CUT NBT Requirements 2027: Faculty Entry Points

The Central University of Technology (CUT) is a public university of technology in the Free State, South Africa, with campuses in Bloemfontein and Welkom. 

CUT offers a range of undergraduate qualifications in faculties such as Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Health and Environmental Sciences, Humanities, and Management Sciences. 

Prospective students often ask whether they must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) to be admitted and how the NBT fits with faculty entry points and admission rules for the 2027 academic year. 

Is the NBT Compulsory at CUT for 2027 Entry? 

Yes. At CUT, the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are mandatory for all first-year applicants before they can register at the university. 

CUT’s admissions policy states that all new first-year students must have written the applicable NBTs before registration, and the results are used in conjunction with school performance for placement and support decisions.

List of Faculties and NBT Expectations

At CUT, every faculty requires NBT results, but the specific tests you must write depend on your chosen field of study:

1. All Faculties (Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test): All undergraduate applicants must write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test. This test assesses your academic literacy and basic quantitative reasoning and is compulsory for applicants across all faculties.
2. Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences: Applicants to this faculty must write both the AQL and the Mathematics (MAT) tests. This applies to programmes that involve significant quantitative or scientific content.
3. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology: Students applying to engineering, built environment, or IT programmes must write the AQL and MAT tests because of the mathematical demands of these courses.
4. Some Departments in the Faculty of Humanities: Certain departments within Humanities also require the MAT test in addition to the AQL when the programme has a quantitative focus or analytical component.

These NBT expectations apply regardless of your school results and must be completed before you start studies at CUT.

Comparison Between NBT Scores and APS Scores 

At CUT, your Admission Point Score (APS), calculated from your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, is the primary determinant of eligibility for admission. 

APS is based on the points you earn from your best subjects, with a default minimum of 27 APS points required for direct entry into most programmes. 

Higher APS requirements may be set for competitive or specialised courses, particularly in Engineering or Health Sciences.

NBT scores are separate from APS scores. NBT results do not form part of your APS calculation. 

Instead, the NBTs provide additional insight into your academic literacy and quantitative readiness. At CUT:

• APS reflects your matric performance and determines whether you meet the academic threshold for entry.
• NBT results help the university identify if you may need extra academic support, whether you fit a programme’s cognitive demands, and how you can be placed in development or extended programmes if needed.

Writing the appropriate NBTs can strengthen your application and ensure the university has a full picture of your academic readiness beyond your NSC results.

How to Register for the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) 

If you need to write the NBTs for CUT or other universities:

1. Visit the official National Benchmark Test Project website and go to the registration section.
2. Create your account using your South African ID or passport number and a valid email address.
3. Select the tests you need: Most applicants register for the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test, and those applying to quantitative or science-oriented programmes also register for the Mathematics (MAT) test.
4. Choose your test date and test centre from available sessions across South Africa. CUT applicants are advised to write the tests between June and September.
5. Pay the registration fee as indicated.
6. Submit your NBT reference number on your CUT application so that the university can access your results.

Results are generally available within a few weeks after writing, and they remain valid across multiple application cycles.

How to Apply to CUT for 2027 

To apply to CUT for the 2027 academic year:

1. Submit your application online through the official CUT application portal once applications open, typically around May to September preceding the academic year.
2. Provide your full NSC results or predictions and ensure you meet the minimum APS and subject requirements of your chosen programme.
3. Pay the application fee and upload the required documents, such as certified copies of your ID and academic results.
4. Include your NBT reference number to confirm you have written the required benchmark tests.
5. Submit your application before the closing date; details are published on CUT’s admissions pages each year.

After submission, monitor your application status through the CUT admissions portal and respond quickly to any additional requests for information.

Bursaries for CUT Applicants 

Students applying to CUT can explore various bursary and funding options:

1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides eligible South African students with funding for tuition, accommodation, and allowances.
2. CUT Financial Aid Office bursaries offer scholarships or support based on academic merit and financial need.
3. Faculty-specific awards may be available within faculties such as Engineering or Health and Environmental Sciences.
4. External scholarships from government initiatives, professional bodies, and private trusts may also support studies in specific fields.

Check both the NSFAS portal and the CUT financial aid office for the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application instructions.