Key NBT Test Dates You Need to Know for 2024
If you’re planning to pursue higher education at a South African university, you’ll need to complete the National Benchmark Test (NBT) as part of your application process. The test dates for the 2024 NBTs are now available.
About the NBT
The NBT assesses your academic readiness for university. It includes two tests: the AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) and the MAT (Mathematics).
The AQL test is a multiple-choice exam designed to evaluate your academic and quantitative literacy. It takes three hours to complete and is required for all applicants, regardless of their chosen program.
The MAT test, also multiple-choice, assesses mathematical competence and is required for students applying to programs that demand math proficiency. It also takes three hours to write.
2024 NBT Test Dates
20 May 2024
03 June 2024
10 June 2024
11 June 2024
01 July 2024
02 July 2024
08 July 2024
15 July 2024
16 July 2024
29 July 2024
12 August 2024
13 August 2024
19 August 2024
09 September 2024
16 September 2024
30 September 2024
14 October 2024
25 November 2024
02 December 2024
06 January 2025
It’s important to check the NBT website to confirm which venues will be hosting exams on your preferred date, as not all centers will be available on every test day.
Online NBT Test Dates for 2024
If attending a venue isn’t an option, you can also take the NBTs online. The online test dates are:
13 May 2024
24 June 2024
22 July 2024
26 August 2024
07 October 2024
NBT Fees
AQL only: R145
AQL and MAT: R290
Rewrites: R250
All undergraduate applicants to South African universities are required to take the NBT. Universities use your test results to determine if additional academic support will be necessary for you to succeed in your chosen program.
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