Provincial education departments have now commenced with the opening of 2025 school admission applications. This includes school applications for Grade R, 1 and 8.
But until when can parents apply? In this article, we unpack the 2025 school admission application closing dates.
2025 School Applications Opening Dates
- Western Cape - 11 March
- Kwazulu-Natal - 2 April
- Northern Cape - 15 April
- Free State - 3 April
- North West - 3 April
- Limpopo - 27 May
2025 School Applications Closing Dates
- Western Cape - 12 May (late applications)
- Kwazulu-Natal - 30 September
- Northern Cape - 15 May
- Free State - 30 August
- North West - 22 June
- Limpopo - 31 July
Provincial education departments in Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga have not yet released the application dates for schools in the provinces.
How To Apply
Many provincial departments, such as those in Gauteng and Western Cape, have opened online portals for applications to be submitted. On the other hand, other provinces urge parents to collect application forms from the schools of their choice.
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.
Documents Needed For School Applications
- 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)
2025 School Calendar
Schools in inland provinces typically commence on a different date than those in coastal provinces, usually with a one-week gap between them. However, for 2025, schools across the country will commence the first term on the same date (15 January 2025) and conclude it 52 school days later (28 March 2025).
Term Dates
- Term 1: 15 January - 28 March
- Term 2: 8 April – 27 June
- Term 3: 22 July – 3 October
- Term 4: 13 Oct – 10 December
The 2025 school year will therefore come to an end on 10 December for both inland and coastal schools.
