If you are reading this article, you probably know what the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) is, but what does it entail, and which Universities in South Africa require these test results as criteria for admission? well, I am here to answer these questions.
About NBT
NBT was created by Higher Education South Africa (HESA) in 2005 and its aim is to measure a student’s ability to transfer their understanding of Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics to the demands of tertiary coursework.
The NBT’s four core objectives are listed below:
- To assess entry-level academic and quantitative literacy and mathematics proficiency of students;
- To assess the relationship between higher education entry-level proficiencies and school-level exit outcomes;
- To provide a service to HE institutions requiring additional information to assist in the placement of students in appropriate curricular routes;
- To assist with curriculum development, particularly in relation to foundation courses.
Details on the NBT tests
The National Benchmark Tests comprise three multiple-choice tests, written as a combined Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test, and a separate Mathematics test.
The Academic Literacy (AL) test targets a writer’s capacity to engage successfully with the demands of academic study in the medium of instruction of the test.
The Quantitative Literacy (QL) test targets a writer’s ability to manage situations or solve problems in a real context that is relevant to higher education study, using basic quantitative information that may be presented verbally, graphically, or in tabular or symbolic form.
The Cognitive Academic Mathematics Proficiency Test (CAMP) is a three-hour test that targets a writer’s ability related to mathematical concepts formally regarded as part of the secondary school curriculum (Mathematics Papers 1 and 2) relevant for Higher Education studies.
Universities that require NBT
This is the full list of universities in South Africa that require NBT for admission.
Public Universities
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- North-West University
- Rhodes University
- Stellenbosch University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Fort Hare
- University of the Free State
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- The University of Venda for Science and Technology
- University of the Western Cape
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
- Sol Plaatje University
- University of Mpumulanga.
Private Universities/colleges
- Monash South Africa
- The Independent Institute of Education:
- Vega School of Brand Leadership
- Rosebank College
- Design School of Southern Africa.
How to register for NBT
If your university of choice is mentioned in this list, you will need to register and book an NBT rest, if you are interested in a detailed guide on how to do this, visit this link.
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