Online english tutoring and small classes

Teach English to learners by video, one-to-one or in small groups, from your own home.

Adult students following a teacher at a whiteboard in an English language class.

Startup costA$300 to A$1.5k

Monthly revenueA$600 to A$3k

Time needed6+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

A$300-1.5k
Side hustle
Online

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small online English school. You teach conversation, everyday English, workplace English or exam preparation by video call, to individuals or small groups of learners.

Your first three steps

Decide your niche (for example IELTS prep, workplace English or conversation) and check what similar tutors charge
Set up a simple website or profile with a booking and payment tool, and prepare a short free trial lesson
Tell local community groups, migrant support services and your own network, and ask early students for reviews

Who pays

Adult migrants, working professionals, parents of school-age children, and learners overseas who want a flexible teacher.

How it makes money

Hourly fee for one-to-one lessons, or a per-person fee for small group classes. Term packs or monthly plans help bring in regular income.

Skills that help

Clear, patient communication
Planning lessons for different levels
Comfortable with video tools
Organised with bookings and payments

Watch out for

A recognised teaching qualification such as a TESOL or CELTA certificate helps win trust, and some clients will expect one
Teaching English to people studying on a student visa as a formal course can fall under special education rules, so check with the relevant regulator before offering anything like that
Check whether you need public liability or professional indemnity insurance
An ABN is needed, and you must register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
Working with children may need a check, so confirm the rules in your state or territory

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: online English tutoring and small classes

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

Startup costs with real prices
Licences, registration and rules
Pricing: what others charge
Break-even example
Finding your first customers
30-day launch plan
Risks and how to reduce them

Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start online English tutoring?

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your equipment, software and how you promote your classes. Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many learners you teach. These are estimates only.

Do I need a qualification or registration to teach English online?

A recognised teaching qualification such as TESOL or CELTA helps win trust, and some clients will expect one. Check an ABN and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold. Check special education rules for student visa courses with the relevant regulator.

What insurance and checks should I look into?

Check whether you need public liability or professional indemnity insurance. Working with children may need a check, so confirm the rules in your state or territory. Estimates suggest at least around 6 hours a week.