Tutors and prices
Undergraduate, full-time or ex-MOE tutor: what is the difference?
Reviewed by Theon Teo, Founder · Last checked · How we check facts
Short answer
The three tutor types differ in experience and price. In 2027, part-time tutors, who are usually university undergraduates, charge about S$25 to S$35 an hour at lower primary up to S$45 to S$60 at JC, full-time tutors S$35 to S$45 up to S$65 to S$90, and ex-MOE teachers S$50 to S$70 up to S$90 to S$130. A part-time tutor often suits steady practice in a non-exam year, and a full-time tutor or an ex-MOE teacher suits exam years such as P6, Sec 4 and JC2.
Who each tutor type is
These are labels for experience, not guarantees of results. A strong undergraduate who scored well recently can teach a motivated child very well, and a teacher with many years in school can still be the wrong fit for your child. Read the profile, not only the label.
- Part-time tutor: usually a university or polytechnic student who is strong in the subject and teaches around their studies.
- Full-time tutor: a career tutor who teaches the syllabus every week, often across several schools and levels.
- Ex-MOE teacher: someone who has taught in MOE schools and now tutors privately.
Hourly rates by tutor type in 2027
Each range is the median of the published hourly rate cards of 12 Singapore home-tuition agencies, rounded to the nearest S$5. The final rate is the one on the tutor's profile in your shortlist.
| Level | Part-time | Full-time | Ex-MOE teacher |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 to P4 | S$25 to S$35 | S$35 to S$45 | S$50 to S$70 |
| P5 and P6 | S$30 to S$40 | S$40 to S$55 | S$60 to S$80 |
| Sec 1 and Sec 2 | S$30 to S$45 | S$45 to S$60 | S$60 to S$85 |
| Sec 3 and Sec 4 | S$35 to S$45 | S$45 to S$65 | S$65 to S$95 |
| JC1 and JC2 | S$45 to S$60 | S$65 to S$90 | S$90 to S$130 |
| IB and IGCSE | S$45 to S$60 | S$65 to S$90 | S$90 to S$130 |
Source: The Singapore Syllabus, rates by level and tutor type.
What the higher rate pays for
With a full-time tutor you mostly pay for range. Someone who teaches the same level every week has seen how different schools set their papers and which topics children usually lose marks on, and can plan a term around that.
With an ex-MOE teacher you pay for classroom experience, including setting and marking school papers and seeing many children at one level. That tends to matter most for demanding subjects such as H2 Maths, H2 Chemistry or IB Higher Level.
With a part-time tutor you pay less for steady weekly practice. For a P3 child building habits, or a Sec 1 child who needs someone to check homework and explain the step they missed, that is often enough.
How to choose for your child
- Non-exam years and foundation work: a part-time tutor is often enough.
- Exam years (P6, Sec 4, JC2) or a child far behind: a full-time tutor.
- Hard upper levels (H2 Maths or Sciences, IB HL) or a specific target grade: a full-time tutor or an ex-MOE teacher.
- Any type: ask the tutor how they would plan the next four lessons from your child's latest paper. The answer tells you more than the label.
Common questions
Is an ex-MOE teacher always better than a full-time tutor?
No. An ex-MOE teacher has school experience, but fit with your child, recent knowledge of the current syllabus and a clear lesson plan matter as much. Compare profiles and use the first lesson to decide.
Can I ask for a specific tutor type?
Yes. When you request tutors from The Singapore Syllabus you can ask for a full-time tutor or an ex-MOE teacher, and the shortlist shows each tutor's background and hourly rate before you choose.
Why do rates rise with the level?
Upper levels need more subject depth, and fewer tutors can teach H2 or IB Higher Level well. That is why every tutor type charges more at JC than at primary level.
Want a tutor shortlist?
Tell us the level and subject. We send 3 to 12 tutor profiles with their rates within 16 hours, and you choose. No contract and no minimum number of lessons.