Guide to GDE Admissions for Public Schools in Gauteng

by

This guide provides information for parents and guardians applying for their child’s admission to Grade 1 or Grade 8 in Gauteng public schools.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially opened online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions in public schools for the academic year. Parents and guardians can now submit Gauteng school online applications to secure their child’s placement at a school in the province next year. 

Application Process

  • Eligibility: Children entering Grade 1 or Grade 8.
  • Application Period: The application window typically opens in mid-July and closes in early August. Exact dates are announced by the GDE each year. Be sure to check the GDE website for the current application period https://www.gdeadmissions.gov.za/.
  • Online Application: Applications are submitted through the GDE Admissions portal https://www.gdeadmissions.gov.za/.
  • Required Documents:
    • Parent/Guardian ID or Passport
    • Child’s Birth Certificate or Passport
    • Proof of Work Address
    • Latest Grade 7 School Report (for Grade 8 applicants)
    • Immunization Report
    • Proof of Home Address
  • Steps:
    1. Register Parent/Guardian Details: Create an account using your ID number and a secure password.
    2. Register Address Details: Provide your accurate residential address.
    3. Register Learner Details: Enter your child’s information.
    4. Apply to Schools: Choose a minimum of three schools, prioritizing those within your feeder zone (explained below). You can select up to five schools using various criteria.
    5. Upload/Submit Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents within the specified timeframe (usually 7 days).

Important Information

  • Feeder Zones: Schools have designated residential areas from which they primarily admit students. Applying to schools within your feeder zone increases your child’s chance of admission. The GDE portal will display schools applicable to your address during the application process.
  • School Selection Criteria: You can choose schools based on various preferences:
    • Proximity: Prioritizes schools closest to your home address.
    • Sibling Preference: Gives priority to applicants with siblings already attending the school.
    • Previous School Proximity (Grade 8 only): For a smoother transition, prioritizes nearby secondary schools your child previously attended.
    • Work Address: Allows selecting schools near your workplace for convenience.
    • 30km Radius: If no suitable schools are within 30km of your residence, this broader option applies.
  • Placement Period: The placement period typically starts in mid-September and continues until all applicants are placed. The GDE will send placement offers to your registered phone number. You will have a set timeframe (usually 7 days) to accept the offer.

FAQs

  • Can I apply after the deadline? Late applications are generally considered, but timeous applications are strongly encouraged to secure a spot in your preferred schools.
  • What if I don’t have access to a computer or smartphone? You can visit one of the decentralized walk-in centers or public schools for assistance with the application process.
  • I need help with the application process. The GDE website may have resources or FAQs to guide you. You can also visit a walk-in center or public school for assistance.
  • What happens if none of my chosen schools accept my child? The GDE will place your child in an available school based on capacity. It’s important to include a range of schools in your application to increase your child’s chances of admission to a preferred school.
  • Can I appeal the placement decision? The GDE may have an appeals process in place. Refer to the GDE website for details.

Additional Tips

  • Start planning early: Familiarize yourself with the process and deadlines well before the application period opens.
  • Gather required documents beforehand: Having all documents scanned and ready will expedite your application.
  • Prioritize feeder zone schools: This significantly increases your child’s chance of being placed in your preferred school.
  • Rank your choices strategically: List your most preferred schools first, followed by those with a high likelihood of acceptance based on the selection criteria.
  • Keep copies of your application: Maintain a copy of your submitted application and supporting documents for your records.
  • Stay informed: Regularly check the GDE website for updates and announcements regarding the admissions process.

By following this guide and staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process for your child’s admission to Gauteng public schools.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.