments used by South African universities to gauge academic readiness. This page is purely informational: every 2025 date, the related cut-offs, what each test covers, and how to plan your timeline.
2025 NBT Calendar with Deadlines
| Test date | Register by | Pay by | Results to institutions | Results to writers | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 May | 20 Apr | 28 Apr | 02 Jun | 09 Jun | Online |
| 17 May | 27 Apr | 05 May | 09 Jun | 17 Jun | Paper |
| 31 May | 11 May | 19 May | 23 Jun | 30 Jun | Paper |
| 7 Jun | 18 May | 26 May | 23 Jun | 01 Jul | Paper |
| 8 Jun | 18 May | 26 May | 30 Jun | 07 Jul | Online |
| 21 Jun | 01 Jun | 09 Jun | 14 Jul | 21 Jul | Online |
| 28 Jun | 08 Jun | 16 Jun | 21 Jul | 28 Jul | Paper |
| 6 Jul | 15 Jun | 23 Jun | 28 Jul | 04 Aug | Online |
| 12 Jul | 22 Jun | 30 Jun | 04 Aug | 11 Aug | Paper |
| 19 Jul | 29 Jun | 07 Jul | 11 Aug | 18 Aug | Paper |
| 26 Jul | 06 Jul | 14 Jul | 18 Aug | 25 Aug | Online |
| 2 Aug | 13 Jul | 21 Jul | 25 Aug | 01 Sep | Paper |
| 3 Aug | 13 Jul | 21 Jul | 25 Aug | 01 Sep | Online |
| 16 Aug | 27 Jul | 04 Aug | 08 Sep | 15 Sep | Paper |
| 23 Aug | 03 Aug | 11 Aug | 15 Sep | 22 Sep | Paper |
| 30 Aug | 10 Aug | 18 Aug | 22 Sep | 29 Sep | Paper |
| 6 Sep | 17 Aug | 25 Aug | 29 Sep | 06 Oct | Paper |
| 13 Sep | 24 Aug | 01 Sep | 06 Oct | 13 Oct | Paper |
| 27 Sep | 07 Sep | 15 Sep | 20 Oct | 27 Oct | Paper |
| 4 Oct | 14 Sep | 22 Sep | 27 Oct | 03 Nov | Online |
| 11 Oct | 21 Sep | 29 Sep | 03 Nov | 10 Nov | Paper |
| 10 Jan 2026 | 07 Dec | 15 Dec | 02 Feb | 09 Feb | Paper |
2025 NBT Fees
- AQL only: R185
- AQL and MAT: R370
- Re-mark: R250
What each test covers
- AQL (Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy) – reading comprehension, argument analysis, basic quantitative reasoning.
- MAT (Mathematics) – algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus basics, data handling.
Who must write?
Most public universities and many private institutions request NBT scores. Check each programme’s admission page: if it lists AL, QL and MAT you need both tests. If only AL/QL is listed, MAT is not required.
Choosing a date: quick checklist
- Check each university’s closing date and count back four weeks for results processing.
- Book early if you may need a re-write or re-mark.
- Avoid clashes with June exams or prelims.
- Only choose online if you have stable internet, a quiet space, and a webcam for ID checks.
Registration and payment steps
- Create an account on the official NBT site using your ID or passport.
- Select your date, venue or online option, and which tests you will write.
- Keep your NBT reference number for payment and queries.
- Pay the correct fee before the payment deadline to keep your seat.
- Download and save the confirmation letter for test day.
On the day
- Paper sessions: Arrive 60 minutes early. Bring ID/passport, confirmation letter, pencils, eraser, sharpener. Calculators are not allowed.
- Online sessions: Do the system check a day before. Expect ID verification and a room scan. Ensure power and data backups.
- Duration: Each section is about three hours. If you sit both tests on one day, there is a break between them.
Results and validity
- Institutions receive scores first on the dates in the table. Writers see theirs about a week later in their account.
- Scores are typically valid for the year of application. Some universities accept the previous year’s score, so confirm.
- You can request a re-mark (R250) within the official window after release.
Suggested yearly timeline (Grade 12, 2025)
- Jan to Feb: Confirm which programmes need NBTs. Build your calendar.
- Mar to Apr: Register for a May or June session. Start light prep.
- May to Aug: Write your test. Consider a re-write if necessary.
- Sep to Oct: Final sessions if you missed earlier ones.
- Nov to Dec: Focus on finals. Only late or repeat writers sit now.
Common mistakes
- Missing the payment deadline. Unpaid bookings are cancelled.
- Booking a test after your university’s closing date.
- Skipping MAT when your programme requires it.
- Banking on shaky Wi-Fi for an online sitting.
FAQs
Can I write more than once?
Yes. Book a later session and pay again. Check how each university treats multiple scores.
Can I move my booking?
Yes, once, before that session’s registration deadline and if space is available.
Are calculators allowed?
No. Neither AQL nor MAT allows calculators.
How long are scores valid?
Usually for the application year. Confirm with each institution.
