UFS NBT Requirements 2027: Latest Admission Rules
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a major South African university offering a wide range of undergraduate programmes across seven faculties.
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Admissions to UFS are competitive, and understanding the entry requirements is essential if you plan to apply for 2027.
One major question many matriculants ask is whether the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are required.
These tests are used by many universities in South Africa to assess academic readiness beyond the school curriculum.
Do You Need to Write the NBT to Study at UFS?
No, UFS does not require the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) for undergraduate admission for the 2027 intake.
This is based on the latest admissions information available from official sources and updated admissions guides.
This means you are not automatically required to write either part of the NBT as part of meeting UFS’s minimum admission requirements.
However, there are times when applicants still choose to write NBTs if another university they apply to requires them, because NBT results can be used at multiple institutions.
Faculties That May Have Different Testing Expectations
Although UFS generally does not require NBTs in 2027, there are faculties where writing the NBT has been important historically or remains recommended.
These should be checked directly in the relevant faculty admissions rules or the UFS 2027 prospectus:
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences – In previous admissions cycles, candidates were expected to write both the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and Mathematics (MAT) NBTs if applying to certain programmes, such as Bachelor of Commerce degrees.
- Health Sciences and Natural Sciences – Traditionally, applicants to these faculties wrote both AQL and MAT tests as part of placement assessments, even though minimum admission requirements are based on NSC results.
- Humanities and Social Sciences – In earlier cycles, UFS required the AQL test for learners applying to some humanities programmes. These requirements may still affect placement or support modules, but are no longer standard admissions criteria.
If you are applying only to UFS and not to any other university that uses NBT results for placement, you may not need to write the NBT for 2027 admission.
Always check the specific faculty or programme requirements in the 2027 UFS Undergraduate Prospectus for exceptions.
What Are APS Scores?
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a key part of South African university admissions.
It is calculated from your National Senior Certificate (NSC) final grades.
Each subject you pass in matric contributes to the APS total. Higher achievement levels earn more points.
UFS uses APS scores to assess whether you meet the minimum eligibility for a programme.
What Are NBT Scores?
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are national tests separate from school results.
They measure your academic literacy and quantitative skills. The tests include:
- Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
- Mathematics (MAT) – if required by specific programmes
NBT result bands are used by some universities to help place students into appropriate modules or to assist with selection decisions.
How They Compare
| Component | What It Reflects | Used For |
| APS | Final school results | Minimum admission eligibility at UFS and most universities |
| NBT Scores | Academic readiness beyond school curriculum | Placement or additional selection criteria at some universities |
At UFS, your APS remains the core requirement for entry into an undergraduate programme. Although NBTs historically helped inform placements or development modules, they are no longer required for admission for 2027.
How to Register for the NBT
If you are also applying to other universities that still require NBT results, or you want to submit NBT results when applicable, here’s how to register:
- Go to the National Benchmark Test Project official website.
- Choose the test session that fits your schedule.
- Enter your personal details, including your South African ID number or passport.
- Choose the city or site where you intend to write.
- Pay the registration fee and record your EasyPay reference number.
- You will receive confirmation of your test venue and date by email and SMS.
Registration usually opens early in the year, and NBT results take several weeks to become available.
Always allow plenty of time before university application deadlines.
Bursaries and Financial Support for UFS Students
While NBT requirements are not central to financial aid eligibility, understanding bursaries available to UFS students can support your studies once accepted:
- UFS Academic Merit Awards: These are awarded based on your final APS score and high academic achievement.
- Funza Lushaka Bursary: This is a national bursary scheme for students who plan to teach at schools after graduation. Eligibility typically includes meeting faculty and APS requirements.
- UFS Institutional Bursaries: UFS offers merit or need-based bursaries detailed in the 2027 prospectus. These are awarded based on academic performance and other criteria outlined by the University.
Always consult the official UFS bursaries page and the financial aid section of the 2027 prospectus for full details and closing dates.
