This page is a date-focused guide for Gauteng parents tracking Grade 1 and Grade 8 online admissions. Status and the table below are based on the official GDE Admissions phases calendar as checked on 18 September 2026.
CAPS123 is not GDE. If the live portal and this page disagree, follow the portal.
Status as of 18 September 2026
- Application period: 5 August 2026 – 4 September 2026 → closed.
- Portal home labels the cycle Grade 1 and Grade 8 2027 applications and placement.
- Document submission on the official calendar ended 11 September 2026.
- Document verification ends 18 September 2026.
- Waiting list management runs 18 September – 9 October 2026 (current window by the official dates).
- Next major parent action window on the calendar: placement offers 15-30 October 2026 (accept within 7 days).
Log in: gdeadmissions.gov.za/login Phases source: Admissions phases Parent guide: GDE Admissions 2026 complete guide
Official key dates (from GDE Admissions phases)
Source: www.gdeadmissions.gov.za/admissions-phases (checked 18 September 2026).
| Phase | Start | End | Parent note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Period | 5 August 2026 | 4 September 2026 | Main online apply window. Closed. |
| Submission of Documents by Parents | 5 August 2026 | 11 September 2026 | Upload or submit supporting documents within 7 days of applying (calendar end date above). |
| Verification of Documents | 5 August 2026 | 18 September 2026 | Schools verify documents and update status on the system. |
| Waiting List Management | 18 September 2026 | 9 October 2026 | Schools and districts work waiting lists before placement offers. |
| Placement of Learners by Schools | 15 October 2026 | 30 October 2026 | Offers via SMS and parent profile. Accept within 7 days. |
| Placement of Unplaced Learners | 2 November 2026 | 20 November 2026 | Alternative schools with space if your choices are full. |
| Objections | 2 November 2026 | 1 December 2026 | For applicants transferred to alternative schools (see portal rules). |
| Appeals | 2 November 2026 | 15 December 2026 | If an objection is unsuccessful; appeal outcome is final per portal text. |
| Processing of Incomplete Applications | 23 November 2026 | 4 December 2026 | Includes applicants who did not submit proof of residence in time, where space remains. |
| Late Applications | 4 December 2026 | 31 January 2027 | Apply only to schools that still have space; submit documents. |
The phases page may still show a banner saying “Application Period” and a row label that mentions “2025” admissions. Use the start and end dates in the table and the home-page 2027 framing when you plan.
What each phase means for parents
Application period (closed for this cycle)
Online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 only, up to five schools, with at least one Home / feeder-zone choice covering your home address. New main-period applications are not open after 4 September 2026.
Documents and verification
Documents must match what GDE lists for your grade. Proof of home address is critical. Track status after login. Detail: Grade 1 vs Grade 8 document checklist.
Waiting lists (current window)
You may not get daily SMS during waiting-list work. Keep your registered cellphone active and check your parent profile.
Placement offers
When offers start, respond within 7 days. Declining or ignoring an offer can release the place. Offers can also appear for alternative schools later if your first choices are full.
Objections and appeals
The official calendar limits objections and appeals to parents moved to alternative schools. Read the live FAQ before you lodge anything.
Late applications
Only when that phase is open, and only where space remains. Do not treat late applications as a redo of the main window.
Reminder dates to put in your phone
| When | Reminder |
|---|---|
| Now – 9 October 2026 | Check login status; keep phone number current |
| From 15 October 2026 | Watch SMS and profile for placement offers |
| Within 7 days of any offer | Accept or respond on the portal |
| 2 November 2026 onward | Unplaced-learner offers; objections/appeals if they apply to you |
| From 4 December 2026 | Late applications only if you still need a place and the portal shows space |
Official links and contacts
- Home: gdeadmissions.gov.za
- Login: gdeadmissions.gov.za/login
- Phases / calendar: admissions-phases
- FAQs: faqs
- Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
- Phone: 0800 000 789 | 011 355 0000
Related CAPS123 pages
Disclaimer
This calendar summary is an independent CAPS123 page for parents. It is not an official GDE publication. Dates can be updated on the portal without notice. Always re-check Admissions phases before you rely on a deadline.