How to Become a Tutor as a Student: 9 Practical Steps to Start

Being at university is synonymous with needing some extra income. Whether it's for your whims or to earn your own money, looking for tutoring jobs is always a good idea.  

One of the most frequently asked questions in the world of private classes is whether you can become a private tutor while you are still a student. The answer is clearly yes, in fact it is one of the most common. 

Tutoring is one of the best ways for university students to earn extra cash while helping others succeed. If you have good knowledge in a particular subject, enjoy working with younger people, and want to set your own hours, tutoring can be a flexible and rewarding part-time job.

In this guide, we'll explain how to become a tutor as a student, whether you're looking to teach online or in person. We'll walk you through the steps, requirements, and best places to find students so you can start tutoring confidently.

✨ Key Takeaways: Becoming a Tutor as a Student

• You don’t need a teaching qualification or degree to start tutoring as a student
• You can teach online, in person, or both – depending on your schedule
• You can earn £10–£30/hour and set your own fees and hours
• A strong tutor profile and clear communication help you find students faster
• Tutoring is a great way to gain experience, improve your CV, and earn extra income

1. Why Students Make Great Tutors

Many parents prefer university students as tutors because they often have strong subject-specific knowledge, relatable study tips, and recent exam techniques. If you're studying for an A Level or degree in a specialist subject, you're likely better placed than most to support students working through the same material.

Plus, student tutors are often more affordable than full-time professionals, which appeals to parents looking for quality tutoring services on a budget.

2. Can You Become an Online Tutor Without a Degree?

Yes. Many tutoring companies and platforms accept university students, especially if you have good grades, prior experience helping others, or passion for teaching.

To become a tutor as a student:

• Some platforms may require an ID check or video interview
• For tutoring minors in-person, you may need a DBS check

No teaching qualification is needed unless you're applying for a school role or a highly specialist position.

3. Requirements to Become a Tutor

As the name suggests, being a private tutor is often shaped by the individual expectations of each student or parent. While formal teaching qualifications aren’t necessary, most prospective tutors who succeed tend to share some key qualities and attributes.

Here are some traits and soft skills that help you stand out:

• Be an expert in something – Even without a formal qualification, many tutors have excellent command of a subject. For example, a Spanish tutor who has lived in Spain may offer strong spoken skills and cultural context, while a self-taught musician can confidently offer music lessons to beginners.
• Motivated to teach – Tutoring isn’t just an easy way to earn extra cash. A good tutor shows commitment to student progress, even if they only meet for a few hours a week. Enthusiasm and encouragement go a long way.
• Explain clearly – The most important resource isn’t what you know, but how you explain it. Often, students come to tutoring because classroom learning hasn’t clicked. Your ability to simplify, reframe, and reinforce key ideas is what adds value.
• Empathy and understanding – Whether you’re helping a struggling teen with GCSEs or teaching an adult learner in the evening, connecting with your student matters. Patience, active listening, and emotional awareness help create a safe and productive learning space.

You don’t need to be a qualified teacher to start tutoring, but you should have:

You’ll also need to register as self-employed with HMRC if you're offering independent tutor services and setting your own fees. Income tax may apply depending on how much you earn in a financial year.

4. What Subjects Can You Teach?

You can tutor any subject you know well – from Maths and English to piano or coding. Here are common subjects student tutors teach:

You can also teach exam techniques, study skills, or time management if you have a good understanding of how to study effectively.

Become a Private Tutor

5. How to Start Tutoring as a Student: Step-by-Step

Here's how to start tutoring as a student in the UK:

1. Pick a subject you know well and enjoy teaching
2. Decide your format: online tutoring, in-person, or both
3. Set your own rates: base your hourly rate on your experience and subject
4. Choose a tutoring website: Register on platforms like FindTutors or GoStudent
5. Create your tutor profile: highlight skills, teaching methods, and academic background
6. Complete ID or video checks (if required)
7. Start giving private lessons: reply to student requests quickly and professionally

6. Where to Find Tutoring Jobs as a Student

You can find online tutoring jobs or work locally. Options include:

🌐 Find Online Tutoring Jobs: Popular Platforms

• FindTutors – Ideal for beginners, FindTutors is one of the most flexible and accessible platforms for student tutors. What makes it stand out is the huge variety of subjects you can teach, from academic support to creative skills and hobbies.

