UNISA NBT Requirements 2027: Do You Need to Write?

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a major distance-learning institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate qualifications to South African and international students. 

When planning for 2027 admission, many students want clarity on whether the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are part of UNISA’s entry requirements. 

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

Is the NBT Required for UNISA Admission in 2027? 

No. For the 2027 undergraduate admissions cycle, UNISA does not require applicants to submit National Benchmark Test results as a condition of acceptance into its qualifications. 

UNISA’s admission decisions are based on meeting the minimum academic requirements for each qualification, such as a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the correct endorsement, and satisfying any faculty-specific rules. 

There is no mention of NBTs as a mandatory requirement in UNISA’s general admissions policy documents. (turn1search0; turn1search5)

Faculties or Programmes with Exceptions

Because UNISA does not list NBTs as a general requirement for undergraduate admission, there are no standard faculty exceptions where the NBT is required instead of the APS. 

Every applicant is evaluated primarily on NSC results, APS and qualification-specific criteria. 

If a particular qualification had an unusual requirement involving NBTs, it would be published in the qualification’s own admission requirements. 

As of the latest official information, no such exceptions have been listed for 2027. 

Therefore, NBTs are not typically required for any undergraduate faculty at UNISA. 

UNISA NBT Requirements 2027 

The National Benchmark Tests are designed to assess academic literacy, quantitative literacy and mathematical reasoning. 

These tests help universities compare applicants from different school backgrounds and evaluate their readiness for higher education study. 

At institutions that use them, they often supplement school results. 

However, for admission to UNISA’s undergraduate qualifications in 2027, applicants are admitted based on meeting the statutory entrance requirements for their chosen qualification, such as having an NSC with the appropriate endorsement and required subject results. 

UNISA’s published admission guides and official entry information do not include NBTs as part of its requirements. 

Comparison Between NBT Scores and APS Scores

The Admission Point Score (APS) is a numerical value calculated from the results of your National Senior Certificate (Grade 12). 

APS is a key metric used by UNISA to determine if you meet the qualifying score for your chosen undergraduate qualification. 

APS considers subjects and achievement levels according to UNISA’s minimum requirements for each programme.

In contrast, NBT results measure academic literacy and numeracy skills rather than performance in specific school subjects. 

For universities that require NBTs, high scores can sometimes strengthen an application or be used in selection processes when APS scores are similar. 

At UNISA, NBTs are not part of the admission assessment, and APS remains the central factor in undergraduate eligibility. 

APS reflects what you achieved in school subjects, while NBT tests assess broader academic readiness. 

Because UNISA does not require NBTs for 2027 undergraduate admission, APS alone governs eligibility in most cases. 

How to Register for the NBTs 

Even though UNISA does not require NBTs for its admissions, you might consider writing the tests if you plan to apply to universities that do require them, such as the University of Cape Town or Wits. 

NBT results are valid for multiple years and can support applications to other institutions. To register:

1. Visit the National Benchmark Test Project official site at www.nbt.ac.za.
2. Create a candidate profile using your South African ID or passport number.
3. Select a test date and test centre or remote option for the session.
4. Complete the payment and confirm your booking.
5. After the test, you will receive your NBT reference number and score report, which you can keep for future university applications.

Registration opens ahead of scheduled test dates, and you should allow several weeks for results to be processed before university application deadlines. 

How UNISA Uses Academic Results

UNISA’s admissions process is based on meeting specific entrance requirements for each qualification as listed in official guides. 

For undergraduate programmes, you must have the correct NSC endorsement, satisfy subject minimums, and meet any faculty or qualification-specific requirements. 

Applications are evaluated online, and the university does not include NBT scores in this process for standard undergraduate entry. 

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer; space availability and other criteria may influence selection. 

Relevant Bursaries Linked to UNISA Applicants

Although UNISA does not require NBT results, bursaries and scholarships are available for students who demonstrate academic potential. 

Some bursary sponsors may consider multiple measures of readiness, such as APS and other tests, when awarding funds. Examples include:

1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) – Offers funding to eligible South African students based on financial need and academic performance.
2. Faculty or discipline-specific scholarships – Some faculties or departments have awards for high APS achievers.
3. Government and private sector bursaries – Many external bursaries assess academic results, leadership potential, or subject strength. While NBT results are not required for UNISA admission, strong performance in literacy and numeracy can sometimes be an advantage for competitive funding awards.

Applicants should always consult the official UNISA Financial Aid and bursary pages for the most accurate eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application procedures.

Notes for 2027 Applicants

If you are applying to UNISA for 2027 entry, focus on meeting the stated minimum academic requirements and APS scores as outlined in UNISA’s official admissions guides. 

NBTs are not required for undergraduate admission during this cycle. 

If you plan to apply to other universities that require NBT scores, writing the tests can still be useful, especially if you want to keep multiple options open.