Zimbabwe’s eMAP Portal Opens for 2026 Form 1 Boarding School ApplicationsThe Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched the application window for the 2026 Form 1 boarding school intake via its Electronic Ministry Application Platform (eMAP).
The digital portal, accessible at emap.co.zw, is now live, enabling parents and guardians nationwide to apply for their children’s boarding placements online.The system became operational in early November and will accept applications until the 31st of December, 2025. The platform will be shut down after this deadline, with no further submissions permitted.
What is eMAP?
eMAP is the government’s centralized online system for handling Form 1 boarding school admissions. It was developed to digitize the previously manual procedure, which involved parents physically delivering paper forms to schools—a process often characterised by long queues and a lack of clear visibility.
Using eMAP, applicants can apply for a boarding place from any location with a smartphone or computer. Registration requires only the child’s Grade 7 exam details: the centre number, candidate number, and date of birth.After registering, applicants can choose up to five preferred boarding schools for their child.
The platform then electronically submits the application to these selected institutions for review.
How the System Works
Once an application is submitted, parents can monitor its status through the eMAP dashboard. Each application is tagged with a status such as Pending, Accepted, Processed, or Rejected.If a school extends an offer, the parent or guardian will receive an SMS alert.
Accepting an offer will automatically cancel all other pending applications. Should an offer be declined, the space is allocated to another applicant, with no guarantee of a subsequent offer.This method is designed to simplify the admissions process and ensure the fair and swift allocation of available boarding places.
Key Dates to Remember
The application period for the 2026 Form 1 boarding intake opened in November 2025 and will conclude on 31 December 2025. Parents are strongly advised to apply early, as spaces at high-demand schools are filled quickly.
How to Apply
Visit the portal: emap.co.zw/Form1Enrol
Register by entering your child’s centre number, candidate number, and date of birth.
Log in to the system and select a maximum of five boarding schools. Submit the application and monitor the dashboard regularly for status updates.The service is free.
For individuals in rural areas or with limited internet connectivity, local schools or district education offices are available to assist with the online process.
Important Considerations
School selection requires careful thought. The five chosen schools are not ranked; the system treats all selections equally. Parents are encouraged to research factors like cut-off points, location, fee structures, and travel distance before finalizing their choices.Accepting an offer is final. Once a place is accepted, all other pending applications are immediately withdrawn from the system.Parents must also ensure their provided mobile numbers are active, as SMS is the primary channel for communicating placement offers.eMAP was introduced to create a more transparent and efficient selection process. It allows the Ministry to oversee applications centrally and minimises the need for parents to make physical trips to multiple schools. However, access remains a challenge for some families in regions with poor internet connectivity or unstable power supply.
The launch of the eMAP window signals the start of a critical period for families preparing for secondary school. Parents are urged to log in early, make well-researched school selections, and respond quickly to any offers they receive.For further information, visit emap.co.zwhttp://emap.co.zw
or get in touch with your nearest education district office for support.
