Top 10 Online Tutoring Platforms That Pay in South Africa

Online tutoring has become a lucrative way for South Africans to earn money while sharing knowledge. The growth of digital learning, both locally and globally, has created opportunities for skilled individuals to teach students online and receive payments directly.

With many students seeking academic support, language lessons, or exam preparation, online tutors are in high demand. This allows South Africans to work from home, set flexible schedules, and earn competitive rates.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 online tutoring platforms that pay in South Africa, providing detailed guidance on how to get started, compare earning potential, and maximize your income. Whether you are a professional, student, or retired teacher, these platforms offer real opportunities.

Why Online Tutoring Matters in South Africa

Online tutoring is more than a side hustle—it addresses education gaps and income needs in South Africa.

• Flexible earning: Teach from home at your convenience.

• High-paying opportunities: Many platforms offer competitive rates in USD or local currency.

• Skill development: Enhance communication, teaching, and digital skills.

• Global exposure: Tutor students from around the world, gaining international experience.

• Supplemental income: Ideal for students, part-time workers, and professionals seeking extra revenue.

By participating in online tutoring, South Africans can turn their expertise into a reliable income source, while also helping learners achieve their academic goals.

Factors to Consider Before Starting as an Online Tutor

Before joining a platform, consider the following:

1. Platform credibility: Choose trusted websites to ensure secure payments.

2. Subject expertise: Focus on subjects you are confident in teaching.

3. Payment methods: Confirm the platform supports PayPal, EFT, or other local payment methods.

4. Time commitment: Decide how many hours per week you can dedicate.

5. Earnings potential: Research which platforms offer higher rates for your skill set.

Understanding these factors helps you select the right platform and maximize your earnings.

Top 10 Online Tutoring Platforms That Pay South Africans

1. Preply

Overview: Preply connects tutors with students globally, offering lessons in languages, academics, and skills.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

• Set your own hourly rate

• Access to a large international student base

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign up and complete a professional tutor profile.

2. Specify your subjects and hourly rate.

3. Record a short introduction video.

4. Accept lesson requests from students.

5. Conduct lessons via Preply’s video platform and receive payments via PayPal.

Income Potential: R200–R2,500 per hour depending on subject and expertise

2. Tutor.com

Overview: Tutor.com offers one-on-one tutoring for K-12 students, college courses, and test preparation.

Benefits:

• Structured platform with resources

• Pay for each session

• Flexible work hours

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Apply and submit qualifications.

2. Complete Tutor.com training sessions.

3. Log in to accept tutoring requests.

4. Teach sessions online and provide real-time guidance.

5. Receive weekly payments via direct deposit or PayPal.

Income Potential: R150–R1,500 per hour

3. Superprof

Overview: Superprof allows tutors to offer lessons in various subjects including languages, coding, music, and academics.

Benefits:

• Connects local and international students

• Flexible teaching options (online or in-person)

• Free registration with paid lessons

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Register as a tutor and verify credentials.

2. Set your availability, rates, and teaching subjects.

3. Accept student bookings.

4. Conduct online lessons via Zoom or Skype.

5. Receive payments securely through the platform.

Income Potential: R100–R2,000 per hour

4. Chegg Tutors

Overview: Chegg Tutors hires professionals and university students to assist learners worldwide in various subjects.

Benefits:

• Global student access

• Flexible schedule

• Paid weekly

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign up and complete your tutor profile.

2. Pass subject proficiency tests.

3. Start accepting tutoring requests.

4. Conduct sessions online and submit notes if required.

5. Receive payments weekly via PayPal.

Income Potential: R150–R2,500 per hour

5. WizIQ

Overview: WizIQ offers a virtual teaching platform for courses, live sessions, and webinars.

Benefits:

• Host structured courses or live lessons

• Engage students worldwide

• Monetize your expertise fully

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Register as a tutor on WizIQ.

2. Create online courses or schedule live classes.

3. Promote your courses on the platform.

4. Interact with students during lessons.

5. Receive payments per course or session via PayPal or bank transfer.

Income Potential: R500–R20,000 per month depending on course popularity

6. Preply Language Lessons

Overview: Specialize in teaching languages online to learners from around the world.

Benefits:

• High demand for English, French, and other languages

• Flexible scheduling

• Attractive hourly rates

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create a profile emphasizing your language expertise.

2. Set your rates per hour.

3. Accept lesson requests from students.

4. Conduct lessons using Preply’s platform.

5. Receive payments weekly or monthly.

Income Potential: R200–R3,000 per hour

7. LearnPick

Overview: LearnPick connects students with online tutors for academic and skill-based learning.

Benefits:

• Focus on local South African students

• Flexible schedule

• Secure payment system

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign up and create a tutor profile.

2. List your subjects, rates, and experience.

3. Receive and accept student requests.

4. Conduct sessions via Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp.

5. Collect payments through the platform or bank transfer.

Income Potential: R100–R1,500 per hour

8. GoStudent

Overview: GoStudent offers online tutoring for school subjects, test prep, and exam coaching.

Benefits:

• Structured curriculum support

• High-paying opportunities for specialized subjects

• Flexible hours

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Apply as an online tutor.

2. Complete platform training and profile setup.

3. Start teaching students online.

4. Track hours and receive payment per lesson.

5. Build long-term student relationships to increase income.

Income Potential: R150–R3,000 per hour

9. MyPrivateTutor

Overview: Connect with students needing academic help or exam preparation locally and internationally.

Benefits:

• Local South African focus

• Wide subject variety

• Flexible tutoring schedule

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create a detailed tutor profile.

2. Set hourly rates and availability.

3. Accept lesson requests online.

4. Conduct online lessons via video calls.

5. Receive payments via EFT or PayPal.

Income Potential: R100–R2,000 per hour

10. Superprof Coding & Skills Lessons

Overview: Offer online lessons in coding, IT skills, and other professional skills.

Benefits:

• High demand for tech skills

• Premium rates

• Work with students globally

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign up as a tech or coding tutor.

2. Specify subjects like Python, web development, or IT certification prep.

3. Set rates per hour or per course.

4. Teach lessons online using Zoom or Google Meet.

5. Collect payments through the platform securely.

Income Potential: R300–R5,000 per hour

Comparison Table – Online Tutoring Platforms in South Africa

FAQs – Online Tutoring in South Africa

1. Can South Africans really earn money tutoring online?
   Yes, platforms pay in local or international currencies for online lessons.

2. Do I need qualifications to tutor online?
   Some platforms require formal degrees, others accept skilled or experienced tutors.

3. Which platform pays the highest?
   WizIQ and Superprof for professional skills usually offer the highest earnings.

4. Can I work part-time?
   Yes, most platforms allow tutors to set flexible schedules.

5. How do I receive payment in South Africa?
   Via PayPal, EFT, or direct deposit depending on the platform.

6. Do I need special equipment?
   A computer, stable internet, webcam, and microphone are usually sufficient.

7. How quickly can I start earning?
   Once approved and profile set up, you can start immediately.

8. Are online tutoring earnings taxable in South Africa?
   Yes, income must be declared to SARS if above the tax threshold.

9. Can I tutor multiple students at once?
   Yes, group lessons are possible and sometimes more profitable.

10. Are there scams to avoid?
    Avoid platforms asking for upfront payment; only join reputable sites.

Conclusion

Online tutoring is a practical and profitable opportunity for South Africans. From academic support to professional skills, numerous platforms allow tutors to earn money while teaching online.

Start by choosing one platform that matches your expertise, create a professional profile, and begin accepting students. With consistency and dedication, South Africans can turn teaching into a flexible and rewarding source of income while making a real impact on learners’ lives.