The head of education in each province will determine how the admissions application process will work for their province and they are responsible for the administration of admissions of learners. The process may be different in each province. For example, some provinces like Gauteng, Western Cape and Northern Cape only make use of an online application process, while KwaCulu-Natal schools only accept hard-copy application forms. Other provinces make use of both systems.

The parents or caregivers of a learner must complete and submit a school application form. If there is an online application process, the parent or caregiver must register on the provincial education department website to complete an online application form. If the school requires a hard copy application form then this usually has to be submitted to the school in person. School Principals are required to help parents with completing their admission application forms.