Education business ideas you can start for under A$1,000
15 ideas
These 15 education ideas suit people who have a skill worth teaching and want to start without big upfront costs. Most need little more than a laptop, a reliable internet connection and some teaching materials.
Online music lessons
Teach your instrument or singing over video to students anywhere, from home.
- A$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online acting and audition coaching
Coach students one-on-one or in small groups over video on monologues, auditions and self-tapes.
- A$100-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online guitar lessons by video call
Teach guitar live over video to students anywhere, with no travel or room hire.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online calligraphy lessons
Teach calligraphy by video call or recorded lessons to students anywhere in Australia.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Local babysitter for regular families
Look after children in their own homes for local parents, on evenings, weekends and school holidays.
- A$100-500
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online German tutor
Teach German one-on-one over video to adults and school students from your own home.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online French tutor
Teach French one-to-one over video to adults and school students from your own home.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online shogi coach
Teach Japanese chess by video call to beginners and improving players, in Australia and overseas.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Online Mandarin tutor
Teach Mandarin one-to-one over video to students and adults across Australia and overseas.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Private tutor visiting students' homes
Teach school subjects one-to-one at families' homes after school and on weekends.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online private tutor
Teach school subjects over video to students from your own desk, with no travel.
- A$100-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Visiting home tutor
Teach school subjects one-to-one at students' homes, after school and on weekends.
- A$200-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online tutor for school subjects
Tutor students by video call from home, with no travel and families anywhere in Australia.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online Japanese tutor
Teach Japanese one-to-one or in small groups over video to learners across Australia.
- A$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
In-person Japanese tutor
Teach Japanese face to face at students' homes, libraries or a hired room in your area.
- A$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Options include an online French tutor, online guitar lessons by video call, or a private tutor visiting students' homes if you prefer face-to-face work. Before you pick one, think about who you would teach, what level you can confidently take them to, and how much you can realistically charge per hour. Check whether your chosen work with children needs a Working with Children Check in your state or territory, and whether you need insurance or any qualifications for the subject. Start small, with a handful of regular students, and build from there.
Questions
Do I need teaching qualifications to start a tutoring business in Australia?
Requirements can vary by subject, age group and state or territory. Check whether private tutoring needs formal registration where you live, and consider whether qualifications or relevant experience would help parents and students trust you.
Do I need a Working with Children Check?
If you will teach or supervise children, check the rules in your state or territory. Many places require a clearance for paid child-related work, and some clients may ask to see it even for online lessons.
How do I set prices for lessons on a small budget?
Look at what local and online tutors in your subject charge, then consider your experience, lesson length and preparation time. Check whether you need to register for an ABN or GST, and keep records of your income.