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Studying & Training

Getting a tutor

Getting a tutorHaving some trouble with your studies? Or maybe you just can’t seem to set aside enough time to do your homework. Getting a tutor could be your answer.

What is a tutor?

A tutor is someone who helps you study. They don’t do the work for you but they can give you ideas and advice. You meet with your tutor regularly (usually once a week) to work through any problems you may be having.

Why would I need a tutor?

Lots of students seek help from tutors. Getting a tutor is not about admitting defeat, it’s about making a commitment to improving your learning and study results.

You might need a tutor if you’re having difficulty with a particular subject or if you want to work towards a top score in an exam.

How can they help me?

Tutors can help you develop a better understanding of what you’re studying. They can also give you tips on how to answer questions in assignments and exams.

If you don’t understand your homework or are having trouble writing an essay, a tutor can help by explaining unfamiliar concepts or showing you how the answer is reached in a similar example.

Tutors also have access to valuable resources like study guides and practice exam papers.

How much will a tutor cost?

If you pay for tutoring it could cost anywhere between $25 and $75 per hour, depending on the tutor’s qualifications and experience.

How can I find a tutor?

You could ask a family member or friend to tutor you (if they know something about what you’re studying) or you could pay for tutoring with a senior student or professional tutor.

Ask your teacher or lecturer for a recommendation or try searching online. Use Tutor Finder (new window) or Find a Tutor (new window) to search for tutors by region or area of study.

The Australian Tutoring Association (new window) also has a list of registered tutors and tutoring organisations on its website.

What sort of questions should I ask before hiring a tutor?

There are a few things you should ask before hiring a tutor. You probably won’t have to ask all of these if you already know the person or if they have been recommended by someone you trust.

  • How much will they charge to tutor you?
  • What are the tutor’s qualifications?
  • Are any of the tutor’s current or past students able to provide a recommendation?
  • Does the tutor have a current police check record and clearance to work with children? (This is really important if you are under 18.)
  • How will the tutor measure your progress?

Most importantly, don't forget that you're paying for a tutor's services. So if you don't feel like you're getting your money's worth out of them, you always have the option to stop working with them and find another tutor you feel happier about.

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