Homeschooling in Victoria
Structured registration with VRQA covering 8 learning areas, a yearly continue-or-cancel email, but no mandatory home visits or testing
Home education in Victoria is a regulated but accessible option for families. Parents must register with the **Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)** before beginning home education. The legal framework is established under the **Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)**, which requires that home-educated children receive instruction that substantially addresses the 8 learning areas set out in Schedule 1 of the Act. Towards the end of each year VRQA emails to ask whether you will continue, and each year it reviews up to 10% of registrations. There are no mandatory home visits, standardised tests, or formal qualifications required of parents.
In our Library: Homeschooling in Victoria: Complete 2026 Guide to VRQA Registration
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
8
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Registration with VRQA is mandatory before commencing home education
- Instruction must substantially address 8 learning areas from Schedule 1 of the Act
- VRQA must decide on an application within 28 days of receiving a complete application
- Towards the end of each year, VRQA emails to ask if you will continue for the next year
- Child must remain enrolled in school until VRQA registration is approved
- No mandatory home visits, testing, or parent qualifications required
- Up to 2 children can be listed per application
Legal Framework
Home education in Victoria is governed by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic), specifically Part 4.3: Home Schooling. Under Section 4.3.2, parents may apply to the VRQA for registration to home educate their child. The instruction provided must substantially address the 8 key learning areas set out in Schedule 1 of the Act. The Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 provide further detail on the registration process, including application requirements and the annual renewal process.
Steiner and Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Victoria
The Waldorf Map lists 16 schools, 9 kindergartens and playgroups, and 1 class or course in Victoria, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Ballarat Steiner School, Ballarat
- Dandenong Ranges Steiner School, Narre Warren East
- Freshwater Creek Steiner School, Geelong
- Ghilgai Steiner School, Dandenongs
Required Subjects
The educational program must substantially address the 8 key learning areas set out in Schedule 1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. Parents have flexibility in how they address these areas: there is no mandated curriculum, textbook, or teaching method. 'Substantially addresses' means providing meaningful coverage, not exhaustive instruction in every sub-topic.
English
Mathematics
Science
Humanities
The Arts
Languages other than English
Health and Physical Education
Technology
Filing Requirements
What to file
Application for Registration for Home Schooling
When
Before commencing home education
Where
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
How to submit
Online or by post to VRQA
What to include
- • Parent/guardian name and contact details
- • Victorian residential address
- • Child's name, date of birth, and age
- • Details of the proposed educational program addressing the 8 learning areas
- • Any previous schooling or home education registration details
VRQA must decide within 28 days of receiving a complete application. Up to 2 children can be included on a single application. A Victorian residential address is required.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No standardised testing or formal assessments are required. Parents may choose to have their children sit NAPLAN or other assessments privately, but this is not mandatory.
How to Get Started
- 1
Plan Your Educational Program
Develop an educational program that substantially addresses the 8 key learning areas set out in Schedule 1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Languages other than English, Health and Physical Education, and Technology.
- •Research the 8 learning areas and what VRQA expects
- •Choose your educational approach (structured, eclectic, interest-led, etc.)
- •Outline how you will address each learning area
- •Gather initial resources and materials
Tip: You do not need to follow the Victorian Curriculum: you just need to substantially address the 8 learning areas VRQA provides guidance on what 'substantially addresses' means for each learning area Many families use a mix of methods: textbooks, online resources, excursions, projects, and real-world learning all count Connect with Victorian home education groups for practical advice and support - 2
Submit Your Application to VRQA
Complete the Application for Registration for Home Schooling and submit it to VRQA. You will need to provide your Victorian residential address, your child's details, and an outline of your proposed educational program.
- •Obtain the application form from the VRQA website or contact VRQA directly
- •Complete all sections including the educational program outline
- •Include details for up to 2 children per application
- •Submit the application online or by post
Tip: Ensure your application is complete: the 28-day decision clock starts only when VRQA has a complete application You must have a Victorian residential address to apply If you have more than 2 children, you will need to submit multiple applications Contact VRQA on 1300 722 603 or via email if you need assistanceBefore commencing home education
- 3
Receive VRQA Decision
VRQA will assess your application and must make a decision within 28 days of receiving your complete application. If approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration for Home Schooling.
