Homeschool guide · TAS
Homeschooling in Tasmania
In Tasmania, home education is registered by the Office of the Education Registrar under the Education Act 2016. Families submit a home education program that addresses the home education Standards, and registration is renewed each year. The Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council advises the Registrar on applications.
Awaiting educator review. This guide was researched from official sources but has not yet been reviewed. Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the official authority linked on this page. Information last checked 10 October 2026. Created 10 October 2026.
Key facts
- Starting age
- A child who is at least 5 as at 1 January must be enrolled at a school or home educated that year. Source ↗
- When to apply
- New applications can be submitted to the OER at any time of the year. Source ↗
- Length of registration
- 12 months – families reapply each year to continue. Source ↗
- Assessment
- A registration officer reviews your program, and members of the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council provide a recommendation to the Registrar. Source ↗
What home education means in Tasmania
Under the Education Act 2016, children of compulsory age must be enrolled at a school or registered for home education. Tasmania's Act provides for compulsory education and training through to Year 12, age 18, or completion of an approved program.
Registration is managed by the Office of the Education Registrar. Some newer OER documents use the name 'Office of Education Regulation', so you may see both names.
Sources
- Education Act 2016 (Tas) – Tasmanian Legislation (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Office of the Education Registrar (Tasmania) (checked 10 Oct 2026)
How registration works
- Apply to the OER (Service Tasmania links to the application information). Applications can be made at any time of the year.
- Include a home education program for each child that shows how you will meet the home education Standards.
- A registration officer reviews the program, and members of the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council (THEAC) provide a recommendation to the Registrar.
- The OER's guide says initial provisional approval generally takes 7 to 10 days, with a home visit usually about 6 to 8 weeks later.
Sources
- Guide for new home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Apply for home education – Service Tasmania (checked 10 Oct 2026)
The home education Standards
Your program must address the home education Standards set out in the Education Regulations. The OER publishes an 'Understanding the Standards' guide that explains each Standard in plain language.
Read the Standards before writing your program – they are what the OER uses to assess your application and renewals.
Sources
- Understanding the Standards – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
Annual visits and renewal
Registration lasts 12 months. To continue, you reapply each year with a new program for each child. The OER contacts families before the renewal period with instructions and the deadline.
A registration visit takes place before your current registration expires. The registration officer views evidence of your program and writes a report on how it meets the Standards, so keep examples of your child's learning through the year.
If your registration expires, your child needs to be enrolled at a school until a new registration is approved.
Sources
- Guide for renewing home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
Moving from school to home education
Your child should stay at school until you have approval from the OER. Contact the OER early to confirm timing for your family.
Sources
- Guide for new home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Office of the Education Registrar (Tasmania) (checked 10 Oct 2026)
Support available
THEAC advises the Registrar and the Minister on home education and acts as a reference point for questions from the home education community. At least half of its members have home education experience.
The OER publishes guides for new and renewing registrations and can be contacted directly with questions.
Sources
- Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Guide for new home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Guide for renewing home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Who registers home education in Tasmania?
The Office of the Education Registrar (OER), advised by the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council.
Sources
- Office of the Education Registrar (Tasmania) (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
Do I need to reapply every year?
Yes. Home education registration in Tasmania is for 12 months, and you reapply each year to continue.
Sources
- Guide for renewing home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
What are the Standards?
They are the home education requirements your program must address. The OER's 'Understanding the Standards' guide explains them.
Sources
- Understanding the Standards – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
Will someone visit my home?
Yes. The OER's guides describe a home visit after provisional approval for new families, and a registration visit before each renewal.
Sources
- Guide for new home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
- Guide for renewing home education registrations – Office of the Education Registrar (checked 10 Oct 2026)
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