One of the biggest mistakes students make is leaving their NBT planning to the last minute. Unlike the Matric finals, which have a set timetable for everyone, you choose when your child writes the NBT.
Understanding the Test CycleThe NBT writing cycle typically runs from May until the first Saturday in January. Tests are written on weekends (mostly Saturdays, with select Sunday sessions) at designated venues across the country, or via remote online invigilation.
The Golden Rule: Check University DeadlinesYour child should not wait until the end of the year to write. Different universities and faculties have strict deadlines for receiving NBT results. Highly competitive programs, like Medicine or Actuarial Science, often require results as early as June or July.
Available data suggests that writing later in the year provides no statistical advantage, so it is better to get it done early.
How to RegisterAll registrations are handled directly through the official NBT portal. You must visit www.nbt.ac.za to book a test date and venue.Click on "Book a Test."Have your child's official ID or passport ready. Select the desired date and venue (venues close four weeks prior to the test date). Pay the registration fee using the EasyPay reference number provided at checkout.Once registered, lock the date in your calendar and ensure your child arrives by 7:30 AM on test day.
NBT Test Dates and Logistics: A Parent’s Guide to Planning Ahead
