How To Become A Tutor In Australia: A Complete Guide

Are you passionate about learning and teaching school and university students?

Tutors provide academic support to individuals or groups in a non-classroom environment. They teach the right skills to students and evaluate their progress, helping them to improve their academic performance.

There is no formal qualification needed to work as a tutor. Still, completing a Bachelor of Educational Studies is beneficial as it can help improve your job prospects.

You need a Work With Children and National Police Check to meet the state-level requirements to work as a tutor in Australia.

The article covers all aspects of the role and steps to begin your career as a tutor in Australia. You will learn about the courses, required qualifications, training, salary, and more.

1. Who Is A Tutor?

The main job of tutors is to support students to excel academically. They can work in association with a tutoring organization or as self-employed professionals.

Tutors can be university students who want to share their knowledge or teachers who work beyond school hours as a secondary job to supplement their income.

2. Why Should You Choose To Become A Tutor?

For various reasons, a tutor is among the popular part-time jobs for busy university students and existing teachers. Read on to learn more about them.

Flexibility

Tutoring sessions are generally conducted in the afternoon, on weekdays or weekends, based on the tutor's suitability. Furthermore, You can take online tutoring classes from anywhere with a laptop and internet connection.

Flexible work location and hours make it an attractive career option for university students. It helps them manage their classes, tests, and other work-life commitments.

Likewise, it helps teachers manage their current job and family commitments while taking tutor sessions.

Convenience

Tutoring organizations offer immense support to tutors by handling various challenges that students/teachers may face, such as identifying students, lesson preparation, and admin tasks.

Job Stability

Due to the large class size, students need to get adequate school attention. Another problem is when the child is a slow learner and fails to match up with the learning pace of his classmates.

In these cases, parents look for private tutors to help their children to enhance their learning capabilities and performance. This also shows a stable and steady demand for tutors in the future.

Emotionally Rewarding

Tutoring is a noble job that allows you to use your expertise and skills well. By building solid relationships with students and understanding their inhibitions, tutors motivate students to rise above everything that holds them back.

Helping them accomplish their study goals which they once thought impossible, brings a great sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Competitive And Stable Income

Constant work and regular earnings at a competitive rate are a few other reasons that make the profession lucrative.

Opportunities For Skill Enhancement

While working as a tutor, you get opportunities to continuously refine your communication and cognitive skills and learn new skills. Some of these are critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy, which may benefit you in other workplaces.

3. What Does A Tutor Do?

Here is a complete list of tasks and duties carried out by a tutor:

• Use positive reinforcement methods to give unbiased feedback to students.

• Provide instruction and proactively guide students to help them perform better in their assessments

• Monitor and evaluate their academic performance and progress and update the status of students

• Take weekly one-on-one online learning sessions and assign homework.

• Review student material and create personalized study plans to suit the needs of an individual student

• Provide superior quality, well-researched, and precise educational content and resources, and practice examination papers

4. Skills Needed To Be A Tutor

The role of a tutor is not just limited to being a teacher. They also mentor and motivate the student to become a good learner and human being. 

Here are the skills that make up a good tutor:

• A good understanding of the Australian education system

• A genuine interest and commitment to teaching students as per their individual needs

• Subject matter expertise

• A good reputation

• Able to build a good rapport with students

• Passion for sharing knowledge with students at different levels (kindergarten, primary school, college, and adult learners) and supporting them to excel.

• Likes to teach with real-world examples

• Strong numeracy skills

• Good literacy experience

• Ability to teach students in a one-to-one setting or a group 

• Able to explain a concept effectively and clearly 

• Adaptable to different teaching styles

• Good communication skills

• Approachable and friendly personality

• Excellent organizational skills

• Ability to communicate effectively and explain instructions clearly

• Perseverance and patience in dealing with students of varying abilities

• Empathetic and intuitive

• Able to design lessons creatively

5. Qualifications To Become A Tutor In Australia

• Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in Mathematics and English and a high ATAR

• There are no formal qualifications to work as a Tutor. However, an undergraduate teaching degree like a Bachelor of Educational Studies is beneficial

• Valid Working With Children Check number to teach students below 18 years

• A membership with the Australian Tutoring Association can help obtain professional accreditation.

• A National Police Certificate.

6. Steps To Become A Tutor in Australia

Interested in the job profile and want to become a tutor? Follow these steps to get a start in this industry:

Step 1: Complete Relevant Qualifications

Teaching is a vast field. To become a private tutor, you must specialize in a subject that interests you. Your education and past work experience will also help you choose your area of specialization.

So, suppose you want to become an English teacher. In that case, you must take a course demonstrating your English written and verbal expertise. Likewise, to become a math teacher, you need to show your capability in solving complex questions and applying various mathematical concepts.

Getting qualified will build your teaching skills and show your competency to parents. It convinces them that you are the ideal tutor for their child.

Step 2: Obtain ATA Membership and Enroll on a Tutoring Course

Those who want to know how to become a tutor with no experience can enrol in an ATA-recognized industry-based certification as a "Tutoring Fundamentals course".

