High school applications in South Africa are a complicated process. But with our 2024 placement timeline, you’ll be ready to apply to your school of choice.

Check the public high school application process for each province in South Africa, and learn what you need to do to secure a place for your child.

Even at the best of times, parenthood isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a constant balancing act with a lot of responsibility and the pressure to make the right choices for your child and your family.

As a parent, it’s natural to think about your child’s future and how you might give them the best possible chance of success in life. Among concerns for mental health and wellbeing, financial stability later in life is ranked among some of the top concerns by parents in South Africa and globally. Research confirms that the level of post-school study pursued by high school graduates is strongly correlated with earning potential later in life. The real question is not whether it’s a good idea for your child to study after high school, but rather how you could think about supporting them with the big financial outlay required, whether it’s for university or any other tertiary institution. In South Africa, this question is even more relevant and challenging in attempting to break the cycle of generational inequality that exists.

There is immense pressure on parents during a child’s school years, not just in terms of time investment and emotional support, but also in terms of finances. Making choices about schooling is becoming more and more difficult for families. Increasingly, the cost of education is a key consideration. Family circumstances vary enormously, and for many, a local no-fee state school will be the only option; others may have a range of private schools that they can consider.

Choosing the right high school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. However, navigating the complex world of high school education costs can be daunting, especially if you're on a tight budget. That's why UCT Online High School has launched a free cost calculator to help you determine what you can afford and make an informed decision about your child's future.