South Africa — Living: Education

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 6.0 % of GDP (2024)
• School enrolment, primary: 102 % gross (2023)
• School enrolment, secondary: 104 % gross (2023)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 23 % gross (2023)
• Adult literacy rate: 91.2 % of people aged 15+ (2024)

Steps

1. Choosing a School — Relocating families will need to research and select a school that meets their child's needs, taking into account factors such as language of instruction, curriculum, and availability of special needs support. This can be a time-consuming and challenging process, particularly for families with limited knowledge of the South African education system.
2. Registering with the Local Education Authorities — Once a school has been selected, families will need to register with the local education authorities, providing required documents and information. It's unclear what specific documentation is required for this process, as it can vary by region and municipality.

Costs

• School fees: varies by school and region
• Registration fees: varies by region and municipality

Timelines

• Time to select and register with a school: 2-6 months

Required documents

• Birth certificate
• ID documents for parents
• Proof of residence

Common mistakes

• Assuming that all schools in South Africa are of equal quality and provide a similar education
• Not researching the specific needs and requirements of the school and region
• Not accounting for the possibility of language barriers or cultural differences

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.