2028 dates not announced yet
No 2028 application window was confirmed in the department sources checked on 21 October 2026.
Previous intake: 2027 dates (reference only)
Last year’s intake compared with 2028. These are not 2028 dates.
Public school learner admissions
8 April 2026 to 31 August 2026
Department’s date notice
Who applies, and how
The guidance below is from KZN Circular 17 of 2026 for the 2027 intake; 2028 instructions are not confirmed.
- Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 8 and other public-school applicants: collect and return the school’s application form. The circular covers public school admissions.
Documents to prepare
The department’s published checklist; check for any 2028 updates.
- Learner’s official birth certificate.
- Immunisation card.
- Last report card to help place the learner in the right grade.
- Transfer card when moving between public schools, once a place is secured or the receiving school confirms admission.
- For non-South African learners: the residence / study documents or proof of an application to stay that the circular lists.
After you apply
Last published guidance. A 2028 timetable is not confirmed.
- Ask the school for its written dates for application forms, responses and accepting admission; schools must communicate these to parents.
- The circular says undocumented learners must not be refused admission, and principals must help parents obtain documents.
Dates and details still to confirm
- The circular prints 30 August 2026 for acceptance, before its 31 August application close. Ask the school to clarify its written acceptance deadline.
- No 2028 placement or appeal deadline is confirmed here; ask the school or district for the current process.
Check the Grade R and Grade 1 age rules and use the grade calculator to plan your child’s school year.
Department sources · checked 21 October 2026
A planning guide. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education decides applications and placements; confirm your child’s instructions with the department.