Start an online mandarin tutoring business

Adult learners, parents of school students, people travelling or working with China, and Chinese heritage families wanting their children to keep the language.

A set rate per lesson, often sold in blocks of lessons paid in advance. Rates can be higher for exam prep or business Mandarin.

• Fluent Mandarin (native or advanced level)
• Clear explaining and patience
• Planning lessons and tracking progress
• Comfortable with video tools

• You will need an ABN as a sole trader, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
• Check whether you need a Working With Children Check in your state or territory if you teach under-18s
• Consider public liability or professional indemnity insurance, and check what tutoring platforms cover
• Tutoring platforms usually take a commission, so factor this into your rates
• Check the visa work conditions if you are not a citizen or permanent resident

Startup costs are typically around $100 to $800, depending on your equipment, lesson materials and how you find students. These are estimates only, so list what you already own, such as a laptop and headset, before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,500, depending on how many hours you teach and the rates you charge. Tutoring platforms usually take a commission, so factor this into your rates when you plan.

Things to check: getting an ABN as a sole trader and when GST registration applies, whether you need a Working With Children Check in your state or territory for under-18s, insurance options, and visa work conditions if you are not a citizen or permanent resident.