Private Tutors in Singapore — Complete Guide (2026)

In This Guide

1. What to Look For When Hiring
2. Typical Price Ranges
3. HDB vs Condo vs Landed
4. Red Flags to Watch Out For
5. All 228 Verified Providers
6. Private Tutors by Location
7. FAQ

Private tutors (1-to-1 or 1-to-2) in Singapore fill gaps group tuition can't — customised pace, targeted weaknesses, convenient scheduling, home visits. Rates run S$30-75/hour for NIE-trained teachers at Primary level, S$50-110/hour at Secondary, and S$80-200+/hour at JC/A-Level or university prep. The tutor marketplace is fragmented — tuition agencies (Smile Tutor, Tuition Domain, etc.) take a commission; direct hires bypass this but require more vetting effort. This guide covers how to evaluate tutor quality, what rates reflect experience, and typical costs.

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Verify teaching credentials. MOE-trained teachers (NIE graduates, current or ex-MOE teachers) command higher rates but deliver on syllabus knowledge, exam technique, and pedagogy. Undergraduate tutors (university students) are cheaper but vary wildly in quality — some are excellent, many aren't trained in teaching.

Check subject credibility. A tutor who scored A for JC H2 Chemistry isn't necessarily qualified to teach H2 Chemistry — but a tutor with a chemistry degree, preferably with MOE experience, demonstrably can. Match credentials to subject depth.

Request a trial session. Most private tutors offer a first session at trial rate (sometimes free, sometimes 50% off). This reveals teaching style, rapport with the student, and delivery quality better than any bio.

For agency-sourced tutors, understand the commission structure. Agencies take 25-50% of the first month's fees. Ask which agency and whether the tutor has other students in your child's school — experience with specific school curricula matters.

Ask about progress tracking. Strong tutors produce written progress notes, practice assessment scores, and specific recommendations. Those who just 'turn up and teach' without documentation can't show parents measurable outcomes.

Contact providers directly for pricing.

Prices are estimates as of 2026 and may vary based on scope, urgency, and property type. Get exact quotes for free.

HDB flats: home tuition is standard. Most tutors travel with own materials and use the dining table as workspace. Transport time factors into tutor availability — tutors in HDB estates far from their residence charge travel surcharge (S$5-15/session).

Condominiums: similar setup, but some condos require visitor registration at the guardhouse for recurring weekly tutors. Rates 10-20% higher than HDB, partly due to higher expectations (tutor continuity, detailed reporting).

Landed properties: often high-stakes tutoring (premium JC, IB, IGCSE, international school admissions). Top-tier tutors at S$150-250+/hour concentrate here. Some landed families book full-week tutor packages (5-6 subjects across different tutors, coordinated schedules).

No credentials listed: Tutors who refuse to specify their educational background beyond vague 'experienced' claims may have weak credentials.

Low rates for 'star tutor' claims: If someone claims MOE-level credentials but charges S$20/hour, either the credentials are overstated or they're undercutting the market after being unable to maintain higher rates.

No trial session offered: Trial sessions benefit both tutor and student — refusal suggests the tutor lacks confidence or is over-committed.

Cancellations without notice: Some tutors accept too many students and chronically cancel. Ask in reference calls about reliability — this is the complaint pattern that causes most parent frustration.

No written progress documentation: Tutors who just 'teach and leave' without documentation can't prove their value. Good ones send brief post-session notes summarising what was covered.

How many Private Tutors providers are on KakiList?

We currently list 228 verified Private Tutors providers serving Singapore. New providers are added regularly after verification.

Is KakiList free to use?

Yes, KakiList is completely free for homeowners. There are no platform fees, no middleman charges, and no hidden costs. You contact providers directly via WhatsApp or phone.

How are Private Tutors providers verified?

Providers with a verified badge have submitted their ACRA business registration number. All providers also display their real Google reviews and ratings for transparency.

How do I get Private Tutors quotes?

Use our free quote tool to describe your job. We'll match you with up to 5 verified providers who will contact you directly on WhatsApp with their quotes. No obligation.

What is the average rating of Private Tutors providers on KakiList?

The average Google rating across our Private Tutors providers is 4.7★ out of 5.0. We prioritize quality — providers with consistently poor reviews are removed.