Over 600,000 Online Applications for Grade 1 and 8 Admissions in Gauteng for 2026

Applications for Grade 1 and 8 – The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reached a significant milestone in the online admissions process for the 2026 academic year, recording over 600,000 online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements. The remarkable achievement was announced by the Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, just two weeks after the system opened on July 24, 2025.

A Record Number of Online Applications for Grade 1 and 8

As of 2 p.m. on August 5, 2025, the GDE system had processed a total of 600,936 applications, with 254,251 submissions for Grade 1 and 346,685 for Grade 8. The online platform, which was launched to streamline the application process for parents and guardians, has seen growing demand over the years, prompting the department to implement system upgrades to accommodate the influx of applications.

Streamlined Process for Applications for Grade 1 and 8

Chiloane emphasised that parents and guardians who have not yet applied should do so before the application deadline of August 29, 2025. He encouraged applicants to visit the department’s website and complete the five-step application process, as incomplete applications will not be considered. A crucial part of the process is the submission of certified documents, which must be uploaded online or submitted in person to the selected schools within seven days of application.

The GDE’s Online Admissions System features document verification, allowing schools to verify the authenticity of uploaded documents and update the application status accordingly. Parents will receive SMS notifications when their documents are successfully acknowledged and verified by the schools. Additionally, schools will receive automated alerts whenever new documents are uploaded.

Increasing Your Child’s Chances with Multiple School Applications

To ensure the best possible chance of securing placement, Chiloane recommended that parents apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools. This strategy increases the likelihood of successful placement, especially in areas where demand may be high. Furthermore, parents must provide a valid cellphone number as all communication, including placement offers, will be sent via SMS. It is vital to keep all SMS correspondence for future reference.

Applications for Grade 1 and 8: What’s Next for Applicants?

Parents can expect to receive placement offers starting on October 16, 2025. To facilitate the process, the GDE has made provisions for parents without internet access by offering support at all public schools in Gauteng and at 81 Decentralised Walk-In Centres across the province.

Chiloane reassured the public that the department is working tirelessly to ensure that all applicants, especially those without digital access, are supported throughout the application process. Parents are encouraged to check the GDE website regularly and ensure they have completed all required steps.

Ensuring a Seamless Application Process for Gauteng’s Future Learners

The surge in online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements reflects the growing demand for quality education in Gauteng. As the department continues to modernise its systems and provide accessible resources, parents are urged to complete their applications promptly and ensure all documents are in order. The 600,000+ online applications for grade 1 and 8 signify a positive step toward making the admissions process more efficient, transparent, and accessible for all Gauteng families.