Homeschooling in Australia

Homeschooling in Australia is a vibrant growing movement. Statistics indicate that there are at least 30,000 Australian children being home-schooled. According to a NSW parliamentary enquiry, parents’ reasons for homeschooling include:

Religion
Philosophical (such as opposed to mass education)
Bullying
Dissatisfaction with school
Special needs
Travel

Home education teaching looks very different to traditional school. Within the Australian homeschool community there are a variety of homeschooling methods.

Legally children in Australia between the ages of 6 to 17 (Tasmania 5—16 years) must be in school or registered to homeschool. Children under the age of 17 who want to leave school must apply to homeschool, or meet certain workforce or vocational education requirements.
In order to homeschool each state and territory in Australia, has their own set of legal requirements. Some parents choose not to register.
To be registered to homeschool you must apply to the state or territory in which you are a resident.
You cannot register to homeschool in Australia if you are living overseas, or have no fixed address.
The parent who plans to homeschool registers each individual child.

Homeschooling in Australia – State Requirements

NSW and Queensland

These states have the strictest documentation guidelines for registration. When you register you are usually expected to show what you are planning on teaching to your children. Also, how it corresponds to their guidelines.

Victoria

This state is the easiest state to be registered in as it only requires you to fill out a form and notify the Victorian Department of Education. You can also homeschool part-time in Victoria.

Australian Capital Territory

This state also allows part-time homeschooling. The ACT Department of Education requires you to fill in registration documents. You will need to show a learning program but they don’t require you to follow ACT curriculum or the National Curriculum.

Western Australia

This state has a large homeschool community. Registration involves a visit from a Western Australian Department of Education moderator and evidence of a learning program based in the WA curriculum framework.

Northern Territory

In this state you register to homeschool with the Northern Territory Department of Education. You’re required to fill out a form and are granted an interim registration. You will need to show a learning program but they don’t require you to follow NT curriculum or the National Curriculum. You’ll receive registration when they have been approved by a moderator.

South Australia

In this state, registration is relatively simple. You will need to apply through South Australian Department of Education. After you have submitted your registration form you will need to provide a broad overview of your learning program including the eight key learning areas (following the completed aspects of the National Curriculum). You will also receive a home visit.

Tasmania

Here the process is also relatively simple. You are not required to follow the National Curriculum. The Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council handles the application.

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