Gauteng Education extends the deadline for online admissions

The Gauteng Department of Education has extended the deadline for online admissions for Grade 1 and Grade 8 students, with the new closing date set for August 14.

This decision follows numerous complaints from parents and guardians about the challenges they faced with the online application system.

Originally set to close on Monday, 12 August, the online admissions portal will now remain open for an additional 48 hours, allowing more time for families to complete their applications.

System challenges and resolution

Education MEC Matome Chiloane provided an update on the situation, explaining that technical issues with the system, managed by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), caused significant difficulties for parents trying to upload documents and finalise their applications.

“Parents were struggling to upload and complete the applications,” Chiloane stated.

He reassured the public that SETA had resolved these issues, prompting the decision to extend the application deadline.

In addition to the online admissions extension, Chiloane emphasised that parents would have until 21 August to submit all necessary documents. This 48-hour grace period following the new application deadline is crucial for ensuring that all applications are complete and accurate.

Chiloane also issued a warning: any applicant found to have submitted fraudulent or invalid documents would forfeit their chance to receive a placement offer.

What parents need to know about the online admissions

As the extended online admissions deadline approaches, parents and guardians with children entering Grade 1 or Grade 8 in 2025 are reminded to apply online, regardless of their previous application history. Chiloane previously clarified that the application process starts afresh every year for these grades, ensuring a fair and equal opportunity for all applicants.

The department outlined the necessary documents required for the application, including parent identification, the child’s birth certificate, proof of home and work addresses, the latest school report, and the child’s clinic or vaccination card. It’s important to note that this online application process is exclusively for Grade 1 and Grade 8, and applications for other grades will not be considered during this period.

Looking ahead to placements

The placement process is set to begin on 16 September, with the first batch of communication going out to parents via SMS.

This process will continue until every learner has received a placement offer. The department aims to ensure that all pupils are placed in a school that meets their needs.