Tutoring costs rise with the student's level: in 2026, expect €15–€28 per hour online for primary school, €20–€38 for secondary, and €28–€50 for exam preparation. In-person lessons add roughly 20% at every level. The jump reflects how specialised the material becomes and how much exam stakes raise demand.
How much does tutoring cost per school level?
Typical online per-hour ranges in 2026:
| Level | Online rate (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Primary school | €15 – €28 |
| Secondary (lower years) | €20 – €38 |
| Upper secondary / exam prep | €28 – €50 |
These ranges hold across most subjects; the subject itself shifts you within the band — see tutoring prices by subject.
Why does exam-level tutoring cost more?
Three things push exam-level rates up. The content is harder, so fewer tutors can teach it well. The stakes are higher, so demand concentrates in a short window before exams. And exam tutors often bring extra value — past papers, marking schemes and timed practice. Our why prices vary article unpacks each factor.
Budgeting tutoring across a school year
Because exam-level support is both pricier and more urgent, many families spend lightly during the year and increase frequency in the run-up to exams. Mapping out a few intensive weeks rather than year-round weekly lessons often delivers the same result for less. The tutoring costs guide shows how frequency, format and level combine, and the tutoring rates research has the underlying data.
FAQ
Is primary-school tutoring much cheaper? Yes — primary support is the most affordable level, typically €15–€28 per hour online, because the material is foundational and many tutors can teach it.
How much should I budget for exam-prep tutoring? Plan for €28–€50 per hour online. Concentrating lessons into the weeks before the exam usually gives better value than spreading them thinly across the year.
Does level matter more than subject for price? They interact. Level sets the broad band; the subject moves you up or down within it. A primary language lesson is the cheapest combination; upper-secondary physics is among the most expensive. Find a tutor to see real rates for your level.