Wits NBT Requirements 2027: Health Sciences Rules

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s leading universities. 

The Faculty of Health Sciences is especially competitive. 

To manage the large volume of applicants and maintain academic standards, Wits uses the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) as part of the selection process for Health Sciences programmes. 

In this article, we explain the Wits NBT Requirements 2027, with a focus on Health Sciences.

We cover whether the NBT is required, what programmes it applies to, how the results are used and how to register. 

We also compare NBT results with Admission Point Scores (APS) and list bursaries that may consider both.

Is an NBT Required for Wits Health Sciences in 2027? 

Yes. For applicants to most undergraduate Health Sciences programmes at Wits, the National Benchmark Tests are required for admission in 2027. 

Applicants must write both the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test and the Mathematics (MAT) test during a pencil-and-paper, in-person session. 

Wits will not accept online NBT results for Health Sciences from 2025 onward, although online results taken before 2025 that are still within the three-year validity period may be considered.

Faculties or Programmes with Exceptions

There are a few exceptions within the Health Sciences field for the NBT requirement:

1. Applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree, or are currently in the final year of an undergraduate degree, do not have to write the NBT for Health Sciences entry.
2. Applicants to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) and the Graduate Entry Physiotherapy Programme (GEPP) are also exempt from the NBT requirement.
   These exemptions only apply to applicants who meet the specific criteria above and not to first-time undergraduate applicants.

What Are the Wits NBT Requirements 2027?

The NBT requirement at Wits for Health Sciences means you must write the two NBT components: AQL and MAT. 

These tests assess your readiness for university-level academic work in language, literacy, reasoning and mathematics. 

Wits uses the first attempt results from the most recent year, and these are valid for three years. 

Applicants should aim to write the NBT by the mid-August deadline so that results are available to support their applications. 

Only pencil-and-paper tests written at official centres will be considered, unless an online result taken before 2025 is still valid.

Comparison Between NBT Scores and APS Scores

Your APS is calculated from your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.

It combines your subject achievement levels into a single score. 

Wits uses this APS to assess academic performance in school. NBT scores are different. 

They show how ready you are for university work in literacy and mathematics, regardless of your school achievements. 

For Health Sciences degrees, Wits combines your APS with your NBT results using a Composite Index (CI). 

This means your NBT scores are weighted together with your subject results to rank applicants. 

APS shows what you achieved in school, and NBT results show your preparedness for academic study at university. 

Strong performance in both your APS and NBT increases your chance of a successful application.

How to Register for the NBTs

Registration for the NBT must still be done through the official NBT website. Here is how to register:

1. Visit www.nbt.ac.za and create a profile using your South African ID number or passport number if you are an international applicant.
2. Choose a test session before the mid-August deadline (for Health Sciences) in the year before your proposed study year (e.g., register in 2026 for 2027 entry).
3. Select a pencil-and-paper test centre and complete the registration process.
4. Pay the required test fee and confirm your booking.
5. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation and reference number. Enter this number in your Wits application.
   Make sure that your ID or passport number is the same on both the NBT registration and your Wits application so that your results can be retrieved.

Even if you plan to apply to a university that does not require NBTs, writing the tests early can help you meet requirements for programmes that do. 

Your NBT results remain valid for three years.

How Wits Uses NBT Results for Health Sciences

For Health Sciences degrees like Medicine and Surgery, Dental Science, Oral Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Systems Science and other related programmes, Wits combines your NSC results and your NBT performance into a Composite Index score. 

The NBT component makes up 40% of this composite score, while your academic results account for 60%. 

Applicants whose NBT scores fall in the basic range as defined by the official NBT performance levels may not be considered for placement.

Relevant Bursaries Linked to Wits NBT Performance

Several bursaries exist for Wits Health Sciences students. 

Some of these bursaries consider both academic achievement and NBT performance when awarding funds:

1. Wits Merit-Based Scholarships – These awards recognise strong school and NBT results for top applicants.
2. Faculty of Health Sciences Bursaries – Offered by the faculty to support students entering competitive programmes; performance in both APS and NBT can be a factor.
3. Government and Private Sector Bursaries – Some government and private sponsors require proof of academic readiness, including NBT performance, especially for numeracy-intensive fields.
4. External Foundations and Trusts – Organisations like national healthcare foundations may consider NBT results in addition to APS when assessing candidates for funding.
   Always check the official Wits Financial Aid and Health Sciences bursary pages for the most current eligibility criteria and application processes.