Learnmate Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

Learnmate is an Australian online tutoring marketplace. It connects students with private tutors for many subjects, from primary school to university. Founded in 2015, Learnmate has grown steadily. Its site reports over 10,000 students and 700+ tutors across Australia, with 160,000+ hours of tutoring delivered. The company highlights affordability and quality: students praise its “high-quality tutoring” and the platform notes an average Google rating of 4.8 stars. This review covers user feedback, pricing, how it works, alternatives (including My Engineering Buddy), and company details.

Learnmate Reviews and Testimonials

Learnmate has generally positive reviews, though few major review sites are available. On the company website and Google, users praise the service. For example, testimonials highlight skilled tutors and improved grades: one student said Learnmate helped them access “some of the best tutors” and see “remarkable improvements”, while another praised an English tutor as “efficient and compassionate” with “abundant resources”. These reviews suggest students value the personalized help and clear lesson structure. The platform’s own pages advertise that over 10,000 students have used Learnmate since 2015, and its tutors have earned an average 4.8-star rating on Google.

• Google Reviews: Learnmate boasts ~4.8/5 from hundreds of Google reviews. Users often note the ease of use and helpful tutors.
• Trustpilot: Though small in number, Trustpilot shows a 4.4/5 average from 17 reviews. This indicates generally satisfied customers, albeit a limited sample.
• On-site Testimonials: Learnmate’s own site features success stories. Parents report tutors are “caring and supportive” and lessons are “very structured, outcome-focused”. Many reviews note the flexible scheduling (no bulk lessons needed) and that lessons include summaries for parents.
• User Forums: Independent comments are scarce. One tutor on Reddit mentioned concerns about a required joining fee, though Learnmate’s FAQ states signing up is free. Another user noted Learnmate was “not heard of” in the tutor community, advising caution. Overall, there are few complaints of scams or fraud.

Is Learnmate legit? Yes. It is a registered Australian company founded in 2015, and external checks rate it as trustworthy. We found no reports of fraud or shuttered services. Users consistently state it is reliable, and the platform responds to issues. For example, Learnmate addressed recent media concerns about tutoring by outlining its transparent review system and affordable pricing in a Sept 2023 blog. In summary, reviews show Learnmate is a legitimate and functional tutoring service.

Learnmate Pricing

Pricing Range

Tutors set their own rates on Learnmate, so prices vary by subject and tutor experience. According to the pricing page, rates start from just AUD $30 per hour, with the average tutor charging around $55 per hour in 2024. Factors such as the tutor’s qualifications and the lesson level (e.g. primary vs. university content) affect the rate. The company claims this is up to 35-50% cheaper than traditional agency fees. In short, Learnmate offers tutors at all price points to fit different budgets.

What Students Say About Pricing

Students and parents generally find Learnmate’s pricing fair. The platform’s value proposition is “affordable, flexible tutoring” with no lock-in contracts. One Learnmate blog contrasted its model with tutors charging “up to $200/hr,” noting Learnmate’s own tutoring starts as low as $30/hr. User testimonials echo this: many mention the ability to choose tutors who fit their budget. No complaints about surprise fees are common; instead, the emphasis is on pay-per-lesson. In short, most comments highlight that Learnmate is cheaper than alternatives and allows flexible spending.

Hidden Costs

• No registration fee: Tutor signup is free. Students also pay only for the lessons they book (unlike prepaid lesson bundles, Learnmate is pay-as-you-go).
• Cancellation fee: Learnmate’s terms allow cancelling a lesson request, but a small cancellation fee may apply according to its policy. No public value is listed, so users should check with support if needed.
• Payment processing fees: Payments go through Stripe, so a standard transaction fee is deducted from lesson payments (not from tutor earnings). Students pay exactly the tutor’s rate after any government GST; tutors receive their rate minus Learnmate’s commission and Stripe fees.

How Learnmate’s Pricing Works

Learnmate operates as a marketplace. After a lesson, the student’s payment is processed via credit/debit card (through Stripe) and automatically split: Learnmate takes its commission and the rest goes to the tutor. Tutors connect their bank account to Stripe, and funds are transferred to them within 3–5 business days. There are no subscription fees or required lesson packages. The only costs are the lesson rates set by tutors and the commission (currently 23–30%, depending on the tutor’s tier). If you have a promo code or discount (occasionally offered on promotions), it would apply to the lesson price before payment.

