OVER 600,000 GDE ONLINE APPLICATIONS THUS FAR

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has recorded over 600,000 online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners ahead of the 2026 academic year. This major milestone was reached on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, just under two weeks after applications officially opened on 24 July.

According to a statement released by the department, as of 14:00 on Tuesday afternoon, the GDE Online Admissions System had processed 600,936 applications, with:
• 254,251 applications for Grade 1, and
• 346,685 applications for Grade 8.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, said the high number of submissions demonstrates parents’ continued trust in the province’s public education system.

🖥 Online Applications Close on 29 August 2025

Parents and guardians who have not yet applied are encouraged to do so before the deadline by visiting:
🔗 www.gdeadmissions.gov.za

The platform is accessible on any smartphone, tablet, or computer.

📎 All applicants must upload or submit certified copies of the following documents within 7 days of applying:
• Parent/guardian ID
• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof of residence
• Clinic card (Grade 1)
• Latest school report (Grade 8)

These documents can either be uploaded online or handed in at each selected school. If uploaded, no physical submission is needed.

🏫 School Verification & Placement Offers

The GDE system supports automatic document verification. Parents will receive SMS notifications when schools acknowledge and verify documents. The department advises parents to apply to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 schools, especially those in their feeder zone, to increase the likelihood of placement.

Placement offers will begin rolling out from 16 October 2025. Parents are advised to log in regularly to track progress.

📞 GDE Contact Centre Details

For help or technical support, the GDE Contact Centre is available:
• Mon–Thurs: 07:00–17:00
• Friday: 07:30–16:30
• Saturday: 09:00–13:00

📞 Call: 0800 000 789
💬 WhatsApp: 060 891 0361
📧 Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za

As the application deadline of 29 August 2025 approaches, parents are reminded to complete all steps and submit their documents on time to avoid missing out on placements.

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