Available on the Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark Campuses
Academic literacy refers to the ability to successfully navigate, understand, interpret, and produce texts in the academic environment. Regardless of your field of study, you will be required to read and comprehend academic texts and to display your understanding by producing information in the form of essays, assignments, examination questions and reports in order to successfully complete a degree. Research has proven that a strong correlation exists between academic literacy abilities and overall academic performance. Unfortunately, most students are not fully prepared for what is expected at the level of tertiary education, and this often leads to poor student performance.
In order to support students in acquiring these academic literacy skills the NWU offers two Academic Literacy modules at first-year level. These modules focus on skills such as listening effectively during lectures, reading complex academic literature, responsibly and ethically citing information from relevant academic sources, avoiding plagiarism, and applying academic conventions when producing written texts. Regarding the latter, two French sociologists, Bourdieu and Passeron, claimed in 1994 that academic writing is nobody’s native language. If is for this reason that becoming academically literate is an important aspect of academic acculturation at universities worldwide. The Academic Literacy modules of the NWU offer an opportunity to bridge the gap between high school and university in terms of academic literacy requirements and will put you on the right track towards academic and professional success.
TAG/TALL Proficiency Test
TEST DATES: 28 January – 04 February 2026
What is the TAG/TALL Proficiency Test?
The TAG/TALL is a compulsory academic literacy placement test for all first-year students at NWU. It assesses your ability to read, understand, and work with academic texts, helping determine your placement in the appropriate Academic Literacy module(s).
What do TAG and TALL stand for?
- TALL - Test of Academic Literacy Levels. For students wanting (required) to complete the Academic Literacy module in English (ALDE).
- TAG - Toets van Akademiese Geletterdheidsvlakke. For students wanting to complete the Academic Literacy module in Afrikaans (ALDA)
You may choose to write the test in either English or Afrikaans, but your module placement will match the language of your test.
Test details
Platform
Online - eFundi
Availability
Opens: 28 January 2026 at 08:00
Closes: 04 February 2026 at 23:55
Access
All students registering at the NWU for the first time, will be added to a faculty specific TAG/TALL eFundi site.
Results
Published on the NWU website after the 5th of February 2026.
One Attempt Only
You may write TAG/TALL once during your academic career at NWU.
Why is this test important?
TAG/TALL measures your ability to:
- Comprehend academic texts
- Navigate academic language demands
- Function effectively in a university environment
Your results will determine:
- Whether you are placed in ALDE/ALDA 111 and/or 122
- Whether you may be exempted from ALDE/ALDA 111 (depending on faculty guidelines)
What if I miss the test?
If you do not complete the test during the designated period, you will be automatically placed in:
- ALDE/ALDA 111 (Semester 1)
- ALDE/ALDA 122 (Semester 2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study for the test?
No. The test does not assess theoretical knowledge. However, you can prepare by practising academic literacy skills. See sample tests here.
I got distinctions in school. Why do I need this module?
School subjects focus on general language proficiency. TAG/TALL assesses your ability to cope with academic language in a university context.
I’ve already completed TAG/TALL or an academic literacy module elsewhere. What now?
Email your completed Student Request Form (and ALL required information) to TALLinfo@nwu.ac.za.
The subject line of the email needs to read: Request for module recognition. If approved, you’ll receive exemption from the test and/or ALDE/ALDA 111.
Can I write the test more than once?
No. You may only write the test once in your NWU academic career.