Information on finding a place for your child at a public or private school and details on the enrolment procedure in South Africa...

A parent may opt to enrol their child in public or private school.

Every child is entitled to a place at a state school. Public schools give priority to children within their feeder zone (a catchment area of around 5 Km, as defined by the school itself) and it is illegal to discriminate against any child or require the child to sit an entrance exam. Children must be admitted into a local state school even if the parents cannot afford the fees. Parents whose joint yearly salary is less than ten times the school fees should be offered an exemption or reduction in the school fees (if school fees apply). Many schools in poorer areas are completely government funded with no top up fees.

Private schools each have their own admissions policy which is not based on catchment areas. Qualification may be determined by stringent entrance tests. Independent schools must be registered with the Provincial Education Department. Private schools are all fee paying.

Students must be enroled at a school between 1 August and 31 October the year before they are due to start in that school. Grade R children must be at least four years old and turning five by 30 June the following year, while grade 1 students must be at least five years old and turning six by 30 June the following year.

For more information from the SA government: Click here
For more information about public school fees: Click here

Enrolment process

The following documents are required to register a child at a public school (a private school should be consulted directly for its admissions requirements):

Completed application form issued by the school
Child's birth certificate
Child's immunisation/vaccination card
Child's last school report if moving from one school to another
ID document or permanent residency permit

If the child is not a South African citizen or does not hold permanent residency the following are also required:

Study permit
Temporary residence permit

Study permit: all schools

Foreign children moving to South Africa or in the country on a temporary residence permit require a study permit in order to be enrolled in any South African school or university. This is obtained by contacting the Department of Home Affairs (in South Africa) or local South African embassy abroad.

The following documents are required:

Completed application form
Valid passport
Formal letter of acceptance to the place of study (school or university)
Proof that fees can be paid (if applicable)

Permits are normally issued within six week of application and are usually valid for three years but may be extended.

For more information about study permits: Click here