Free Trial

Learnmate does not offer a formal free trial lesson. There is no built-in trial or money-back guarantee on lessons. Students can typically contact a tutor before booking, but any lesson held is paid for once attended. (In practice, some tutors describe initial sessions as “introductory,” but they are charged like normal lessons.) Keep this in mind: once a lesson is marked complete by the tutor, payment is final with no refund, unless required by law for service failure.

Refund Policy

According to Learnmate’s terms, once you book and pay for a lesson, the fee is generally non-refundable. In other words, students cannot get their money back just for changing their mind. The only exception is if there is a “major failure” of service under Australian Consumer Law (for example, if the tutor fails to show up and cannot be replaced). In that case, a full or partial refund may be granted by Learnmate or the relevant authorities. For normal cancellations, the lesson credit may be re-used if possible, but this is at Learnmate’s discretion. Students with questions about refunds should contact Learnmate support via email.

Learnmate Alternatives

Many tutoring platforms exist, so students and parents often compare options. Here are some notable alternatives to Learnmate, highlighting different strengths:

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a specialized tutoring service focused on engineering, math, and science subjects. It is headquartered in India but serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries. MEB offers one-on-one tutoring, homework help, lab/project assistance, and test prep, with tutors chosen from top institutions. It boasts very high user satisfaction: currently 287+ reviews at 4.8/5 (97% recommend it). Pricing on MEB is typically lower in USD terms (reflecting its market), and tutors claim near-100% problem-solving success. Compared to Learnmate, MEB is global and STEM-focused, whereas Learnmate serves a broader range of subjects primarily for Australian curricula.

Wiingy

 

Wiingy is an Australian-based platform, like Learnmate, but it markets itself as offering “premium” tutoring. It covers academic subjects and test prep (Math, coding, AP/IB subjects, etc.). Wiingy screens tutors heavily (acceptance rate ~3%) for high quality. Its tutors charge from about AU$43/hr upward, and Wiingy offers a free trial lesson and a “perfect match guarantee”. Scheduling is flexible, and there are no long-term commitments. In summary, Wiingy tends to be more expensive but with rigorously vetted tutors. Learnmate typically has lower starting rates and more tutors (but a slightly less strict vetting process).

Preply

Preply is a large global tutoring marketplace, best known for languages. It connects students with tutors for dozens of languages (over 50 languages supported) and many academic subjects. Tutors set their own rates (often in the $10–30 USD range). Preply takes a commission on each lesson. Its key advantage is the sheer diversity of tutors and subjects, but quality varies widely. Compared to Learnmate, Preply is international and language-heavy; Learnmate focuses on Australian school subjects. Preply is rated highly for language learners but has a mix of positives and negatives (e.g. tutors note high commission on larger courses). For college-level English or Asian languages, Preply is often recommended over Learnmate’s more general approach.

Wyzant

Wyzant is a U.S.-based tutoring site popular for math, science, and test prep. It offers both in-person and online sessions. Students can search 90,000+ tutors by subject and location. Tutors set hourly rates ($30–$100+). Wyzant provides no subscription or package deals – just pay per lesson. It is often cited as a top STEM tutor resource. While Wyzant is strong for U.S. curriculum and local in-person tutoring, Learnmate is more focused on Australian students. Wyzant’s pricing is comparable (often higher) and it has a lower barrier to entry for tutors. Reviews indicate Wyzant is great for niche subjects but can become expensive.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit platform offering free lessons. It provides thousands of video tutorials and exercises in math, science, history, and more. There is no live 1-on-1 tutoring or personalized help, but its content is high quality and widely used (99% rating on Trustpilot). It is listed as the best free alternative for self-paced learning. For tutoring needs that do not require live interaction, Khan Academy (and similar free sites) can be a useful supplement or alternative to paid services like Learnmate.

