Can I Rewrite the NBT? Rules, Fees & What Universities Accept

Yes, you can rewrite—once

You are allowed to write the NBTs twice within a single admission cycle. So you can sit the test once, and if you are unhappy with your result, you can rewrite once (meaning a maximum of two attempts in that cycle). There is no automatic "best of two"—universities may have different policies on which score they use.

You pay the full fee again

If you rewrite, you must pay the full test fee again (e.g. R370 for both AQL and MAT, or R185 for AQL only). There is no discount for a second sitting. Make sure you are prepared before rewriting so that the extra cost and effort are worthwhile.

Rewriting MAT? You must rewrite AQL that morning too

If you are rewriting the MAT test, you must also write the AQL test on the same day—in the morning, before the MAT session. You cannot rewrite only the MAT. Both tests are tied to the same sitting, so plan for a full day and prepare for both if you are rewriting MAT.

Some universities only accept your first score

Important: not all universities consider a second NBT score. Some institutions only accept the score from your first attempt. Before you decide to rewrite, check with each university you are applying to. If they only use the first score, a rewrite will not change your application there—though it may still help for other universities that do accept the second score.

Bottom line: you have one rewrite available, but use it wisely. Prepare properly before your first sitting, and only consider a second if you have a clear plan (e.g. you know which universities accept a second score and you are targeting specific areas to improve).