Gauteng Grade 1 and 8 parents urged to have documents ready ahead of online application process

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng’s Education Department is urging parents of next year’s grade 1 and grade 8 learners to get their documents ready ahead of the online school application process.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the online application portal opens this Thursday and will remain open until the 29th of August.

Gauteng’s Education MEC Matome Chiloane has called on parents to prepare for the 2026 academic year application process, which opens on Thursday.

READ: Online applications for grades 1 and 8 in Gauteng open in July

Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Sunday, Chiloane said the online system will only be open for grade 1 and grade 8 applications, while advising parents of learners from other grades to apply directly at schools.

Chiloane explained that the first step is to register on the department’s website and set up a profile, after which parents must upload the required documents.

These include both the parents’ and learners’ identification documents and permits for foreign nationals.

"It’s important that you put the correct details, correct and accurate, so all information must align, there should not be misalignment. Documents must be uploaded or submitted. There are two ways, either online or at the school, and you have."

Chiloane also warned that parents who fail to submit the required documents within seven days of applying will have their applications marked as incomplete