How it Works

For Students

Students start by creating an account on Learnmate. Then they browse tutor profiles using filters (subject, location, credentials, etc.). The platform makes it easy: you see each tutor’s hourly rate, biography, qualifications, and reviews. To book a lesson, you message the tutor, schedule a time via the online calendar, and pay after each session. The process is mostly online and flexible. Reviews note that the system is “super easy to use” – you don’t need to buy lesson packages up front, and you can usually reschedule without penalty. After each lesson, tutors often send a short summary “lesson digest” so students (and parents) can track progress. In short, finding and booking a Learnmate tutor is straightforward, and many users say the interface is intuitive.

For Tutors

Becoming a tutor on Learnmate requires meeting certain criteria. You must be fluent in English and have at least one of the following: an ATAR of 95+ (top GPA), a completed university degree (e.g. a qualified teacher or engineer), or at least 1 year of private tutoring experience. If you qualify, you apply online on the Learnmate site (via the “Become a tutor” page). There is no payment to join – creating a Learnmate tutor account is free. Once approved, you complete your profile (details, photo, subjects, CV) and set your hourly rates. Learnmate has a tier system: new tutors start at Bronze (30% commission) and advance to Pro (23% commission) after logging more hours.

After joining, Learnmate handles student matching. Students send you lesson requests through the platform. The tutor portal notifies you of new inquiries, and you can message students to arrange details. Once a lesson is done, you mark it as complete and the payment is processed automatically: funds (tutor rate minus commission and Stripe fee) are transferred to your bank within 3–5 business days. You keep 70–77% of your rate, depending on your tier. Payment is guaranteed – as one tutor testimonial notes, “I receive pay weekly for lessons completed”. For tips, tutors are encouraged to build a good profile, earn high ratings, and advance tiers for better visibility. Pros include flexibility (tutor when you want, set your rate) and no lock-in contracts. Cons noted by some tutors are the 23–30% commission on earnings and occasional booking fees mentioned by others.

Learnmate: Company Information

Background: Learnmate Pty Ltd was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2015. The original founder and head of operations was Dmitri Dalla-Riva (CEO), who led the company for 7 years. In 2022, Simon Kroger took over as Head of Learnmate. The company’s mission is to “provide exceptional education to students nationwide,” aiming to make high-quality tutoring accessible and affordable. It advertises that over 10,000 students have joined since 2015, and (as of 2025) it maintains about 700 active tutors and has facilitated roughly 160,000 hours of lessons.

Services: Learnmate is essentially a marketplace. It covers a broad range of subjects – its site lists 110+ subjects across primary, high school (including IB, VCE, HSC, etc.), and some general skills (public speaking, music, coding, AI, languages). It offers one-on-one tutoring (mostly online but also in-person where possible), connecting students and tutors. Unique features include the 5-star rating system (every completed lesson yields a review) and the “lesson digest” email after each lesson. The platform also has a help center, resources (study guides, ATAR calculators), and a blog with tips for tutors and students.

Unique Selling Points (USP) of Learnmate

Learnmate promotes several key advantages:

• Large tutor pool: Students can choose from 700+ tutors nationwide in 110+ subjects. This provides many options to find a good fit.
• Vetted quality: Learnmate verifies tutor credentials (e.g. degrees, diplomas) before approving them. Its CEO’s blog mentions a transparent 5-star review system that allows parents to easily check a tutor’s ratings and experience.
• Flexibility: There are no fixed contracts or bulk lesson purchases. Lessons can be scheduled when needed, and users often note they can reschedule without penalty. This on-demand model suits busy families.
• Affordability: By allowing tutors to set their own rates and by taking a modest commission, Learnmate aims to keep costs low. They highlight that tutors earn as low as $30/hr, in contrast to some agencies quoting $100+ per hour. Many users confirm Learnmate is cheaper than traditional agencies.
• Secure system: Payments are handled via Stripe so students do not have to deal with cash. Tutors are paid quickly (weekly) as long as lessons are logged, giving them income security.

