Homeschooling in Victoria

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
• Registration must be renewed annually by 30 November each 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.

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.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 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. 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 assistance

   Before commencing home education

3. 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 Registration is valid until 31 December of the year of registration
4. 4

   Begin Home Education and Prepare for Annual Renewal

   Once registered, you can begin home educating your child. Remember that registration must be renewed annually by 30 November.

   • •Begin implementing your educational program
   • •Keep records of your activities and progress across the 8 learning areas
   • •Mark 30 November in your calendar for the annual renewal deadline

   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 Start preparing your renewal application well before the 30 November deadline

Pros & Cons

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.