NBT Application for 2026 in South Africa. In 2026, one critical step you need to prepare for is the NBT application for 2026. The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) are essential assessments used by several South African universities to evaluate a student’s academic readiness. This guide provides everything you need to know, from registration dates to test venues, login information, and important deadlines.
What is the NBT?
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are standardised assessments developed by the Centre for Educational Testing for Access and Placement (CETAP) at the University of Cape Town. They are used to assess a student’s academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics skills. Many public universities in South Africa, including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, and NMMU, use these test results as part of their admission criteria.
NBT Application for 2026 Opening Date
Prospective students can start their NBT application for 2026 from April 1, 2025. This timeline follows the regular schedule released annually by the Centre for Educational Assessments. Starting your registration early gives you better flexibility in selecting test venues and dates that suit your academic plans.
NBT Application for 2026 Closing Date
The closing date for NBT applications for 2026 is September 30, 2025. This deadline is critical—late applications or walk-ins are not accepted. Certain universities may have earlier deadlines for receiving NBT results, especially for competitive programs. For example, students applying to UCT must typically write their NBTs before July 31, 2025, to qualify for conditional offers.
NBT Registration Process
Step-by-Step Guide for NBT Registration
Registering for the NBT is simple, and it takes about five minutes online. Here’s what you need:
- Your official South African ID book or foreign passport
- A valid and unique email address
- A pen and paper to note your username and EasyPay number
- Details of the city and test site where you want to write
- Your preferred test date (allowing at least four weeks for results)
- Information on the NBT requirements from the institutions you’re applying to
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an SMS and email confirmation of your test venue two days before the scheduled date.
Important Note About Browsers
To avoid technical issues, use Internet Explorer or Firefox when accessing the NBT website. Users have reported challenges when using Google Chrome.
NBT Application for 2026 Login
After registering, you can log in to your NBT profile at any time using your assigned username and EasyPay number. Your profile allows you to:
- Complete unfinished registration
- Correct personal information
- Change your test date or venue (if needed)
- Verify payment and access your results
Note: You can only access results for paid tests. Missed tests or re-writes require re-registration and additional payment.
NBT Test Dates and Venues for 2025
The NBT tests for 2025 (for the 2026 university intake) will run between May 18th and October 5th, 2025, with both online and in-person options available. Below is the full schedule:
| NBT Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | April 1st, 2025 |
| Test Period (Online & In-Person) | May 18th – October 5th, 2025 |
| Final Registration Date for 2025 Intake | December 7th, 2025 |
| Final NBT Test Date | January 10th, 2026 |
Test Site Options in the Eastern Cape
- Nelson Mandela University (Port Elizabeth)
- University of Cape Town (Rondebosch Campus)
- Stellenbosch University (Main Campus)
- Stellenbosch University (Tygerberg Campus)
Test Formats and Components
There are two main NBTs:
- AQL Test (Academic and Quantitative Literacy): Required by all institutions.
- MAT Test (Mathematics): Required only for select programs like Engineering, Commerce, and Health Sciences.
Each test lasts approximately three hours and is administered under strict conditions, whether online or on-site.
NBT Application Requirements Checklist
Before starting your NBT application for 2026, make sure you have the following:
- Official South African ID/passport
- Unique email address
- Details of the test venue and city
- NBT requirements of your chosen institution(s)
- Desired test date
- Pen and paper to write down your login and payment details
- Browser: Use Internet Explorer or Firefox
Why Are the NBTs Important?
Universities use NBT results to:
- Complement National Senior Certificate (NSC) results
- Inform decisions around placement and support
- Offer conditional admissions (at some institutions)
Competitive universities, especially for programs like Medicine or Engineering, strongly consider NBT scores.
Payment and EasyPay Details
All NBT payments must be made via EasyPay using your unique reference number. Your results will not be released until full payment is confirmed.
Use EasyPay to:
- Pay for your test
- Track your payment confirmation
- Ensure results are released to institutions and available online
No Late or Walk-in Applications Allowed
The NBT application for 2026 must be submitted before September 30, 2025. There are no late applications, and walk-ins are not accommodated. If you miss your test date, you must re-register and repay for another date.
Conditional Offers Based on NBT Results
Some universities, such as UCT, offer conditional admissions if you complete your NBTs by their internal deadline. This is especially helpful for early applicants looking to secure their place.
Tips for a Smooth NBT Application
- Start early (April 1st, 2025)
- Confirm NBT requirements with your institution
- Choose a test date that gives at least 4–5 weeks for result processing
- Keep your username and EasyPay number safe
- Pay as soon as possible to avoid delays in result release
Conclusion
The NBT application for 2026 is a vital part of the university admissions process in South Africa. Planning ahead, understanding test requirements, and registering on time will ensure a smooth process. Remember, results are only released once payment is confirmed, and deadlines vary depending on your chosen university and program. Start preparing early and give yourself the best chance to succeed.
