Home education in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Home education is regulated by each state and territory, not by the Commonwealth. Registration, procedure and compulsory school age differ, so no national value is given.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school age | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school age | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school age | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school age | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Set by state and territory education law and not read, so no national value is given.
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Legal status of home education | Nature of the parental duty | Approval or notification needed | Compulsory schooling age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Registration required | School or registration | Apply; home-visit assessment | 6 to 17 |
| Victoria | Registration required | School or registration | Apply to VRQA with learning plan | 6 to 17 |
| Queensland | Registration required | School or registration | Apply to QHE; decision in 90 days | 6 years 6 months to 16 or Year 10 |
| Western Australia | ⚠ Not yet verified | School or registration | Register within 14 days of leaving | 5 years 6 months to 17 years 6 months |
| South Australia | Approval (exemption) needed | School attendance | Apply for exemption | 6 to 17 |
| Tasmania | Registrar approval needed | School or registration | Registrar approves 1-year programme | From 5 on 1 January |
| Australian Capital Territory | Registration required | School or registration | Apply within 10 school term days | 6 to 17 or year 12 |
| Northern Territory | Approval needed | School or approval | CEO approval, one year at a time | 6 to 17 (or year 10 plus) |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.