Stellenbosch NBT Requirements 2027: Faculty Guide

Applying to Stellenbosch University (SU) for undergraduate study in 2027 means you must understand how the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) fit into the admissions process. 

Many South African universities use NBT results as part of their selection criteria. 

Stellenbosch University’s approach is specific and depends on the faculty and the applicant’s educational background. 

Is the NBT Required for Stellenbosch Admission in 2027? 

Yes. For the 2027 intake, Stellenbosch University requires many applicants to sit the National Benchmark Tests during the application process for certain programmes. 

Specifically, if you are applying for Faculty of Law qualifications or are from an alternative education system like School of Tomorrow, you must write the NBTs. 

For most other faculties and applicants with standard South African qualifications, whether you must write the NBT may vary according to admissions policy and faculty selection rules.

Faculties or Programmes with Exceptions

Stellenbosch University’s official admissions page outlines specific areas where the NBT is mandatory:

1. Faculty of Law – Applicants to programmes such as BCom Law, BAccLLB, LLB and BA Law must write NBT components. Law applicants must complete the required NBT tests before 31 July in order for results to be considered for selection.
2. School of Tomorrow applicants – Students from the School of Tomorrow or other non-standard schooling systems must write the NBT to ensure their results are available for screening and placement.

For most other undergraduate programmes, the SU prospectus information indicates that NBTs are generally not required for admission decisions but can be used in placement and selection where needed. 

This includes programmes outside of Law, such as faculties of Engineering, Science, Economic and Management Sciences, and other bachelor’s degrees that are selection programmes based on NSC performance and calculated selection scores.

Stellenbosch NBT Requirements 2027

The National Benchmark Tests are standardised assessments used by some universities to evaluate academic literacy, quantitative literacy and mathematical reasoning. 

NBTs are not part of the traditional South African school curriculum, and they provide a benchmark that supplements school results in competitive admissions.

At Stellenbosch for 2027 admissions:

1. Law applicants must write NBTs. Faculty guidelines specify AQL and MAT tests for law programmes where mathematics is part of the entry criteria, and AQL alone for some law options.
2. Applicants from alternative schooling systems must complete NBTs so their applications can be processed.
3. For most other degree choices, you apply with your school results and subject requirements directly; NBTs are not compulsory unless SU’s admissions policy specifies otherwise for that programme.

Always check the Stellenbosch faculty selection guideline documents for the 2027 intake to confirm the current rules for your chosen programme.

Comparison Between NBT Scores and APS Scores

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

APS is calculated from your subject results (usually based on your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation) and reflects your school performance. 

SU uses NSC performance and faculty minimum averages to rank applicants.

NBT scores are different. They assess general academic competency in literacy and reasoning beyond specific subject achievement. 

At universities that use NBTs, good NBT results can help when APS alone is not sufficient for competitive programmes. 

Although Stellenbosch does not require NBTs for the majority of programmes, strong NBT results are particularly relevant for Law applicants and those from non-standard schooling backgrounds, as they can support your academic profile where needed.

How to Register for the NBTs

If you are required or choose to write the NBT, you must register through the official NBT platform:

1. Visit www.nbt.ac.za and create a candidate profile using your South African ID or passport number.
2. Select an available test date and location. NBTs are offered at various sites countrywide and sometimes include remote test options by arrangement.
3. Complete the registration and pay the required fee.
4. Upon successful booking, you will receive a confirmation and reference number. Enter this reference number in your application where required.

It is important to register before any faculty deadline set by Stellenbosch University. 

For Law applicants, NBT results must be recorded before 31 July in the year before study to be included in selection decisions.

How Stellenbosch Uses NBT Results Where Required

For programmes that require NBTs, such as Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and law-related degrees, SU includes the NBT results in the selection process alongside your school results and subject minimum requirements. 

Good performance in Academic Literacy and Mathematics (if applicable) strengthens your application when competition is high.

For most other faculties and standard applicants, SU may not require NBT results for admission, but it retains the right to use them in placement or extended programme decisions where it benefits assessment of academic readiness. 

Always check the official 2027 faculty selection guidelines to clarify how results will be used.

Relevant Bursaries and NBT Performance at Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that support undergraduate students. 

Many of these awards look primarily at academic performance based on NSC results and APS scores. 

Some bursary sponsors may consider demonstrated academic readiness through strong NBT outcomes, especially for faculty awards where reasoning, literacy and numerical skills are valued. 

Examples include:

1. Merit Scholarships are provided to high achievers with excellent school results and competitive academic profiles.
2. Faculty-specific awards that consider performance in subject areas relevant to the degree.
3. External bursaries from government or private donors that consider a combination of school results, APS, and additional assessments like NBT, where required.

Applicants should always consult the official Stellenbosch University Financial Aid Office and faculty bursary listings for accurate and current eligibility details.