By completing this course at ATA College, you can enhance your qualification and ranking in the ATA tutor directory and become a qualified tutor. This tutoring certification in Australia is free for existing ATA members.

You can register for this course by signing up at the ATA College, linking your ATA account with the ATA college account, and filling up a form.

Step 3: Decide On The Teaching Mode

Tutoring can be done either "in person" or "online". Both these modes require you to have specific skills. For example, online tutoring in Australia requires adequate IT skills and business knowledge.

You must know about the online teaching platform (Skype, Zoom, and Google hangouts), tools (microphone, headsets, internet connection, laptop), and technologies like the internet, a spreadsheet program, MS Excel, file management/folders, MS PowerPoint, email management, software installation and more.

On the other hand, an in-person tutor has to communicate effectively in oral and written form, mark attendance, and prepare lesson plans and learning worksheets. They also develop educational content, deliver personalized lectures, design group activities, monitor students' adherence to rules, and control student conduct.

Step 4: Determine Your Per Session Rate

You can determine your per-session rate for tutoring based on your specialization, relevant experience, and overall tutor rates in the industry. 

Tutors even claim travel expenditure if they travel long distances to teach their students.

Step 5: Advertise Your Services

Knowledge, passion, and engagement are vital skills for a tutor. Still, to be successful, you should also know how to promote yourself effectively to society.

Qualifications can only help you with practical teaching skills, not the profession's marketing aspect. Facebook and LinkedIn are good platforms that can help you reach millions of people.

All you need to do is to create a Facebook Page and start posting learning content (that you want to teach) in the form of videos and posts. 

Also, include the following to improve your chances of getting new clients.

• Demonstrate your academic achievements like ATAR and GPA 

• Offer freebies in the form of study material, books, study notes, and other helpful learning aid for students 

• Willingness to travel to teach a student

Finally, end the content with a few words about yourself and your tutoring services. Refrain from making the content sound promotional. It should be informative content that showcases your skills and knowledge with a few lines about your business.

Step 6: Get Insured

Private tutors should take out an insurance policy to safeguard themselves in the event of a damage-related claim or injury.

The Australian Tutoring Association (ATA) partnered with a reputed insurance broker, "Aon Risk Solutions". This is to develop an affordable insurance policy to meet the diverse requirements of tutors and their tutorial businesses. This insurance policy covers tutors for issues/ alleged complaints that may arise while providing tutorial services.

Step 7: Look For Jobs Or Find Students

University Job-boards, Linked In, fliers, social media ads, local tutoring directories, local and online tutoring agencies like Gumtree, and tutoring forums, are a few ideal places to reach potential clients (new students). 

Targeting these places will help maximize your chances of getting hired.

Step 8: Gather Testimonials And Reviews

Online reviews have a lot of significance in any business. This is because many of us form a purchasing decision based on the reviews of a product/service. The same goes for the tutoring business.

Tutors with 5-star ratings are the most appealing and have a greater chance of getting hired. Once you start teaching, you can request clients to leave positive feedback/reviews that will boost their future career opportunities.

7. Relevant Degree Course To Become A Tutor In Australia

The Bachelor of Educational Studies is a three-year undergraduate degree that presents various career options to students. Some of these are home tutoring, vacation care, tutoring in private colleges, and homework centres.

It is an ideal qualification for those who want to teach a wide array of education subjects relating to students. 

You can attend the course at any of the below universities in Australia:

• RMIT

• Charles Stuart University

• Curtin University

• Victoria University

• Charles Darwin University

• Swinburne Institute of Technology

8. How To Become A Tutor In Victoria?

To become a tutor in Australia, you should fulfil the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age

• A high school graduate with an ATAR of 85.00 or above

• A relevant accredited qualification, background, or experience in the subject you want to teach.

• Proficiency in English and written and verbal communication skills 

• Have a Working with Children Check Number

Several tutoring organizations in Victoria recruit qualified tutors regularly. The Tutoring Company is one such example. 

It is a member of the Australian Tutoring Association. It offers in-home and online tutoring facilities in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide.

To become a tutor, tutors must complete the tutor signup form. They need to provide the contact details, WWCC number, ABN, and contact of 2 professional referees and upload the CV. Selected candidates receive an email.

9. How To Become A Tutor For Primary School In Australia?

Primary school education serves as a foundation for future academic years. The role of the primary tutor is to instil confidence in the child during his primitive years and help him reach their full potential. 

Parents generally look for primary school tutors (Year 3 to Year 6) in English, Math, and Science subjects. You can teach any of these subjects in which you have experience or qualification in teaching.

Tutors must fulfil the following criteria to apply for a role of a tutor:

• 18 years and above 

• Complete high school

• Parents generally look for qualified and experienced tutors in the subjects they have opted to tutor. Thus, having an accredited qualification is beneficial. 

• You should have a solid conceptual understanding of the core concepts of primary school subjects as per the Australian curriculum. You also need to present them in a manner that simplifies learning. 

• Hold a Working with Children Check number.

