Can I homeschool my child?
It depends: classic homeschooling isn't regulated but isn't explicitly banned either — it works in a grey zone. The pre-university education law (Law 198/2023) defines the education system as made of accredited or provisionally authorised institutions (state, private or confessional) and does not mention "homeschooling" as a category. Compulsory education requires school attendance. For children with special needs or who can't move for medical reasons, home schooling can be organised. In practice, many families educate at home by enrolling the child with an accredited school abroad: when the external school is accredited, the studies are recognised. Note: the Education Minister proposed legalising homeschooling "for exceptional cases", but until a law is passed, the regime stays unclear.
📋 The rules
- The education system = accredited institutions (Law 198/2023)
- Classic homeschooling is not regulated as such
- Compulsory education requires school attendance
- Special/medical needs: home schooling possible
- Practical solution: enrolling with an accredited school abroad
🔓 Exceptions
- Children with special needs or medical reasons: home schooling
- Enrolling with an accredited external school: recognised studies
- Proposed legalisation "for exceptional cases": not yet adopted
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Parents have the duty to ensure school attendance for children in compulsory education, and breaching it is a contravention, fined between 50 and 200 lei. More seriously, if a child isn't enrolled in a recognised form of education, they risk being left without officially recognised studies in Romania, which affects continuing their education. To stay legally safe: if you want home education, enrol the child with an accredited school (in Romania or abroad) that recognises their path; for medical situations, ask for home schooling; and watch for a possible law regulating homeschooling. Until then, simple home education, without an accredited school behind it, doesn't guarantee recognition of the studies.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Is homeschooling legal in Romania?
It works in a grey zone: the law doesn't regulate it as such, but doesn't explicitly ban it either. Law 198/2023 defines the education system as made of accredited institutions and doesn't mention homeschooling. Compulsory education requires, in principle, attendance at a recognised school.
How do I educate at home legally?
The practical solution used by many families is enrolling the child with an accredited school abroad that recognises the educational path. When the external school is accredited, the child's studies are recognised. So the child learns at home but stays officially enrolled in a recognised educational institution.
Is there home schooling?
Yes, but for specific situations. For children with special educational needs or who can't move for medical reasons, education can be organised at home or near medical-assistance units. This differs from homeschooling chosen by preference and is granted under the conditions set by law.
What do I risk by not sending my child to school?
Parents have the duty to ensure school attendance in compulsory education, and breaching it is a contravention, fined between 50 and 200 lei. In addition, a child not enrolled in a recognised form of education risks being left without officially recognised studies, which affects their educational future.
Will homeschooling be legalised?
The Education Minister proposed legalising homeschooling "for exceptional cases", not as an ordinary practice, with clear conditions: a justified parental request, initial testing of the child, annual progress reporting and competency evaluation. Until a law is passed, though, the regime stays unclear, and the current solutions are those described.
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