Applying to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) Admissions Online Application for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in Gauteng Public Schools can be daunting, but taking a step by step approach will allow you to succeed.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has now opened the online application system for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners on Monday, 20 May and here is the step-by-step guide to apply online for GDE Admissions:
STEP 1: ENTER PARENT DETAILS
1. To apply parents need to access the web address: http://www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to be on the “Welcome to Admissions Online Application” page. Parents are required to read the information on the Welcome Page and click on Apply to access Terms and Conditions. Parent clicks continue after reading the Terms and Conditions to proceed with the application
To proceed with the application, click on Apply.
2. A first-time user (parent) will be required to click “Apply” button to enter parent information before making an application (ALL users must create new credentials)
3. The “Enter Parent Information” form will pop-up and parent should complete all compulsory fields indicated by a star (an Asterix). The address fields contain Municipality; City/Town; Suburb/Township; street name and number. The parent’s cell phone number is compulsory as this number will be used by the Department to communicate with the parents regarding the application. The Landline and Email fields are not compulsory.
3. ID numbers are validated with the Department of Home Affairs, therefore after entering a valid South African ID number, the system will automatically populate the names associated with the ID number. Parents are therefore reminded to keep the parent’s ID and learner ID at hand when making an application.
5. A Username and Password will be created by the parent to login and access the main application as a User. The Password must be eight (8) characters long consisting of a Capital Letter, Small Letters, Numbers and a Special Character, for example, P@ss2025.
6. An SMS is sent to the parent, providing his/her login username and password. Please
keep this information for queries relating to your application
7. After submitting STEP 1, the application will automatically proceed to STEP 2 (ENTER LEARNER DETAILS) and the colour of STEP 1 will change to GREEN
STEP 2: ENTER LEARNER DETAILS
On this page a parent needs to:
1. Enter learner information (Application cannot be made unless learner’s details are captured)
2. Click Submit Learner Details after completing the learner information page
3. STEP 2 will change to GREEN and the application will automatically proceed to STEP 3 (APPLY TO A SCHOOL)
STEP 3: APPLY TO A SCHOOL
A parent can apply using the following options: Home; Work; Sibling and Previous School (Previous School is for Grade 8 applications Only)
1. Home/Work address option – the system will provide schools closest to your home or work address
2. Sibling option – Applying to a school where your child has a sibling who is currently in Grade 1-6 and/or Grade 8-11. The sibling’s information will be required when this option is used.
3. Previous School Option – (Grade 8 application only)
The following options can also be used after the first application was made:
4. School of choice – Applying to a school of preference (NOTE: Applications that do not meet admissions criteria will be allocated a Waiting List B reference number)
5. Application to a School with a Specialised focus (SOS)
6. Application to a School with Boarding facility
Parent must complete all the required fields on the page
- Select a learner
- Select the Grade applying for in 2025 (Parent can only apply for Grade 1 or Grade 8)
- Select one of the application options:
- Address (home or work)
- Sibling
- Previous school
Address (home or work):
When a parent applies using Home/work option, the system will provide schools closest to the home or work address for the parent to choose from Home and Work addresses can only be edited before an application is submitted
Sibling:
When a parent applies using the sibling option, the sibling details must be provided
Previous school:
When a parent applies using the previous school option, the name of the school where the learner is currently in Grade 7 must be provided
- After completing the Application Page the parent must click “ Apply” to submit an application
- The parent will receive a Waiting List reference number (Confirmation that the application was submitted).
A Waiting List reference number with a confirmation note will appear on the screen
- A parent can “Apply again” (Make an application to another school for the same learner) or “Apply for another learner” (Enter details of another learner to apply)
- Parents must note the 3 types of Waiting List Reference Numbers
▪ WA – Applicant qualifies for placement at the school applied to in terms of on the admissions criteria
▪ WB – Applicant does not qualify for placement at the school applied to in terms of the admissions criteria and should apply to a school where the waiting list will be WA
▪ WAB – The system cannot identify the address. In this case, the school will calculate the distance from the address provided to the school to ensure that the learner is not disadvantaged
NOTE: Documents must be submitted within 7 school days after submitting an application: 20 May 2025 – 22 July
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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.