Gauteng, South Africa – Wednesday, 17 December 2025 — The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially announced the opening of Late Applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions through the Gauteng Online Admissions Application System.
The late application window opens on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, providing a final opportunity for parents and guardians who missed the initial application period or who have incomplete applications.
Who Can Apply for GDE Late Applications?
The late application window is strictly intended for the following groups:
- Parents and guardians with incomplete online applications for Grade 1 or Grade 8
- Parents and guardians who did not apply at all during the official application period
Parents who already applied on time and received placement outcomes during the main admissions cycle are not eligible to participate in the late application process.
Only Schools With Available Space Will Be Open
During the late application period, only schools with confirmed available space will be visible and selectable on the online system. Not all public schools in Gauteng will be open for late applications.
The list of available schools is generated automatically based on confirmed vacancies, meaning:
- High-demand schools may not appear
- Availability may change quickly as placements are finalised
Parents are encouraged to prepare for limited choices and make informed decisions when selecting a school.
Related: South African School Calendar 2026
Parents May Select Only ONE School
A key difference between the main admissions period and the late application phase is that parents and guardians are permitted to select only ONE school.
Once a school is selected:
- The learner is placed immediately
- The placement is considered final
There is no option to add additional schools or change the selection after confirmation.
GDE Confirms Placements Are Final and Non-Negotiable
The Gauteng Department of Education has made it clear that placements made during the late application period are final and binding.
Parents and guardians who select a school during this phase:
- Cannot decline the placement
- Cannot submit objections or appeals
- Cannot request transfers linked to the late application
This policy is designed to ensure efficient placement of learners and allow schools to finalise enrolment numbers ahead of the new academic year.
How to Apply on the Gauteng Online Admissions System
To submit a late application, parents and guardians must log in to the Gauteng Online Admissions Application System using their existing details. Those who did not previously apply will need to register a profile before proceeding.
Parents are strongly advised to:
- Ensure learner and parent details are accurate
- Carefully review school information before making a selection
- Understand that confirmation equals permanent placement
Once submitted, changes will not be permitted.
Why This Late Application Window Is Important
The late application period represents the final opportunity for many unplaced learners to secure a spot in a Gauteng public school for the 2026 academic year.
Parents who fail to apply during this window may face:
- Delays in placement
- The need to approach district offices directly
- Limited schooling options closer to the start of the academic year
The GDE has stressed the importance of acting promptly and responsibly during this phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About GDE Late Applications
What are GDE late applications?
GDE late applications refer to the final admissions window opened by the Gauteng Department of Education for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements. This process allows parents and guardians who did not apply during the main application period or who have incomplete applications to apply for placement at schools that still have available space.
When do late applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 open?
Late applications open on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 via the Gauteng Online Admissions Application System. Parents are encouraged to apply as soon as the system opens, as available spaces are limited.
Who qualifies to apply during the late application period?
Late applications are strictly for:
- Parents and guardians with incomplete Grade 1 or Grade 8 applications, and
- Parents and guardians who did not apply online at all during the official application period.
Parents who applied on time and received placement outcomes cannot use the late application process.
Can I apply to more than one school during late applications?
No. During the late application phase, parents and guardians are allowed to select only ONE school from the list of schools with available space.
Once a school is selected and confirmed, the learner is placed immediately and permanently at that school.
What happens after I select a school?
Once you select a school during the late application period:
- The learner is placed instantly
- The placement is final
- No changes, transfers, or additional school selections are allowed
Parents must be absolutely certain before confirming their choice.
Can I decline the placement if I change my mind?
No. The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that placements made during the late application period cannot be declined.
Parents who accept a placement during this phase forfeit the right to decline, object, or appeal the decision.
Are objections or appeals allowed for late applications?
No. Objections and appeals are not permitted for late application placements. This rule applies to all parents and guardians who submit and confirm a late application.
Will all schools be available on the system?
No. Only schools with confirmed available space will appear on the system during the late application window. Many popular or high-demand schools may already be full and will not be listed.
How are schools allocated during late applications?
School placement during late applications is based entirely on available space at the time of application. Placement is not influenced by feeder zones, home address preferences, or previous school choices.
What happens if I do not apply during the late application period?
Parents who do not apply during the late application window risk having their child remain unplaced at the start of the school year. In such cases, parents may need to approach district education offices directly, which may result in limited or delayed placement options.
Where do I apply for GDE late applications?
Parents and guardians must apply via the Gauteng Online Admissions Application System. Those who have not used the system before will need to create an online profile before submitting a late application.
The opening of late applications reflects the Gauteng Department of Education’s ongoing commitment to ensuring access to education for all eligible learners. While the process is more restrictive than the main admissions cycle, it plays a vital role in managing available capacity across the province.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed by following official GDE communication channels and to approach the late application process with a clear understanding of its conditions.
