Homeschooling in South Africa: How to Register With the DBE. Homeschooling in South Africa has received significant attention in the current climate. More parents are investigating the ins and outs of starting homeschooling, especially the Department of Education regulations.

Below is an outline of the process you need to follow if you choose to register your child for homeschooling with the Department of Education.

Read: Our Homeschool Journey – By Nikki Obertik

How To Register With The DBE

Any parent can register their child for homeschooling; the application is done electronically via the Department of Education’s website.

You will need to complete and submit an online application form to the Department of Education in your province. (This is all available on the website.)

Several documents must accompany the application. Please note that each child you want to register requires their own application form and the following documents.

Read: Our Homeschool Journey – By Claire Barnes

Documents Needed

1. 1. A certified copy of the parent/s or guardian’s ID document.
   2. Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.
   3. Certified copy of the child’s latest report card, stamped by his/her former school and signed by the principal.
   4. If your child is only starting school, their immunisation card must be attached.
   5. If you are a foreign national, you must submit copies of your work permit/study permit/asylum document and passport.
   6. A copy of the transfer card from the previous school, if you’ve received one (I would suggest asking the school to provide one).
   7. If your child is a special needs child, attach a copy of the assessment/s you’ve had done or a referral letter from a medical practitioner.
   8. A detailed description of the learning program you will be using, which needs to include a proposed weekly timetable (with teaching hours per subject), the assessment criteria you will be using, which extra-murals your child/ren will be participating in, possible outings which you would be implemented during the year, as well as a breakdown of the school terms (196 days) you would be following.

Time frame

After submitting all required documents, please note that the application process does not automatically register your child (ren) with the department. An official will contact you to complete the verification process.

The DBE offers a list of all home education coordinators within each province.

The process of applying for homeschooling in South Africa is free and may take up to 30 days, sometimes longer.

*Would you like to add additional homeschool information to this post? Please email me at onemessymama4@gmail.com or comment below.