As parents ourselves, we know you want the best for your child — and the right tutor can make a real difference. The challenge? Prices vary widely, and it’s easy to overpay or not know what you're signing up for. This guide shows you the current rates in Australia, how to compare options, and the smartest ways to save while still getting great results in 2025.
Private tutoring cost in Australia in 2025: at a glance
Tutoring prices are largely influenced by the type of business you engage, the subject and level of support needed, and whether lessons are online or in-person. Use the table below to benchmark what’s reasonable in 2025.
| Option | Typical 1:1 hourly range (AUD) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace (e.g., Learnmate) | $30–$80+ | You choose your tutor; big range from top ATAR grads to qualified teachers. Learnmate’s 2024 average rate was ~$55/hr. |
| Managed platforms / agencies | $60–$120 | More “done-for-you” matching; managed service; higher overheads. |
| Specialist or teacher-trained tutors | $90–$150+ | Premium for 99+ ATAR, niche subjects, or experienced classroom teachers. The Australian Tutoring Association notes teacher-trained tutors are often in the range of $55–$180/hr. |
| Group sessions (per student) | $30–$70 | More affordable, less personalised. 2025 guides show lower per-student rates than 1:1 but the trade off is less personalised attention. |
With cost-of-living still the community’s number-one concern, many families are choosing online lessons and prepaid packages to keep their tutoring spend predictable in 2025.
Public pricing examples (verified September 2025)
Cluey provides limited upfront pricing. Officially, the entry 'Value Max' plan is $70 per 1:1 session and third-party round-ups cite higher pay-as-you-go figures up to $95 per session. Tutero offers support from $65/hr for a private tutor and from $75/hr for a qualified teacher. KIS Academics 1:1 tutoring starts at $70/hr and ranges up to $150/hr. Apex Tuition ranges from $62–$82/hr depending on level and online vs. in-person. While Alchemy ranges from online at $59/hr to in-home at $89/hr.
Prices current as at September 2025 and subject to change.
What affects tutoring prices (and why rates vary)?
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Tutor experience & qualifications: Classroom teachers and high-achieving graduates command higher rates for proven expertise.
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Subject & year level: Specialist senior subjects (e.g., VCE Methods, HSC Chemistry, IB HL) cost more than general subjects.
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Delivery & location: Online avoids travel costs and opens more choice; some metro areas attract higher rates due to demand.
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Business model: Agencies add overhead. Marketplaces like Learnmate let tutors set their own rates, and take a relatively small margin compared to other businesses, so you only pay for the expertise you need.
How to set a tutoring budget (and actually save)
Given ongoing cost-of-living pressures, build a plan that favours routine weekly lessons (ideally online) and prepaid packages so your monthly spend stays predictable. Here's a plan:
- Decide the goal: Catch-up, extension or achieving a top ATAR.
- Pick delivery & tutor: Choose Online Tutoring if you want flexibility and better value and find a tutor who matches (or offers better value than) your budget.
- Lock a cadence: Start with 1× weekly (60–75 mins). Add a second weekly during assessment blocks or if additional support is required.
- Use packages: Trim the effective hourly rate and get bonus credit by pre-purchasing Learnmate Packages.
- Match by subject: Find and engage a tutor for the exact expertise you need so no dollar is wasted: VCE tutors, HSC tutors, Maths, English.
Example budgets
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Year 10 English refresh (online): 10 weeks × $55 = $550 total.*
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VCE Methods exam block (online + occasional in-person): 6–8 weeks × $70 = $420–$560 total.
*Tip: Purchase a $500 prepaid package on Learnmate and get $50 free credit to bring your effective hourly cost of lessons down from $55 to $50/hr.
Choosing the right model for your family
So, what are your options? Let’s explore the most common tutoring alternatives available in Australia.
Group Tutoring
In Australia, this consists of small groups of students taught together (often 2–4; with some classes often larger or lecture-style).
It typically costs between $30–$70 per student/hr (lower per student than 1:1, but less personalised).
It is best for students who benefit from peer discussion, a structured environment (compared to independent learning), who want exam practice, or need a budget-friendly option.
What to watch for:
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Group size & level mix — aim for ≤4 students and similar ability to keep feedback meaningful.
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Format — classroom-style programs can feel generic; check there’s time for questions and targeted feedback.
How to save: Ask about term blocks or sibling/friend bundles; consider mixing one group class + one short 1:1 in the lead-up to assessments.
Managed platforms & tutoring agencies
These business typically match you with a tutor, create structured lesson plans or platforms that facilitate them, and manage logistics and support.
These business types typically cost $60–$120/hr for personalised 1:1 support, with premium services or offerings that can reach $150+/hr.
They are usually best for families who want an all-in-one and “done-for-you” setup and a single point of contact, as opposed to a self-managed solution.
