Chinese language school with its own rooms

Parents of school-age children, adults learning for work or family, and sometimes local businesses wanting staff lessons.

Term fees per student across many weekly classes, with extras like holiday programs, exam preparation and materials.

• Fluent Chinese and good English
• Teaching and curriculum planning
• Managing and hiring teachers
• Marketing and customer service

• Council approval or change of use for tuition premises, check with your local council
• Working with Children Checks for all staff and volunteers, check your state or territory rules
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Lease commitments and rent are a major risk if enrolments are slow
• Check whether state education or child care rules apply to your programs

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the lease, fit-out, furniture, teaching materials and marketing. These are estimates, so check rent and bond requirements for your area before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on enrolments, how many teachers you employ and your course fees. Rent is a major risk if enrolments are slow, so plan for the early months.

Check with your local council about approval or change of use for tuition premises. Check Working with Children Check rules for all staff and volunteers, public liability and workers compensation insurance, and whether state education or child care rules apply to your programs.