• Have excellent communication skills and command of English 

• Should be punctual, presentable, personable, enthusiastic, and committed to teaching students and helping them realize their true potential.

Aspiring tutors who fulfil the above criteria can apply for primary tutor jobs on LearnMate, Firsttutors, Tutelaage, Ateamtution, and more.

10. How To Become A Teenage Tutor In Australia?

A teenage tutor can teach students online via video chat or in person after their standard school hours. 

You can choose a subject in which you have an interest and expertise. Once identified, you can begin teaching with these simple steps:

Step 1: Get Thorough Knowledge About The Subject

Get a complete understanding of the subject, including its syllabus, course structure, and assessment structure as per the Australian curriculum. 

The next step is taking online courses from nationally accredited training schools to get the desired knowledge and confidence before tutoring sessions.

Lynda.com, YouTube, etc., are good places to find ample learning resources for almost any topic.

Step 2: Apply For Jobs

There are websites like Enroll.com that give tutoring opportunities to people who have excellent academic records and are in their studying stage. 

Register on this site and other similar sites, listing all the subjects you can teach and any job-specific certifications and achievements you have. You may get a job offer if your profile matches their job requirements.

It will take time to become an experienced tutor. Use this time to teach more and more students, enhance your skills and build a strong portfolio. Once you get experienced, it will become easier to get further work opportunities.

11. How To Become A Maths Tutor In Australia?

Follow the below steps to become a math tutor:

Step 1: Math Expertise & Knowledge

You should know the current math curriculum (course syllabus and structure) as per the Australian curriculum. 

Previous evaluation papers and marking schemes can help you understand the assessment structure. By being better prepared, you can help students obtain great academic results.

Step 2: Get Qualified

Parents look for tutors who are knowledgeable and well-grounded in basic mathematic principles. A bachelor's degree in math will help you build confidence and rapport with your tutees. 

Also, obtain a Working with Children Check number and a national police check to work as a tutor in Australia.

Step 3: Uniqueness In Methodology

To become a great tutor, you should be unique and innovative in your approach will help students accelerate their math learning.

You may adopt multiple problem-solving methods and the best strategies to elucidate the same concept to make it easily understandable for a student.

Tutoring is an ongoing learning process that requires you to stay updated about the current math trends, teaching strategies, and styles to offer the best coaching to your students.

Step 4: Knowledge of Technology

As a tutor, you should know how students study in the classroom and what resources they need throughout the learning session. 

Understanding the proper teaching methods and learning aids will help you provide the best learning experience to students and help them achieve academic success.

For example, suppose you want to offer online math tutoring classes. In that case, you should know well about working with technology to avoid confronting technical delays or hitches during tutoring. 

MS Office, graphical calculator, spreadsheets, and video conferring software are helpful utility programs for tutoring.

Step 5: A Good Reputation

Many students prefer choosing their tutors based on their online/offline reputation in the form of testimonials, reviews, and feedback. 

To make a robust online presence, you can create social media accounts and upload your learning aids for free, along with a short description of your services.

Ask your clients to leave positive feedback on the page, boosting your online reputation and job prospects.

12. Working Conditions For A Tutor

Tutors generally work either in their homes, students' homes, or classrooms, catering to students in individual and group settings. 

They can work part-time or full-time as self-employed or as an employee in a tutoring organization.

13. Career Opportunities For Tutors In Australia

A tutor can work for a tertiary institution or as a private tutor. They can be teachers, adjuncts, professors, industry professionals, and PhD students who are passionate about their field of expertise and teaching students.

When working as private tutors, they mostly take sessions either in the school, at home, or at the student's home. 

However, in a tertiary setting, they assist lecturers in making lesson plans, marking student queries, and more.

14. How Much Does A Tutor Earn In Australia?

Based on Indeed data, the average tutor salary in Australia is $57,977 per year or an hourly equivalent of $31.92 in Australia. Their average weekly and monthly rates are $1,061 and $4,105, respectively.

Where entry-level tutors earn $58,500 annually, highly experienced workers make up to $115,095 a year.

Here is the area-wise comparison of tutor earnings in Australia:

• Turramurra NSW: $44.83 per hour

• Kogarah NSW: $43.18 per hour

• Mosman NSW: $37.32

• Adelaide SA: $36.78 per hour

• Sydney NSW: $34.84 per hour

• Burwood NSW: $33.58 per hour

• Melbourne VIC: $33.30 per hour

• Hornsby NSW: $33.22 per hour

• Bondi Junction NSW: $33.18 per hour

• Castle Hill NSW: $31.50 per hour

• Brisbane Queensland: $31.36 per hour

• Canberra, ACT: AU$30.72 per hour

• Perth, WA: AU$25.19

15. Conclusion

More than teaching students, tutors play an essential role in helping students overcome mental blockages, challenges, and difficulties that restrict them from achieving their true potential.

The tutor identifies, supports and mentors students to determine the best-suited approach forward. Seeing them succeed in their personal and professional endeavours is an achievement for everyone.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?