Financial support and concessions
School Start Bonus
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development administers the School Start Bonus, a one-off payment for families of Prep and Year 7 students to help them meet the costs of schooling. Children in Prep and Year 7 who are being home schooled and who are registered with the VRQA may be eligible for the Bonus.
There are age related conditions to be eligible and there is a cut off date for applying for the School Start Bonus.
Enquiries should be directed to 1800 809 834; please select option 6.
Education Maintenance Allowance
Home schooling parents/guardians are not eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). To be eligible for the EMA the student must attend a registered government, Catholic or independent school full time.
Youth Allowance
Registered home schooled children are not eligible for the Youth Allowance. To be eligible for the Youth Allowance a student must be studying towards a qualification. Home schooling parents/guardians are not accredited to offer a qualification.
Transport concessions
Registered home schooled children are eligible for Victorian Student Concession cards. To apply to Metlink you need a photocopy of the VRQA notification letter for home schooling; a completed application form and the processing fee.
For more information, see: Home Schooling in Victoria: A Guide to Services and Support (Home schooling guide (PDF - 1.5Mb))