2025 school admission applications are now open in various provinces in South Africa. The application process can be nerve-wracking and it's therefore advised that you familiarize yourself with the timeline for applications.
These Provinces Are Now Taking School Admission Applications
Western Cape
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is now accepting school enrollment applications for 2025 for Grade 1 and 8 only, with applications having opened on 11 March.
2025 WCED school admission initial applications period closed on 12 April, giving parents and guardians a month to apply.
Late applications were then open until 12 May.
Kwazulu-Natal
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has officially opened the 2025 admission application period, with KZN school admission applications having opened on 2 April.
The Learner Admissions Period for all public schools in KwaZulu-Natal will close on 30 September 2024.
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape Education Department opened their online school admissions application portal for the 2025 learners admissions on 15 April 2024.
Parents and guardians then had until 15 May 2024 to apply.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape Department of Education opened applications for the 2025 school year. Applications closed at the end of June 2024.
Gauteng
The Gauteng Department of Education announced that online applications are now open and will close on 12 August at midnight. The GDE school admissions were the last to open.
Free State
2025 school admission applications are now open in the Free State and have been since 3 April. Free State school admission applications will close on 30 August.
Limpopo
The Limpopo Department of Education has opened the school admissions application period. Parents have until 31 July 2024 to collect and submit admission applications.
Mpumalanga
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has opened their 2025 school admissions period. Applications opened on 2 May and will close on 30 August.
North West
2025 school admission applications opened in the North West on 3 April. North West school admission applications closed on 22 June.
How To Submit A School Application
Some provinces, like Gauteng and Western Cape, accept applications online, while others require parents to pick application forms up from chosen schools. GDE school admissions for 2025 opened on the 11th of July.
You will also need to submit the following documents:
- Application form from the school
- Official birth certificate or child’s ID (Baptism certificates will not be regarded as proof of birth date)
- Immunization card (primary schools only)
- Transfer card and latest school report (If the child is moving from one school to another)
Parents and guardians living within a specific province are required to submit school applications on behalf of their children during the admission application period set by the Provincial Education Department.
Don't be afraid to politely follow up with schools after the application deadline, especially if you haven't received any feedback.
If your child is not initially placed at your top choices, they might be placed on a waiting list. There's a chance a spot might open up later.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal the decision. Research the specific appeal process for your province.
