In today’s world, where everything is increasingly shifting to the digital space, job seekers in South Africa are presented with many new ways to generate income. One of the most flexible and accessible options is online tutoring. Whether you’re in between jobs or looking for an extra income stream, online tutoring offers an excellent opportunity to share your knowledge, help students, and make money while looking for full-time employment.
There are many online platforms like Teach Me 2, TutorMe, and Preply that make it easy for people in South Africa to offer tutoring services in various subjects. These platforms provide a user-friendly way to connect with students who need help with their studies. You can tutor part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule, which makes it perfect for people who are job hunting.
In this article, we’ll explore how to get started with online tutoring in South Africa, how to make money tutoring, and which platforms to consider.
Why Online Tutoring is a Great Option for Job Seekers
If you’re searching for a job, it’s natural to feel some stress about making ends meet. Online tutoring is a great option because:
- Flexibility: You can set your schedule, making it easy to balance with your job search or other commitments.
- Work from Home: You don’t need to leave your house, which saves on transport costs and gives you the comfort of working in a familiar environment.
- Sharpen Your Skills: Teaching is a great way to improve your communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. These are all qualities that future employers value.
- Quick Start: Once you’ve signed up with an online tutoring platform, you can begin tutoring fairly quickly and start earning money in a short time.
Now that we’ve covered why online tutoring is a good idea, let’s look at the best platforms for South Africans to get started.
Platforms to Consider for Online Tutoring in South Africa
1. Teach Me 2
Teach Me 2 is one of the most popular tutoring platforms in South Africa. It connects students with qualified tutors across the country. It offers tutoring in a wide range of subjects, including school subjects like Maths, Science, and English, as well as university-level courses and even life skills such as computer programming.
How to Get Started:
- Visit the Teach Me 2 website and fill out the application form.
- You will need to provide details about your qualifications, tutoring experience (if any), and the subjects you are comfortable teaching.
- Once approved, you can set up your profile and start accepting tutoring requests.
Earning Potential:
Tutors on Teach Me 2 typically earn between R120 to R300 per hour, depending on the subject and level of expertise. Payments are processed directly through the platform, and you don’t need to worry about handling any financial transactions yourself.
2. TutorMe
TutorMe is an international platform that allows tutors from around the world, including South Africa, to teach students in various subjects. This platform offers tutoring in school subjects, university-level courses, test prep, and even professional skills like coding, marketing, and graphic design.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up on the TutorMe website and create a tutor profile.
- You’ll need to take a short quiz to verify your expertise in your chosen subjects.
- Once approved, you can start accepting requests from students across the world.
Earning Potential:
TutorMe pays tutors about $16 (approximately R300) per hour. Since it’s a global platform, you might be able to earn in foreign currency, which could be advantageous for South African tutors when converting earnings back to Rands.
3. Preply
Preply is another global tutoring platform where South Africans can teach subjects ranging from languages (like English, Afrikaans, and Zulu) to academic subjects and hobbies (like chess or music). Preply allows tutors to set their rates, which gives you control over how much you want to earn.
How to Get Started:
- Register on the Preply website and fill out your tutor profile.
- You will need to upload a professional photo, record a short video introduction, and complete your profile to help attract students.
- Once your profile is approved, students can book lessons with you based on your availability.
Earning Potential:
On Preply, tutors can set their hourly rate, which ranges from $10 (about R180) to $30 (about R540) per hour, depending on the subject and your level of experience. Preply charges a commission on your earnings, but the more lessons you teach, the lower the commission fee.
How to Make Money Tutoring Online While Job Hunting
Once you’ve signed up with a tutoring platform, there are several strategies you can use to maximize your earnings:
1. Offer Tutoring in High-Demand Subjects
Subjects like Maths, Science, and English are always in high demand, especially for high school and university students. If you are proficient in these areas, you’ll likely have no trouble finding students who need help.
2. Build a Strong Tutor Profile
Your profile is the first thing potential students will see, so make sure it stands out. Use a professional photo, write a clear and friendly introduction, and highlight your qualifications and experience. Positive reviews from previous students can also help attract more clients.
3. Set a Competitive Rate
When starting, you might want to set a slightly lower rate than more experienced tutors to attract students. As you build your reputation and get good reviews, you can gradually increase your rate.
4. Be Consistent and Reliable
Students value tutors who are consistent and reliable. Make sure you show up on time for all your sessions and provide high-quality teaching. Over time, you’ll likely build a loyal client base and receive more referrals.
5. Use Free Resources to Improve Your Skills
There are many free online resources that can help you become a better tutor. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube offer free courses and videos that cover various subjects, helping you expand your knowledge and teach more effectively.
Tip: Tips for Recent Graduates: How to Kickstart a Career in the Public Sector
How to Balance Tutoring and Job Hunting
While online tutoring is a great way to make money, it’s important to remember that job hunting requires time and focus. Here’s how to balance both:
- Set Specific Hours for Tutoring and Job Search: Dedicate a few hours a day to tutoring and leave the rest of the time for your job search. For example, you could tutor in the evenings and spend your mornings applying for jobs.
- Use Your Skills to Your Advantage: If you’re tutoring subjects related to your field of expertise, you can position this experience on your CV to show that you are keeping your skills sharp and up-to-date while searching for full-time work.
- Don’t Overbook Yourself: It can be tempting to take on many students to maximize your earnings, but remember that burnout can hinder your job search. Only take on as many students as you can handle comfortably.
Learn more: How to Develop Your Professional Skills Early in Your Career
Online tutoring in South Africa is an excellent way to earn money while looking for a job. Platforms like Teach Me 2, TutorMe, and Preply make it easy to get started, and with the right approach, you can build a steady income stream from tutoring. Whether you’re passionate about teaching or just looking for a way to supplement your income during your job hunt, online tutoring offers flexibility, decent pay, and a chance to make a positive impact on others.