What to ask before you book (and what to watch out for):
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Transparency (who will teach?) — Who is the actual tutor (name, location), will it be the same person each week? Ask for recent results/testimonials.
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Qualifications & training — Are they a qualified teacher, high-achieving graduate (e.g., 99+ ATAR), or subject specialist? If not, what training did they receive?
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Personalisation — Is tutoring tailored to my needs or part of a one-size-fits-all program? Will you receive progress notes/feedback after lessons?
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Inclusions — What does the fee/hourly rate cover (lesson length, prep time, resources, messaging/homework support)? Any travel loading for in-person?
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Comparable cost — Could you engage a similarly qualified tutor directly elsewhere for a comparable or lower rate? Balance convenience vs value.
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Tutor pay — What portion of the hourly fee goes to the tutor? Sustainable pay supports tutor quality and continuity.
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Contract terms — Any minimum commitments, cancellation fees, replacement policy, or add-on costs? How easy is it to switch tutors if the fit isn’t right?
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Mode & availability — Is online available (often cheaper/more flexible)? Can you secure a regular weekly slot to maintain momentum?
Marketplace (Learnmate): how it works — and why most families choose it
Marketplaces like Learnmate are transparent platforms where you can browse profiles, compare experience, reviews, and rates, and choose the tutor who fits your goals and budget.
By finding and directly engaging a tutor on Learnmate, families usually find their tutor for anywhere between $30–$80/hr, with the average hourly rate on Learnmate being just $55/hr in 2024. For more qualified tutors, such as qualified teachers, families usually pay between $65–$130+/hr depending on subject and demand.
Marketplaces like Learnmate are best for Families who want choice, control of who their tutor is, value for money, and flexibility (online or in-person).
Why many families choose Learnmate:
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Transparent choice: Compare profiles, reviews, qualifications, and rates in one place.
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Better value: Tutors on Learnmate set their own prices — you only pay for the expertise you need and you can often find tutors offering special deals rates (such as introductory pricing to find students).
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Flexible formats: Start online for convenience and cost; add in-person when it matters.
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Package savings: Learnmate offers pre-packaged lesson credits to unlock bonus tutoring and lower the effective hourly rate you pay.
What to watch for:
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Fit & focus: Check subject expertise (e.g., VCE Methods, HSC Chemistry, IB HL) and read recent reviews.
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Availability: Secure a regular weekly time to maintain momentum and lock-in your amazing tutor.
Tips on how to save even more:
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Use Learnmate Packages to reduce your effective hourly rate.
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Look for tutors building their books who offer intro pricing (e.g., a qualified teacher around $50/hr, or a 99+ ATAR graduate from ~$30/hr).
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Start with online tutoring for broader choice and lower costs, then add in-person as needed.
Ready to compare tutors and prices? Browse tutors on Learnmate.
FAQs: Tutoring costs in Australia (2025)
Most families pay $60–$120/hr with managed platforms; while the average cost of a tutor on Learnmate is $55/hr (2024) with the most common range of hourly rates being between $30–$80/hr, depending on tutor background and subject.
Yes. Qualified tutors on Learnmate typically charge between $65–$130+/hr; the Australian Tutoring Association cites $55–$180/hr as the normal range depending on context.
Usually, yes - no travel time/cost and broader supply means online sits below in-person for many subjects.
Commit to routine weekly lessons (ideally online) to keep progress steady and avoid pricey last-minute catch-ups, use Learnmate’s prepaid packages to unlock bonus credit and reduce your effective hourly rate, and research tutors who are building their books - many set intro prices to attract first students (e.g., a qualified teacher around $50/hr or a 99+ ATAR graduate from ~$30/hr). Check profiles carefully and message tutors about package rates and any early-student offers.
Group tutoring isn't for everyone (similar to a classroom setting). It can help if the group is small (≤4) and your child learns well with peers and doesn't need full and personalised attention. Otherwise, 1:1 may deliver better value for progress.
Final Thoughts
Tutoring prices in Australia vary by model (agency vs marketplace), subject difficulty, tutor experience, and delivery mode. As a rule of thumb, online lessons tend to be more affordable and easier to schedule, while premium rates cluster around specialist senior subjects and highly experienced educators.
In 2025, families are still navigating significant cost-of-living pressures. National community surveying shows cost of living and inflation remain the top local concern (59% of Australians), with younger Australians reporting higher concern and lower financial wellbeing; financial strain is also linked with poorer self-reported mental health scores. That’s why parents are prioritising value, predictability, and transparent pricing when choosing tutoring support.
Against that backdrop, a transparent marketplace model makes practical sense: you can compare profiles and prices in one place, start online to keep costs down, use prepaid packages to lower your effective hourly rate, and—if helpful—look for tutors offering intro or below market rate pricing while they build their books. If you’re comparing options, you can browse tutors on Learnmate to see real availability, experience, and rates side-by-side.
