When exactly do GDE 2026 applications open and close?

Applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2026 Academic Year will open at 8:00 AM on Thursday, 24 July 2025, and close at midnight on Friday, 29 August 2025. The application window is 36 days in total, and no extensions are granted under any circumstances.

What is the age requirement for Grade 1 admission in 2026?

Grade 1 is aged five (5) turning six (6) by 30 June in the year of admission. For 2026 admissions, your child must be born between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020. Children older than six can still apply for Grade 1 with appropriate motivation.

How many schools can I apply to for my child?

You can choose up to 3 schools in order of preference during the online application process. It's recommended to select a realistic range: your dream school as first choice, a realistic option as second choice, and a backup school as third choice.

What documents do I need for the application?

Essential documents include: unabridged birth certificate (certified copy), parent/guardian ID, proof of residence, immunization records, and academic report cards (Grade 7 report for Grade 8 applications, Grade R report for Grade 1 if applicable). All documents must be certified copies.

How long do I have to submit documents after applying?

You have 7 days after submitting your online application to upload or submit supporting documents to all schools you applied to. This deadline is strictly enforced, and late document submission may result in application rejection.

What happens if my child doesn't get accepted to any of the three schools I chose?

If your child is not placed in any of your three preferred schools, the GDE will attempt to place them in the nearest available school with space in your area. You will be notified of this alternative placement and have 7 days to accept or decline the offer.

Do I need to apply online if my child is already in a GDE school?

No, you typically don't need to apply online if your child is progressing normally within the GDE system (e.g., from Grade R to Grade 1 in the same school, or from Grade 7 to Grade 8 in a combined school). Online applications are mainly for new admissions and transfers.

How long do I have to respond to a school placement offer?

You have 7 days from the date of the placement offer to accept or decline. Failing to respond within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of the placement offer, and your child may lose their spot.

Can I change my school preferences after submitting the application?

Once you submit your application, you cannot change your school preferences through the online system. However, you may contact the schools directly to discuss your situation, though this doesn't guarantee any changes will be accommodated.

What if I'm moving to Gauteng from another province?

If you're relocating from another province, you must apply online through the GDE admissions portal. You'll need to provide proof of your move to Gauteng, complete academic records from your child's previous school, and all other required documentation. Inter-provincial transfers are specifically required to use the online application system.

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

Section 3: Required Documents and Upload Process

Essential Documents Checklist

For the Learner:

Birth Certificate: Unabridged birth certificate (certified copy)
Identity Document: If the learner has an ID document
Passport Photos: Recent passport-size photographs
Medical Records: Immunization/clinic document which should prove that the child does not have tuberculosis, tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, measles, and diphtheria

For Parents/Guardians:

Parent/Guardian ID: Identification document for parents or legal guardians
Proof of Residence: Recent utility bill, lease agreement, or municipal account
Affidavit of Residence: If living with someone else or informal settlement

Academic Documents:

Grade 7 Report: For Grade 8 applications (most recent school report)
Grade R Report: For Grade 1 applications (if applicable)
Transfer Letter: If coming from another province or a private school
Academic report card, birth certificate, and proof of residence

GDE 2026 ADMISSIONS ONLINE APPLICATION Required Documents 1

Document Preparation Guidelines

Certification Requirements:

All documents must be certified copies
Acceptable certifying authorities: Police officers, commissioners of oaths, magistrates, attorneys, bank managers
Original certification stamps and signatures required
Certifications must be recent (within 6 months)

Document Quality Standards:

Clear, readable copies
No torn, damaged, or faded documents
Complete pages – no partial documents
Proper orientation and lighting
Black and white copies are acceptable

Digital Requirements:

File format: PDF or JPG
File size: Maximum 2MB per document
Clear resolution for easy reading
Proper file naming (e.g., “Birth_Certificate_John_Smith.pdf”)

Upload Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Access the System

Visit www.gdeadmissions.gov.za
Log in with your application credentials
Navigate to the “Document Upload” section

Step 2: Select Document Type

Choose the correct document category
Upload documents in the specified order
Ensure file names are descriptive

Step 3: Quality Check

Preview uploaded documents
Verify all information is visible
Check file sizes and formats
Confirm completeness

Step 4: Submit to Schools

Parents upload or submit supporting documents to all schools applied to within 7 days after the application
Submit documents to each school individually
Keep confirmation receipts

GDE 2026 ADMISSIONS ONLINE APPLICATION Required Documents 2

Physical Document Submission

When Required:

If the online upload fails
If the school specifically requests physical copies
As a backup for important applications

Submission Process:

Visit each school personally
Submit complete document sets
Obtain receipt/confirmation
Keep copies for your records

School Office Hours:

Typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Some schools have extended hours during admission periods
Call ahead to confirm availability

Common Document Issues and Solutions

Missing Documents:

Apply for an unabridged birth certificate well in advance
Obtain medical records from clinics/hospitals
Get affidavits for informal living arrangements

Certification Problems:

Ensure the certifying authority is authorized
Check that all pages are certified
Verify that stamps and signatures are clear

Upload Failures:

Check the internet connection
Reduce file sizes if necessary
Try different browsers
Upload during off-peak hours

Document Verification Process

School Verification:

Schools verify documents within 2-3 weeks
Parents are notified of any issues
Additional documents may be requested

Verification Outcomes:

Approved: All documents accepted
Pending: Additional information required
Rejected: Documents need replacement

Addressing Issues:

Respond quickly to school requests
Provide additional documentation promptly
Contact schools directly for clarification

Proper document preparation and submission are crucial for your child’s admission. Take time to ensure all documents are complete, certified, and submitted within the required timeframes.

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