What is the purpose of the NBT test for universities?

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. Your NBT results are taken into consideration when applying for most university degree programs. Universities will request your NBT results from the NBT Project at UCT.

The NBT tests are managed by the Alternative Admissions Research Project at the University of Cape Town. NBT results are used by many universities as an extra admission criterion for applicants to their institutions. They serve to complement and support, rather than replace or duplicate NSC results.

This important assessment helps to identify students who may have problems in certain subject areas and are also aimed at determining the level of competency of learners in certain learning areas.

The purpose has changed over time…

Most universities now use your NBT results as a differentiator when looking at your application. NBT results are becoming increasingly important as a deciding factor – do you get into your degree program or not?