Every state and territory in Australia offers distance education for travelling families, but the process, providers, and requirements differ. This guide covers the key details for each state so you know where to start, what to expect, and how long it takes. Check directly with the provider listed for your state, as requirements can change. This information is current as of early 2026.
You register for distance education in your home state, regardless of where you’ll be travelling. If you live in Queensland, you enrol through a Queensland provider even if you’ll spend most of the trip in WA and the NT. Start the process 3 to 6 months before your planned departure.
Same country, different rules. Your home state determines your registration process.
Queensland
Provider: Brisbane School of Distance Education (BSDE) is the main provider. Other Schools of Distance Education operate regionally (e.g., Capricornia SDE, Charleville SDE).
Eligibility: Families must demonstrate they’ll be travelling and unable to attend a regular school. A general travel plan or itinerary is required.
Process: Apply online through the school. An enrolment interview may be conducted. Materials are provided digitally and in hard copy. A supervising teacher is assigned.
Timeline: Allow 4 to 8 weeks for processing. Apply well before departure.
Compulsory school age: 6 years and 6 months to 16 years (or completion of Year 10).
New South Wales
Provider: NSW School of Distance Education (NSW SDE), based in Bathurst, is the primary provider for travelling families.
Eligibility: Must demonstrate inability to attend a regular school due to travel. Families need to provide a travel plan.
Process: Apply through the NSW SDE website. Enrolment requires current school records and immunisation documentation. Materials are provided through a mix of online platforms and posted workbooks.
Timeline: Allow 4 to 6 weeks. The school can be contacted for expedited processing in some circumstances.
Compulsory school age: 6 to 17 years.
Victoria
Provider: Virtual School Victoria (VSV) is the main distance education provider. Distance Education Centre Victoria (DECV) also operates.
Eligibility: Travelling families are eligible. Evidence of travel plans required.
Process: Online application through VSV. Materials delivered primarily through digital platforms. Teacher communication via video calls and email.
Timeline: 4 to 6 weeks processing.
Compulsory school age: 6 to 17 years.
South Australia
Provider: Open Access College (OAC) in Adelaide is the primary distance education provider.
Eligibility: Available to families unable to attend a regular school due to geographic isolation or travel.
Process: Apply through OAC. Materials provided through online platforms and posted resources. Regular scheduled lessons via video conference are a feature of OAC.
Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks. OAC is popular and places can be limited.
Compulsory school age: 6 to 17 years.
Western Australia
Provider: Schools of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE), based in Leederville, Perth.
Eligibility: Families must be travelling and unable to access a regular school. A travel plan is required.
Process: Apply through SIDE. Enrolment involves a review of travel plans and current school records. Materials are delivered digitally and by post. SIDE uses a combination of online learning and scheduled phone/video lessons.
Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks. Start early; WA is thorough in its enrolment process.
Compulsory school age: 6 to 17 years and 6 months.
Tasmania
Provider: Tasmanian eSchool is the primary distance education provider.
Eligibility: Available to travelling families. Contact the eSchool directly to discuss eligibility.
Process: Application through the eSchool. Smaller provider, which often means more personalised service and teacher attention.
Timeline: 3 to 6 weeks.
Compulsory school age: 5 to 16 years.
Northern Territory
Provider: Northern Territory School of Distance Education (NT SDE), also known as NT Open Education Centre.
Eligibility: Available to families travelling through or based in the NT who cannot access regular schooling.
Process: Apply through the NT SDE. NT has extensive experience with remote and travelling families given its geography. Materials are a mix of digital and physical.
Timeline: 4 to 6 weeks.
Compulsory school age: 6 to 17 years.
ACT
Provider: ACT does not have a dedicated School of Distance Education. Travelling ACT families can enrol with a neighbouring state’s SDE (typically NSW SDE) or apply for homeschooling registration through the ACT Education Directorate.
Process: Contact the ACT Education Directorate for guidance on your specific situation. Most travelling ACT families enrol with NSW SDE or register as homeschoolers.
Compulsory school age: 6 to 17 years.
General Tips
Contact the provider directly. Websites provide general information, but a phone call to the enrolment team answers specific questions about your family’s situation faster than navigating paperwork alone.
Withdraw from current school first (usually). Most states require formal withdrawal from your current school before enrolling in distance education. Your current school may need to provide transfer documentation.
Keep copies of everything. Enrolment confirmation, immunisation records, school reports, and any correspondence. You may need to show proof of enrolment if questioned during travel.
Ask about flexibility. Some SDEs are more flexible with travelling families than their official information suggests. Ask about adjusted timelines, bulk work submission, and offline learning options.
A phone call to the enrolment team is worth more than an hour on the website. Contact your state’s provider directly.
- Register in your home state, regardless of where you’ll travel. Every state except the ACT has a dedicated School of Distance Education.
- Start 3 to 6 months before departure. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks and places can be limited.
- Contact the provider by phone for the most accurate, up-to-date information about your specific situation.
- You’ll need travel plans, current school records, and immunisation documentation. Withdraw from your current school as part of the process.
- Ask about flexibility for travelling families: adjusted timelines, offline learning, and bulk submission options.
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