APPLICATIONS for online learner admissions for the 2026 academic year will open on April 14 at 9am and will close on May 23 at midnight for Grades R, 1, and 8.

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said that applications for these three grades must be completed online via the website: www.ncdoeadmissions.org.

He added that parents and legal guardians must apply directly at schools for admissions and placements for all other grades.

Van der Merwe explained that the following documents must be submitted within seven days of making an application:

A copy of the parent/legal guardian's South African identity document or a sworn affidavit
Proof of home address
The child’s birth certificate
Clinic card or proof of immunisation (for Grades R and 1)
The most recent Grade 7 progress report (for Grade 8 applications)

Non-South African citizens are required to submit the following:

A valid study permit, asylum seeker/refugee permit, or temporary/permanent residence permit for the learner, issued by the Department of Home Affairs
The parent or legal guardian's passport, asylum seeker/refugee permit, or residence permit
Proof of home address
Proof of immunisation (for Grades R and 1)
The most recent Grade 7 progress report (for Grade 8 applications)

Van der Merwe said all applications would be considered based on the following criteria:

Whether the applicant has a sibling attending the school in the year of application
If the learner resides in the same suburb as the school applied to
If the applicant’s parent or legal guardian is employed at the school

“If places remain after all the above-mentioned applicants have been offered places, other applicants will be recommended in the order of the position of the application,” he added.

He clarified that these criteria do not apply to special schools, schools of skill, or industrial schools.

To accommodate parents and legal guardians who do not have access to devices or internet connectivity, the department has established 94 walk-in centres across the province. These are aimed at addressing connectivity challenges, particularly in rural areas.

For further information, visit the Northern Cape Department of Education's website at http://ncdoe.ncpg.gov.za or contact the call center on 053 874 7012/64, 053 874 7161/89, or 053 874 7239/92.

Van der Merwe encouraged parents and legal guardians to enrol as early as possible to secure placements for their children in the 2026 school academic year.

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Northern Cape 2026 online learner admissions set to open for applications