Homeschooling in Cambodia
Homeschooling is not legally recognized in Cambodia; compulsory education must be fulfilled through formal schools.
Cambodia's Constitution (Article 68) and Education Law 2007 establish a compulsory education requirement of 9 years for all citizens, beginning at age 6 (or 70 months) through lower secondary level (age 14). The law mandates enrollment in formal educational establishments with proper educational certificates; homeschooling as an independent educational pathway is not explicitly recognized or regulated in Cambodian law. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MOEYS) controls and regulates all education in Cambodia, both state and non-state, and has not issued specific authorization or guidance for home-based instruction as a substitute for institutional schooling.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
No
n/a
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Law on Education (2007) requires parents to enroll children aged 6 (or at least 70 months) in grade 1 of general education at schools with proper certificates.
- MOEYS and provincial/district offices control and regulate all education, public and private (Article 15, Law on Education 2007).
- Fundamental education program for general education is compulsory for all educational establishments.
- Constitution Article 68 mandates 9 years free compulsory education from primary to lower secondary.
- Private educational establishments must register and be licensed by MOEYS.
- No mention of homeschooling as an approved educational pathway in primary legislation.
- Parents obligated to support children's basic education studies.
Legal Framework
Cambodia's education framework rests on: (1) Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia (1993) Articles 65-68 - requires the State to provide free and compulsory education for 9 years; (2) Law on Education enacted by the National Assembly on 19 October 2007 (royal kram) - the foundational basic-education statute; (3) Sub-Decrees and Prakas (ministerial proclamations) issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS). Compulsory education comprises 9 years: primary (1st Phumaseksar, Grades 1-6, ages 6-11) plus lower secondary (2nd Phumaseksar, Grades 7-9, ages 12-14). Implementation is through public schools, private schools licensed by MoEYS, or recognised community education programmes. Homeschooling is not recognised as a separate education modality; compulsory education must be received in a recognised institution. Responsible authority: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS).
Filing Requirements
What to file
n/a
When
n/a
Where
n/a
How to submit
n/a
What to include
- • n/a
Enrollment handled directly with schools under MOEYS oversight
How to Get Started
- 1
Contact local public school or licensed private school
- 2
Enroll child at age 6/70 months in grade 1
- 3
Provide required documents per school policy
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Legal compliance
- ✓Free public option
- ✓Standardized curriculum
Cons
- •No homeschool option
- •Fixed schedule and location
Questions about homeschooling in Cambodia
Is homeschooling legal in Cambodia?
No, homeschooling is not explicitly recognized or regulated; parents must enroll children in certified formal schools to meet compulsory education requirements
What happens if I don't enroll my child in school?
Parents are obligated to enroll children aged 6/70 months; non-compliance risks sanctions under MOEYS authority for truancy or violation of parental duties
Can expats homeschool their children?
Expat families report using homeschooling without specific rules, but local law requires enrollment in certified schools; international schools must register with MOEYS
Was distance learning allowed during COVID?
Yes, MOEYS issued a temporary directive for home-based distance learning in state/private schools, but it was not a permanent homeschool substitute
How do I start private schooling as an alternative?
Private schools must register and obtain MOEYS license; contact provincial offices or One Window Service Offices
What curriculum is required?
MOEYS fundamental education program is compulsory for all certified establishments; homeschooling cannot implement it independently
Can I get a diploma through homeschooling?
No, diplomas are issued by MOEYS-licensed schools; parent-issued credentials are not recognized
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · KH homeschool law guide