DBE Registration

DBE Registration is a formal process that allows parents or legal guardians to register their children for home education with the relevant Provincial Department of Education. This step is necessary to comply with South African education laws and ensure that your child receives an approved educational experience.

Key Steps for DBE Registration

Follow these straightforward steps to register your child with the DBE:

  1. Visit the Registration Portal: Start by accessing the official DBE Registration Portal.
  2. Choose Your Province: Navigate to the Home Education page and select your province from the options on the right side of the screen. This will direct you to the relevant application form.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form as per the instructions provided. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in processing.
  4. Submit Your Application: Use the email address listed on the front page of the form to send the completed application along with the required documents.

Required Documentation

When submitting your application, you will need to include several important documents:

  • Certified copy of the learner’s birth certificate
  • Certified copy of the learner’s last school report (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of the parent’s ID
  • For foreign nationals: Certified copies of passport, study permit, work permit, or asylum documents
  • Transfer certificate from the previous school (if applicable)
  • For learners with special needs: A certified copy of the assessment document or referral letter from a medical practitioner
  • Motivation letter: Explain why you wish for your child to be educated at home
  • Educational programme details: Include subjects, teaching hours, assessment methods, extracurricular activities, and any tutor involvement (if applicable)

Important Considerations

  • Online School Learners: Currently, learners enrolled in online schools are exempt from DBE registration for home education.
  • Grade R Registration: As legislation may change, it is wise to contact your Provincial Department of Education to clarify any requirements regarding Grade R registration.

Once your application is submitted, the Provincial Education Department (PED) will review it and inform you of the outcome.

Resources for Registered Clients

For parents already registered, the Optimi Learning Portal (OLP) is a valuable resource. Here, you can find year plans, helpful tips, and essential documents under Resources > General Documents. This platform is designed to support your home education journey effectively.

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.