How to Start Homeschooling in Victoria — A Surprisingly Simple Process (My Experience)

If you’re coming from another state or have heard scary things about homeschooling paperwork, Victoria might surprise you. When I first registered in Victoria, I genuinely couldn’t believe how simple it was — especially compared to Queensland or NSW.

You really only have to do two things:

1. Register with the VRQA

2. Submit a basic learning plan

That’s it. No annual reporting, no home visits, no complicated renewals.

Let’s walk through it.

1. Who Regulates Homeschooling in Victoria?

Home education is overseen by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).

Any child aged 6–17 who is not attending school must either be enrolled at a registered school or registered for home education.

2. How to Register — The Steps

STEP 1 — Gather Your Documents

You will need:

• Proof of your child’s identity

• Proof you are the parent/guardian

• A proposed learning plan

This plan does not need to be complex. It is much simpler than most people expect.

STEP 2 — Complete the VRQA Application Form

Download from VRQA’s website.

• You can list two children per form.

• Send it in by email or post.

STEP 3 — Submit Your Learning Plan

This is where Victoria is incredibly parent-friendly.

When I did my registration, I literally wrote one small paragraph per learning area, such as:

English: My child is an engaged learner who absolutely loves reading. We use Reading Eggs regularly, read aloud daily, and she enjoys hands-on activities like journaling and simple writing prompts. We also use Simply Homeschool units and Twinkl printables as needed.

And truly — that was enough.

The VRQA doesn’t want:

✘ lesson plans

✘ schedules

✘ work samples

✘ outcomes or assessments

They just want to see that you’ll cover the 8 learning areas in a reasonable, age-appropriate way.

3. After You’re Approved

Record-Keeping

Victoria doesn’t require you to keep or submit specific records unless you’re selected for a review.

Still, it’s a good idea to save:

• A few work samples

• Reading lists

• Photos of learning activities

• Notes of progress

Nothing formal — just enough to show learning if you’re chosen for review.

Reviews (Occasional)

A very small percentage of Victorian homeschoolers are selected for a review each year.

If that happens, you’ll only need to show:

• Evidence from one learning area

• Explanation of how home education is going

It’s generally relaxed and conversation-based.

Registration Renewal

There is no annual renewal form.

Registration continues unless you notify VRQA that:

• Your child is returning to school

• You are moving interstate

• Your circumstances have changed significantly

That’s it — genuinely one of the easiest systems in the country.

4. Final Thoughts (VIC)

Homeschooling in Victoria is extremely parent-trusting. If you want flexibility with minimal government involvement, Victoria is one of the best states to homeschool in.

For me, the process was quick, simple, and surprisingly stress-free. VRQA was polite, the form was easy, and the learning plan requirements were minimal. It really allowed me to focus on the heart of homeschooling — learning with my child, not paperwork.

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