Thinking about homeschooling in Victoria?

You’re not alone. Every year, more Victorian families choose home education because they want more flexibility, personalised learning, and a deeper connection to their child’s education.

Victoria has a clear but structured homeschooling system. While it does require registration and an annual report, many families find it manageable once they understand the steps.

Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

Is Homeschooling Legal in Victoria?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Victoria.

Families who choose to homeschool must register with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) before they begin home education. (vrqa.vic.gov.au)

Official information here:

👉 Home schooling in Victoria – VRQA

Step 1: Understand Victoria’s Registration Requirements

To homeschool in Victoria, you must register your child with the VRQA.

Generally, families need to:

Submit a registration application.
Provide a learning plan (educational program).
Show how your child will receive a “substantially similar” education to school.
Keep records of learning.
Submit an annual report each year.

Unlike New South Wales, there is no home visit required for registration in Victoria.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You can apply for homeschooling registration through the VRQA.

Your application will typically include:

Your child’s details.
Proof of identity and residency.
An educational plan.
Information about how learning will be delivered.

👉 Apply here: Register for Home Schooling in Victoria – VRQA

Once submitted, the VRQA will review your application and notify you of the outcome.

Step 3: Create Your Educational Plan

Your educational plan is an important part of your application.

It doesn’t need to be overly complex, but it should show how your child will learn across key areas such as:

English
Mathematics
Science
Humanities (History and Geography)
The Arts
Health and Physical Education
Technologies

Victoria requires that your plan demonstrates a “substantially similar” education to school, but this does not mean you must replicate a school timetable.

Homeschooling can still be flexible, hands-on, and interest-led.

For example:

Reading novels builds English skills.
Cooking integrates maths, science, and life skills.
Nature walks support science and geography.
Creative projects cover the arts and technology.
Real-world experiences build problem-solving and independence.

Step 4: Keep Records of Learning

Throughout the year, it’s important to keep evidence of your child’s learning.

This may include:

Writing samples.
Photos of projects.
Reading logs.
Worksheets or workbooks.
Excursion notes.
Learning journals.
Artwork and creative work.

These records will help when it’s time to submit your annual report.

Step 5: Submit Your Annual Report

In Victoria, homeschooling families must submit an annual report to the VRQA.

This report outlines:

What your child has learned over the year.
Progress in key learning areas.
Examples or evidence of work.
Reflection on your educational approach.

This process helps maintain registration and demonstrates ongoing learning.

Victoria Compared to Other States

Homeschooling requirements vary across Australia, and Victoria sits somewhere in the middle in terms of structure.

Queensland: No home visit, annual report required (more flexible and less formal).
New South Wales: Home visit required before registration is approved.
Victoria: No home visit, but requires registration approval and annual reporting with a structured learning plan.

Many families find Victoria to be balanced—structured enough to provide clarity, but flexible enough to allow for personalised learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a qualified teacher?

No. Parents do not need teaching qualifications to homeschool in Victoria.

Can I homeschool part-time?

No. In Victoria, children must be fully registered for home education if they are not attending school.

Can my child return to school later?

Yes. Children can transition back into school at any time if needed.

Is homeschooling expensive?

It depends on your choices. Some families use free resources like libraries and online materials, while others invest in structured curriculums or online programs.

Final Thoughts

Starting homeschooling in Victoria may feel like a big step, but the process becomes much easier once you understand the requirements.

You don’t need to recreate school at home. Instead, your goal is to provide a well-rounded education that meets your child’s needs in a way that works for your family.

Take it one step at a time—prepare your plan, submit your application, and allow your homeschooling journey to grow and evolve naturally.

For official information and registration details, visit:

👉 Victorian Home Schooling – VRQA

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