Home education in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Home education in Victoria needs registration with the VRQA, with a learning plan covering the 8 key learning areas. Children aged 6 to 17 must be enrolled at a registered school or registered for home education. The child must stay at school until the registration is approved.

RuleWhat applies
Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school agePermitted with prior authorisation [1]
Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school ageDuty to attend or be enrolled at school [2]
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school ageA parent applies to the VRQA using the application form, with copies of evidence of the child's name, date of birth and parental responsibility, and a learning plan for each child covering the 8 key learning areas. Approval can take up to 28 days and the child must stay enrolled at school until approval. Registration can start at the beginning of the year the child turns 6 or by their 6th birthday. [2]
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school ageChildren between 6 and 17 years must be enrolled in a school registered in Victoria or registered for home education. Home education registration is open to children aged 6 to 17 with a Victorian residential address. [2]

Notes

  • Home education in Victoria needs registration with the VRQA. A child must stay enrolled at school until the application is approved.

Sources

  1. Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA): Home education | vrqa.vic.gov.au (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA): Register to home educate | vrqa.vic.gov.au (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Victoria

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  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted/built-in only; L/P: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: One per level, plus by bedrooms
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.