GDE 2026 Admissions Online Applications: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Section 2: Important Dates and Deadlines

Critical 2026 Application Timeline

Application Period:

• Opening Date: Thursday, 24 July 2025 at 8:00 AM
• Closing Date: Friday, 29 August 2025 at midnight
• Application Window: 36 days total
• No Extensions: Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances

Document Submission:

• Parents upload or submit supporting documents to all schools applied to within 7 days after the application
• Document Deadline: 7 days after submitting your online application
• School Submission: Documents must be submitted to each school you’ve applied to

Selection and Placement Timeline (Based on 2025 Process)

Phase 1 – Initial Processing:

• Application Review: September 2025
• Document Verification: September – October 2025
• Initial Placement: October 2025

Phase 2 – Placement Offers:

• First Round Offers: Mid-September 2025
• Response Deadline: Parents or guardians have seven days from the date of the offer to accept these placements
• Second Round Offers: October 2025 (if spaces are available)

Phase 3 – Final Placements:

• Final Offers: November 2025
• School Confirmation: December 2025
• Registration at Schools: January 2026

Important Reminders

Application Submission:

• Applications open at exactly 8:00 AM on 24 July 2025
• The system may be busy during peak times
• Complete applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues
• Failing to respond within this timeframe will lead to the forfeiture of the placement offer

Document Submission:

• Must be submitted within 7 days of application
• Late document submission may result in application rejection
• Submit to ALL schools you’ve applied to, not just your first choice

Response to Offers:

• Check your communication channels regularly
• Respond within 7 days of receiving placement offers
• Failure to respond means losing your placement

Key Websites and Portals

Official Application Portal:

• www.gdeadmissions.gov.za
• The only official portal for Grade 1 and 8 applications
• Available 24/7 during the application period

Information Sources:

• GDE official website: www.education.gov.za
• School-specific information on individual school websites
• District offices for in-person assistance

READ ALSO:

1. Eligibility Requirements
2. Important Dates and Deadlines
3. Required Documents
4. How To Apply (The Application Process)
5. Have Any Questions? Click Here

Planning Your Application Timeline

Before 24 July 2025:

• Gather all required documents
• Research preferred schools
• Prepare digital copies of documents
• Set up reliable internet access

24 July – 29 August 2025:

• Submit an online application as early as possible
• Upload documents within 7 days
• Monitor application status regularly

September 2025 onwards:

• Check for placement offers
• Respond to offers within 7 days
• Prepare for school registration

Mark these dates in your calendar and set multiple reminders. The GDE admissions process is highly time-sensitive, and missing deadlines could mean your child loses their school placement.

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