How to Homeschool in Australia

Homeschooling, also known as home education, is a legal and recognised option across every Australian state and territory.

If your child is of compulsory school age, you must register as a home educator with your state or territory’s education authority. Each jurisdiction has its own process and requirements, so it’s important to follow the guidelines where you live.

New South Wales (NSW)

• Register with the NSW Department of Education (previously NESA).

• Home schooling registration issues a certificate if approved.

• You should plan your homeschool program before applying.

• Children may be registered from age 5 if they are turning 5 before 31 July that year, but compulsory attendance generally begins around age 6. (NSW Government)

 Queensland (QLD)

• Register with Queensland Home Education (formerly the Home Education Unit).

• Children can be registered for home education from 5 years and 6 months up to less than 18 years old (by 31 December of the year of registration). (Queensland Government) 

• Note: compulsory schooling generally starts at age 6 (schooling law) but QLD explicitly accepts registrations from 5½.

Victoria (VIC)

• Register with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).

• Children usually must be registered from 6 to 17 years for home education.

• VRQA requires a learning plan covering key areas but not a mandated curriculum. (Home Education Network)

Western Australia (WA)

• Register with the WA Department of Education.

• Home education is a lawful alternative during compulsory schooling.

• The compulsory schooling period in WA effectively begins from around 5 years and 6 months to about 17 years and 6 months (education law). (HEA Australia)

 South Australia (SA)

• Register through the SA Department for Education under exemption provisions.

• Homeschooling applies during compulsory years 6 to 17.

• Provide a learning program, monitor progress, and renew as required. (South Australia Government)

 Tasmania (TAS)

• Register with the Office of the Education Registrar.

• Submit a Home Education Summary & Program (HESP).

• Reviews may occur in person or online. Registration applies to children of compulsory school age.(Registrar TAS)

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Register with the ACT Education Directorate.

• Registration generally applies for compulsory school–aged children 6 to 17.

• You submit a plan and annual reports. (ACT Government)

Northern Territory (NT)

• Register with the NT Department of Education.

• Home education applications must be approved before your child may be withdrawn from school.

• Homeschool programs are assessed against curriculum frameworks (often including the Australian Curriculum). (NT Government)

What Families Often Want to Know 

You do not need to be a qualified teacher to homeschool.

In Australia, parents and legal guardians are legally permitted to educate their own children at home. Teaching qualifications are not required, though many families choose to seek guidance, resources, or community support along the way.

You will need to prepare an educational program or learning plan.

Most states require you to outline how you intend to support your child’s learning. Many also require periodic progress reports or reviews to ensure your program is appropriate and consistent.

You must register in the state or territory where you live.

Home education registration is managed at a state and territory level. Families must reside in, and apply through, their local education authority.

Compulsory school age requirements vary slightly between states.

While homeschooling is legal across Australia, starting ages and compulsory attendance ranges differ by jurisdiction. Some states accept registration from around 5½ years of age, while others begin closer to age 6. Always check your local authority’s guidelines.

Home Education in Australia- State-by-State Registration Overview (2026)

State / Territory	Registration Authority	Compulsory School Age*	Key Registration Requirements	Ongoing Requirements
NSW	NSW Department of Education	6–17 or Year 10 whichever comes first	Apply for home schooling registration; provide educational program; registration certificate issued if approved	Periodic review; renewal required
QLD	Queensland Home Education (Dept. of Education)	Registration accepted from 5 years 6 months to under 18; compulsory schooling generally from 6	Submit application and educational program; provisional registration granted while assessed	Annual report required
VIC	Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)	6–17	Register child; provide learning plan covering key learning areas	Annual progress report
WA	WA Department of Education	Approx. 5 years 6 months to 17 years 6 months	Register as home educator; provide learning program	Evaluation meetings with moderator (usually annually)
SA	SA Department for Education	6–17	Apply under home education exemption provisions; submit learning program	Annual review and renewal
TAS	Office of the Education Registrar	6–17	Submit Home Education Summary & Program (HESP); registration approval required	Annual review meeting or report
ACT	ACT Education Directorate	6–17	Submit education plan; registration approval required	Annual reporting; renewal required
NT	NT Department of Education	6–17	Apply for approval before withdrawing from school; provide educational program aligned with approved curriculum frameworks	Annual reporting and renewal

Registration requirements and education legislation may change. Families should confirm current information with their state or territory education authority.