UJ NBT Requirements 2027: Admission Test Update

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a major public university in South Africa with a wide range of undergraduate programmes. 

Many students applying for 2027 want to know whether they need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) as part of the admissions process. 

NBTs are national standardised tests used by some South African universities to assess academic readiness beyond school results. 

Is the NBT Required for UJ Admission in 2027? 

No. The University of Johannesburg does not require applicants to sit the National Benchmark Tests to apply or gain admission for the 2027 academic year. 

This rule applies to the vast majority of undergraduate curricular qualifications. Applicants can submit an application without NBT results. 

Faculties or Programmes with Exceptions

Official admissions documentation from UJ confirms that NBTs are not part of standard entrance requirements. 

However, exceptional cases may occur where applicants who hold unusual school leaving certificates or qualifications might be asked by the university to participate in additional assessments, including the NBT. 

These situations are rare and are determined on a case-by-case basis by the admissions office, not by general policy. 

What UJ NBT Requirements 2027 Means for You

The National Benchmark Tests consist of two main modules:

1. Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL), which assesses reading comprehension, academic reasoning, and numeracy.
2. Mathematics (MAT), which evaluates mathematical problem solving and reasoning relevant for programmes with mathematics content.

At universities that use NBTs, performance in these modules helps admissions officials understand a student’s preparedness for academic study beyond what school marks show. 

At UJ, however, these tests form no formal part of the admissions process for undergraduate entry in 2027. 

Applicants are assessed primarily on their school results and the faculty-specific admission requirements, such as APS and subject minimums. 

Comparison Between NBT Scores and APS Scores

Your Admission Point Score (APS) is a calculation based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. 

APS is based on your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, and each subject contributes different points based on achievement levels. 

UJ uses APS as a measure to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements for selection into specific programmes.

Nit-based NBT scores measure your readiness in literacy, reasoning, and numeracy, rather than your achievement in school subjects. 

At institutions that require NBTs, high NBT results can strengthen an application when APS scores are borderline. 

At UJ, NBT scores generally do not form part of the evaluation for admission decisions, and admissions officers do not use them in the same way that APS scores are used. 

APS remains the core metric for determining entry eligibility. 

How to Register for the NBTs 

Even though UJ does not require NBTs for most undergraduate programmes, you may choose to write them. 

Strong results could be useful if you apply to other South African universities that require them, such as the University of Cape Town or Wits. 

NBTs are also valid for three years once written. Here is how to register:

1. Go to the official NBT site at www.nbt.ac.za.
2. Create a profile using your South African ID number or passport number if you are an international candidate.
3. Select a test date and venue available in your area.
4. Complete the registration details and pay the required fee.
5. Confirm your booking and retain your NBT reference number for future university applications.

Registration is usually open months before test dates, and it is recommended that candidates book early so they can secure a date that suits them. 

Authors on the official NBT site recommend planning your test date well ahead of university deadlines. 

How UJ Uses NBT Results Where Applicable

Even though NBTs are not required for admission, the University of Johannesburg reserves the right to request additional assessments for applicants with exceptional qualifications, unusual academic records, or school leaving certificates not recognised by standard processes. 

In such rare cases, an NBT score might support the assessment of academic readiness. 

Decisions in these situations are made by faculty admissions committees or specialist units within the university. (turn0search1)

Relevant Bursaries at UJ and Academic Readiness

UJ offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to support undergraduate students. 

These bursaries usually focus on academic merit as demonstrated by NSC results and APS performance. 

Bursaries can be awarded based on excellence in specific subjects, overall high performance, or financial need.

Examples include:

1. UJ Merit-based Scholarships, awarded to high-achieving students with strong school results and high APS.
2. Faculty-specific awards, given to students entering competitive programmes such as engineering, science, or business.
3. External bursaries, sponsored by government or private organisations, may consider a combination of school results, APS, and other criteria.

While NBT results are not typically part of UJ’s admission criteria, you may find some external bursaries or scholarship panels that consider NBT scores as part of a broader academic profile when evaluating candidates for funding. 

Applicants should always consult the official bursary pages on the UJ website for the most accurate and updated criteria. (UJ bursary details on uj.ac.za)

Notes for 2027 Applicants

Prospective students should focus on meeting the minimum subject and APS requirements listed in UJ’s Admissions Guides and Prospectus. 

Writing NBTs remains optional for UJ undergraduate entry in 2027, but it can be beneficial if you plan to apply to other institutions that require these test results. 

Ensure that you meet all APS and faculty requirements for your chosen programme before submitting your application.