Australian Home Education FAQ

Yes. It is a legally recognised alternative to school in every state and territory. Each one has its own rules and registration process, but home education is absolutely allowed nationwide.

All of them. Home education is available in the ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The regulator and application process vary by state or territory. In NSW, oversight now sits with the Department of Education.

Yes. In every state and territory, registration is generally required for compulsory-school-age children. The exact age range and process vary, and some systems allow provisional registration or require a child to stay enrolled while the application is assessed. Registration itself is usually free.

The process varies by state, but it usually involves:

Check your own state's rules before withdrawing your child from school, because this point differs between jurisdictions.

Timeline varies by state, but generally:

Application processing takes 2-8 weeks Requests for extra information or review steps can add time Full approval can take several weeks

No. No Australian state or territory requires parents to hold teaching qualifications or any specific educational qualifications. What is required is commitment to providing an education, willingness to plan and document your program, ability to facilitate your child's learning, and responsiveness to your child's educational needs.

It depends on your state. Most states expect coverage of key learning areas similar to the Australian Curriculum, but you do not need to follow it exactly. Alternative approaches are acceptable if justified. You can teach subjects in any order, use any resources or methods, adapt to your child's learning style, and incorporate your family's values and beliefs. What matters is that your program is "broad and balanced" and core learning areas are addressed.

No set hours are required by any state. Typical home education days include 1-3 hours of formal work per day for primary students and 2-4 hours for secondary students. Remember that learning happens all the time, not just during "school hours". Home education is often more efficient than classroom learning, and reading, discussions, activities, and life skills all count as education.

Requirements vary by state, but generally include:

Most states require annual reporting.

Generally required across all states:

Yes. Home educated students can usually access NAPLAN in some states and can work towards senior secondary pathways such as the HSC, VCE, QCE, SACE, TCE, WACE, and equivalent territory pathways. The exact route depends on the state, the qualification, and whether your child is entering as an independent candidate or through another provider.

Yes. Home educated students regularly enter universities across Australia.

Research university entry requirements early and contact universities directly about home education pathways.

Yes. Many families choose home education because mainstream school cannot meet their child's needs. Children with special needs can be registered for home education. Your program should address their specific needs, and you may include therapies as part of the educational program. Some states allow access to special education services. NDIS may fund some supports, and therapies can be integrated into the home education day.

You remain responsible for your child's education, need to ensure adequate supervision, and must still implement the educational program and keep records.

Home educated children have many social opportunities.

Home educated children often have advantages including interaction with all age groups, real-world social skills, time for deep friendships, less exposure to bullying, and more family time.

Yes. Many home educating families travel (often called "road schooling" or "world schooling").

Some families use distance education while travelling.