Over 600k applications received for Gauteng Grade 1 and 8 placements in 2026
More than 600 000 online applications were submitted within two weeks, with parents encouraged to finalise all steps before the deadline.
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane confirmed that the 2026 online admissions application period for grades One and Eight saw more than 600 000 successful applications recorded.
This milestone was reached on August 5, under two weeks after the system had opened for applications on July 24.
As of 14:00 on Tuesday, the system had recorded 600 936 applications, comprising 254 251 for Grade One, and 346 685 for Grade Eight.
Parents and guardians who have not yet applied are encouraged to do so by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za on any device before the application period closes on August 29.
After registering, parents must complete the five-step application process because incomplete applications will not be considered for placement. All applicants must upload certified copies of the required documents online or submit them in person to each selected school within seven days of applying. If uploaded online, documents only need to be submitted once, as all selected schools will be able to view them.
The Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) online admissions system supports document verification by schools. It will prompt schools to verify and update the status of documents, whether uploaded online or physically submitted. Parents will receive SMS notifications once schools acknowledge receipt and verification of documents. Whenever applicants upload new documents, schools will receive automated alerts.
The GDE advises parents to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to increase the likelihood of successful placement. It is also essential to provide a valid cellphone number, as all communication, including placement offers, will be sent via SMS. It also urges parents to keep all SMS communication regarding their application.
Applicants with complete submissions will begin receiving placement offers from October 16. Parents should log in regularly to ensure all the steps are complete.
To accommodate parents without access to digital resources, the department has made support available at all Gauteng public schools and through 81 decentralised walk-in centres across the province.
The GDE contact centre is available from these times for assistance:
• Monday to Thursday: 07:00 to 17:00;
• Friday: 07:30 to 16:30;
• Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00.
How to contact the department:
• Call 0800 000 789;
• WhatsApp 060 891 0361;
• Email gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
“The phenomenal number of applications we’ve received is a concrete demonstration of the trust parents place in Gauteng’s education system. We are grateful to all parents for their co-operation, and we continue to urge all parents to apply online,” said Chiloane.