  You don’t need prior experience, and you can set your own hourly rate, making it ideal for building confidence and income. It’s especially popular among students looking for extra money and freedom to teach what they know best. Additionally on FindTutors, you can choose to find online tutoring jobs, offer in-person tutoring services, or both.

• GoStudent – A well-established online tutoring company that hires tutors directly. You’ll typically go through a full application form, ID check, and a training session. The platform offers ready-made student requests and schedules, but it’s less flexible in terms of setting your own fees.

• First Tutors – A self-employed model where you pay a one-off fee to connect with potential clients. It's suited to tutors who want full control and are ready to manage their own business independently. You’ll need to take charge of marketing, scheduling, and communication directly.

• MyTutor – A more structured platform that appeals to parents looking for vetted tutors in core academic subjects. The onboarding process involves an interview, and tutors are matched with students based on subject and availability. It’s ideal for those who already have some teaching experience or top academic results.

Each platform caters to slightly different goals, but for university students wanting the most freedom to teach different subjects, work independently, and build a part-time job that fits around lectures, FindTutors offers the best combination of variety, simplicity, and autonomy.

Related articles Best Online Tutoring Jobs for Students: 5 High-Paying Platforms

What is Online Tutoring for Students? Online tutoring is a flexible and convenient way for students to earn money while helping others learn. It allows students to offer tuition from the comfort of th...

🏢 Find Tutoring Jobs Near You

• Pin a flyer at your local library or community centre
• Ask lecturers, friends or neighbours for referrals
• Use your uni’s jobs board or member's area

These local routes are especially useful if you want to offer in-person private tutoring sessions in your neighbourhood.

7. How Much Can You Earn from Private Tutoring?

Private tutoring rates vary depending on experience, subject, and format. Here's an average range:

You could earn £100+ a week working just a few hours. And because you set your own hours, it fits around your timetable.

Here’s what student tutors typically charge based on subject:

These rates are flexible, you can set your own fees based on your confidence, qualifications, and what others in your local area are charging.

8. How to Advertise Yourself as a Tutor: Find Students

Knowing how to advertise as a tutor is key to attracting students and standing out from other prospective tutors. A well-written ad and strong presence can help you reach more students, build trust, and book more tutoring sessions. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Create a clear and complete tutor profile – On tutoring websites like FindTutors, a full profile helps improve your visibility and credibility. Include your specialist subject, teaching methods, previous experience, and what you can offer. Add a friendly, high-quality photograph – many students and parents won’t trust a faceless profile.
• Be specific and relatable – Don’t just list your qualifications. Instead, explain what they mean. For example, if you’ve lived in France, say that it gave you fluency in conversational French and real-life vocabulary students can use.
• Use simple, direct language – Avoid over-complicating your ad. Make it easy for parents and students to quickly understand what you teach and how you help. Your attitude should come through naturally — be approachable and professional.
• Spread the word online and offline – Share your profile or an advert across social media platforms, student groups, and WhatsApp communities. You never know who might see it and get in touch. You can also place flyers at your local library, uni notice board, or coffee shops.
• Use tools like Linktree or a one-page site – These make it easy for potential clients to see your availability, read reviews, and contact you directly.
• Offer group tutoring or first-lesson promotions – Teaching small groups or offering a free first session can help you build trust, gain experience, and attract more students early on.

Advertising is more than just putting your name out there, it’s how you differentiate yourself as a good tutor. Be honest, confident, and clear, and you’ll start seeing results.

9. Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to become a tutor as a student, the answer is simple: start small, be consistent, and use the tools available. Whether you want to become a self employed tutor or join a tutoring company, there are flexible, well-paid options that fit around your studies.

From online tutoring to local private tutoring sessions, teaching others is a great way to build skills, gain experience, and earn extra money. Set your own hours, choose your subjects, and start tutoring today.

Ready to begin? Register with FindTutors and start your tutoring journey now!