Gauteng receives more than 600 000 online school applications for 2026
Online admissions for 2026 have reached a new milestone in Gauteng, with over 600 000 applications submitted for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements.
Parents have submitted over 600 000 successful applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements across Gauteng just two weeks after the 2026 Online Admissions system opened.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the milestone and described it as a clear indication of the public’s confidence in the province’s education system.
“As of 14:00 on Tuesday, 5 August, the system had recorded 600 936 applications, 254 251 for Grade 1 and 346 685 for Grade 8,” Chiloane said.
Important reminders for Gauteng applicants
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has urged parents and guardians who haven’t applied yet to do so before the 29 August deadline by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. The department stressed that it will not consider incomplete applications and reminded applicants to follow the full five-step application process.
Parents must upload certified copies of the required documents online or deliver them to selected schools within seven days of submitting their application.
Once schools receive the documents, they will be prompted to verify and update the status. Parents will receive SMS notifications confirming verification and should keep all correspondence for their records.
Support available for those without digital access
To ensure every child has access to education, regardless of internet availability, the department has established 81 decentralised walk-in centres across the province. In addition, all Gauteng public schools are ready to assist parents with the application process.
The department encourages parents to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to boost placement chances. Starting 16 October, parents with complete applications will receive placement offers via SMS.
The GDE contact centre continues to offer support through a toll-free number, WhatsApp, and email.
With nearly a month remaining before the deadline, the department remains optimistic that more parents will use the system.
“We continue to urge all parents to apply online,” said Chiloane.