NBT for Medicine and Health Science: What You Need to Know

You need both tests

Medicine, Health Science, and related programmes (e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy) typically require both the AQL and the MAT test. You cannot apply with AQL only. Both tests are written on the same day—AQL in the morning, MAT in the afternoon—so plan for a full day and prepare for both.

Write early: the July deadline

Many medical and health science faculties need your NBT scores by early July for selection. That means you should write your NBT well before that—ideally by June or in the first half of the year—so that results are released (about three weeks after you write) in time for the institution to use them. Check each university's admissions page for the exact date they require NBT results.

What programmes look at

Universities use your NBT results together with your NSC (and sometimes other criteria) to decide on admission and placement. Strong performance in Academic Literacy (AL), Quantitative Literacy (QL), and Mathematics (MAT) can support your application. Programmes do not all use the same cut-offs; some publish suggested or minimum benchmarks. Aim for the best you can and confirm requirements with each faculty.

Why it matters

Medical and health science degrees are highly competitive. The NBT helps universities assess readiness for the academic demands of the course—including reading, data interpretation, and mathematical reasoning. Doing well shows you can handle the pace and level of first year. Prepare with exemplars, core maths and literacy skills, and test-day strategy so you present your best performance.

Do not leave your NBT to the last minute. With results taking about three weeks to be released, and many medical faculties needing scores by early July, writing in the first half of the year (or at least by June) is the safe choice. That also gives you time to rewrite if necessary, though some universities only consider your first attempt—so prepare well for the first sitting.