For applicants to programmes that require Mathematics—Commerce, Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, and more. Our course prepares you for every topic and cognitive level.
You only need to write the MAT (Mathematics) test if you are applying for a programme that requires Mathematics—for example Commerce, Health Sciences, Engineering, or Science. It is written in a 3-hour afternoon session on the same day as your AQL test. Both tests are multiple-choice.
The NBT MAT test evaluates your school-level mathematical knowledge but pushes you to apply it at a university readiness level. Test items are divided into four cognitive levels:
Recall of basic factual knowledge and simple procedures—about 45% of the test.
Performing well-known, multi-step calculations.
Managing complex, multi-step problems that require decision-making.
Reasoning, reflecting, and solving non-routine problems requiring deep insight—about 8% of the test.
Calculators are strictly prohibited. Core topics covered include: Algebraic Processes (number sense, financial calculations, exponents), Functions and Graphs (transformations, domain/range, calculus principles), Basic Trigonometry (2D/3D problems, identities, equations), Spatial Perception (analytic geometry, circle geometry, volume/area), and Data Handling and Probability.
Number sense, financial calculations, operations with surds, exponents, and logarithms.
Identifying domains, ranges, asymptotes, and interpreting transformations or inverses of functions.
Solving trig equations, applying sine/cosine/area rules, and working with 2D and 3D trigonometric problems.
Properties of 2D and 3D shapes, analytic geometry, and circle geometry (cyclic quadrilaterals, tangents, chords).
Interpreting histograms, box-and-whisker plots, and measuring central tendency.
Making deductions and determining the truth of given mathematical assertions.
Calculators are not allowed in the MAT. Questions are designed so they can be solved using number sense and manual arithmetic. You will be given a formula sheet and scrap paper for your working. Practise without a calculator so you're comfortable with mental maths and estimation.
MAT questions often test whether you can choose the correct expression or strategy (e.g. the right formula for compound interest) rather than computing a final number. Wrong options are often built around common misconceptions—so try to solve the question yourself before looking at the choices. The official NBT exemplar questions on the NBT website give a good sense of the style and level.
Full coverage of all topics and cognitive levels. 12 months access.
Need AQL too? View combined course (save R499)