DUT NBT Requirements 2027: Health Science Entry

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a large public university in KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa, that offers diplomas and degree programmes across several faculties, including Health Sciences. 

Many learners who plan to apply for 2027 wonder whether the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) form part of the entry requirements for health‑related programmes such as nursing, radiography, biomedical technology and environmental health. 

Do You Need to Write the NBT for Health Sciences at DUT?

No. For undergraduate entry to Health Sciences programmes at DUT in 2027, the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are generally not required as part of the official admissions criteria.

DUT admissions decisions are primarily based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, Admission Point Score (APS) and departmental prerequisites.

Unlike institutions such as the University of Cape Town (UCT) or the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), which often require NBT results for Health Sciences applications, there is no official DUT policy mandating the NBT for its health programmes as of the latest admissions information. 

Prospective applicants should still confirm with DUT’s official prospectus or faculty handbook closer to application opening dates, but current publicly available guidance does not list the NBT as a compulsory entry requirement.

Faculties and Exceptions

At DUT in 2027, no specific faculty or programme explicitly requires NBT results for undergraduate Health Sciences entry. 

This includes programmes such as:

1. Nursing Sciences
2. Radiography
3. Biomedical or Clinical Technology
4. Environmental Health
5. Chiropractic and other health‑related diplomas or degrees

However, entry requirements do focus on subject achievements and APS scores for these fields. 

Health Sciences at DUT usually expects strong performance in Life Sciences or related subjects and requires certain APS thresholds for selection.

If you are applying to another South African university alongside DUT that does require the NBT, you may still choose to register and write the test to meet those institutions’ requirements.

What Is an APS Score?

The Admission Point Score (APS) is a system that South African universities use to determine whether you qualify for a specific programme. 

Your final NSC marks are converted into points based on achievement levels in your best subjects. 

DUT relies on APS calculations to decide eligibility for undergraduate programmes, including Health Sciences. 

Higher APS scores generally improve your chances of acceptance.

What Are NBT Scores?

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are national assessments designed to measure your academic literacy, quantitative literacy (AQL), and mathematics proficiency (MAT). 

Some universities require NBT results to assess readiness for tertiary study and to support placement decisions beyond school results.

Your APS score from your matric results matters for Health Sciences at DUT, while NBT scores usually do not form part of DUT’s selection process in 2027.

How to Register for the NBT 

Even though DUT doesn’t require the NBT, writing it can still be useful if you apply to institutions that do.

Here’s how you can register:

1. Visit the National Benchmark Test Project (NBT) official website at www.nbt.ac.za.
2. Click on “Book a Test” or the relevant registration button.
3. Enter your personal details, including your South African ID or passport.
4. Select your preferred test date and venue.
5. Complete payment via the EasyPay reference number provided during booking.
6. After writing the test, your results will be available online and can be shared with multiple universities.

The NBT comprises the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test and, where applicable, the Mathematics (MAT) test. 

If you plan to study a subject requiring strong quantitative skills at another university, you may want to include the MAT component in your registration.

DUT Admissions Beyond NBTs

Although the NBT is not a standard requirement for DUT’s Health Sciences entry, applicants must meet specific academic requirements, including:

1. A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the correct university endorsement.
2. Achievement levels in compulsory subjects such as English and Life Sciences.
3. A competitive APS score that meets or exceeds programme‑specific thresholds.

For example, health sciences programmes such as nursing or radiography usually require higher APS scores and strong subject marks, especially in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences, to be competitive.

Always consult the official 2027 DUT prospectus and programme entry requirements to confirm subject prerequisites, APS thresholds, and any updates to admissions policies.

Bursaries and Financial Support for DUT Health Sciences Students

If you are accepted into a Health Sciences programme at DUT, there are several bursaries and funding options you can explore:

1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Government funding for students from qualifying households, covering tuition, books, and living costs.
2. DUT Merit or Faculty Awards: Financial support for high‑achieving students in health and other fields.
3. External and Industry Bursaries: Professional organisations and health sector partners offer bursaries to students studying nursing, clinical technology, radiography and related fields.

Each bursary has its own eligibility criteria, application process and closing dates. 

Visit DUT’s official financial aid page or contact the university’s financial aid office for the most current information.