- •Wait for VRQA's decision (up to 28 days from complete application)
- •Respond promptly to any requests from VRQA for additional information
- •Once approved, keep your Certificate of Registration in a safe place
Tip: If VRQA requests additional information, the 28-day clock may restart If your application is refused, you can request a review of the decision VRQA emails towards the end of each year to ask whether you will continue - 4
Begin Home Education and Watch for the Year-End Email
Once registered, you can begin home educating your child. Towards the end of each year, VRQA emails you to ask whether you will continue home schooling the next year, with a link to choose to continue or cancel for each child.
- •Begin implementing your educational program
- •Keep records of your activities and progress across the 8 learning areas
- •Watch for VRQA's year-end email and choose to continue or cancel
Tip: Your educational program can evolve: it does not have to match your application exactly Consider joining a home education co-op or group for socialisation and shared activities Keep work samples through the year in case your registration is selected for review
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Straightforward application directly to VRQA
- ✓VRQA must decide within 28 days
- ✓No mandatory home visits
- ✓Flexibility in educational approach
- ✓No testing or formal assessment required
Cons
- •Must wait for approval before starting if child is of compulsory age
- •Must substantially address 8 learning areas
- •Your registration may be selected for a review
- •Maximum of 2 children per application
Sports & Activities
There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in Victoria. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in school sports teams or extracurricular activities. Some schools may allow access informally, but this is at the school's discretion.
Questions about homeschooling in Victoria
Do I need to register with VRQA to home educate in Victoria?
Yes. Registration with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) is mandatory before you can legally home educate your child in Victoria. You must submit an Application for Registration for Home Schooling and receive approval before commencing home education.
What are the 8 learning areas I need to cover?
The 8 learning areas set out in Schedule 1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 are: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Languages other than English, Health and Physical Education, and Technology. Your educational program must substantially address all 8 areas, but you have flexibility in how you do so.
Can I withdraw my child from school before VRQA approves my registration?
No. Your child must remain enrolled in and attending their current school until VRQA approves your home education registration. Withdrawing before approval may result in truancy issues. Once you receive your Certificate of Registration, you can then formally withdraw your child.
How long does the VRQA registration process take?
VRQA must make a decision within 28 days of receiving a complete application. The key word is 'complete': if your application is missing information, VRQA may request additional details, which could extend the timeline.
Do I need teaching qualifications to home educate in Victoria?
No. There are no formal qualifications, certifications, or teaching experience required. Any parent or guardian can provide home education in Victoria.
Will VRQA visit my home?
Home visits are not mandatory. VRQA selects up to 10% of home education registrations for review each year, and may review a registration if it finds out the requirements are not being met. A review checks whether your program covers the learning areas, not your child's learning outcomes, and you can send evidence by email.
Do I need to renew my registration each year?
There is no renewal application or 30 November deadline. Towards the end of each year, VRQA emails you to ask whether you will continue home schooling the next year, with a link to choose to continue or cancel for each child. If your child turns 18, their registration ends automatically at the end of that year.
Can my home-educated child get a VCE?
Not while registered for home schooling. VRQA says a child who wants to pursue a senior secondary qualification must leave home schooling registration and enrol full-time in a registered school or education provider. Other pathways include TAFE courses and university admission via STAT or portfolio-based applications.
Do I have to follow the Victorian Curriculum?
No. You do not have to follow the Victorian Curriculum. However, your educational program must substantially address the 8 key learning areas from Schedule 1 of the Act. You are free to choose your own resources, methods, and approach.
What if my registration application is refused?
If VRQA refuses your application, you can request a review of the decision. VRQA will provide reasons for the refusal, and you may be able to address the concerns and reapply. Your child must remain enrolled in school while any review or reapplication is in progress.
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Learning at home?
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Keep your Victoria records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Victoria tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
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Last updated: 2026-10-22 · VIC homeschool law guide