Drawbacks of Learnmate (from users and observations):

• Commission fees: Learnmate charges tutors 23–30% per lesson. Some tutors view this as high compared to platforms with lower or no fees. (Learnmate counters that this rate is lower than what agencies charge.) In turn, students may sometimes encounter higher effective rates to allow tutors to earn enough.
• Limited global reach: Learnmate’s market is primarily Australia. It does not offer curricula or tutoring in other national systems (e.g. SAT prep, GCSE) beyond general subjects. Students outside Australia may find fewer available tutors. In contrast, some competitors focus on international exams.
• Variable tutor quality: While tutors are screened, quality can vary. Some reviewers (outside official channels) caution that Find a Tutor sites can have inexperienced tutors. However, Learnmate does highlight that only qualified tutors are allowed and uses student reviews to maintain quality.
• Hidden fees rumors: A few online comments mentioned a “joining fee” for tutors, but Learnmate’s official FAQ denies any sign-up cost. Still, the rumor suggests some confusion about fees. Students should be clear that they pay only per lesson.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

As an alternative, My Engineering Buddy (MEB) appeals to students needing advanced STEM support. MEB tutors specialize in engineering, programming, and technical subjects, whereas Learnmate covers a broader academic range. Reviews show MEB tutors often tackle complex college-level problems. Indeed, MEB’s own materials note 97% of students rate them 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction. By contrast, Learnmate serves more general high school and university subjects. In practice, a student needing help with calculus or circuit design may find MEB’s focused approach and round-the-clock availability more suitable, while Learnmate would be preferred for mainstream subjects like math, science, English, or exam prep within the Australian system. Both platforms have positive reviews, but MEB is more specialized and global, while Learnmate is regional and diverse.

Customer Support and Policies

Learnmate provides basic customer support. Their website lists a support email (hello@learnmate.com.au) and phone number (1300 974 322) for inquiries. They are active on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) with regular updates. Policies are available on their site: Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, etc. Important policies include their non-refundable payment rule and cancellation policy. The company also emphasizes compliance with Australian laws (e.g. academic integrity policies). In our review, we found no major complaints about support responsiveness, but users should contact the listed email for any complaints.

Global Reach and Localization

Learnmate’s reach is mainly Australian. All tutors on Learnmate are based in Australia, and payments use Australian dollars. The platform advertises “pick from over 700 tutors across Australia”. Subjects offered include international topics (e.g. IB curricula, general subjects like programming and languages), but there is no special focus on non-Australian curricula or foreign languages beyond English. There is no multilingual support on the platform itself; all interface and materials are in English. In contrast, some global platforms (e.g. Preply, MEB) offer multilingual interfaces and tutors in many regions. If you are outside Australia or need tutors fluent in other languages, Learnmate may not be ideal. It’s best for students within Australia seeking tutors familiar with local syllabi.

Learnmate’s Future Plans

As of mid-2025, Learnmate has not publicly announced major expansions or new technology features. The company continues to update its blog with educational content (e.g. tutor tips in early 2023) and occasionally responds to industry news (e.g. their Sept 2023 blog on tutoring standards). We did not find evidence of an AI-driven tutor system or new international launches. The platform does include “AI” in its list of tutor subjects, suggesting it can support AI-related lessons (likely human tutors teaching AI courses). Overall, Learnmate seems focused on steady growth within Australia rather than rapid tech innovation. Prospective users interested in AI features might consider that Learnmate has not promoted any AI tools (unlike some tutoring startups), but its coverage of coding and AI subjects indicates an embrace of modern content areas.

FAQs About Learnmate

• How does Learnmate compare to My Engineering Buddy? Learnmate is an Australian tutoring marketplace covering many subjects, whereas My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a specialized platform for engineering and STEM support worldwide. Learnmate charges from A$30/hr and focuses on K-12 and university curriculum, while MEB typically offers lower US$-based rates and is rated 4.8/5 by nearly 300 reviews. In practice, choose MEB if you need intensive help in technical subjects; choose Learnmate for a broader range of subjects aligned with Australian courses.
• Is Learnmate legit? Yes. Learnmate is a legitimate tutoring company based in Melbourne. It was founded in 2015, operates under Australian business laws, and has solid security (payments via Stripe). Third-party checks (e.g. Scamadviser) report it as “not a scam”. Its high ratings on Google (4.8⭐) and Trustpilot (4.4⭐) reflect real user satisfaction. We found no credible reports of fraud or misconduct.
• How much does Learnmate cost? Lesson costs vary. Tutors set hourly rates; they start at A$30/hr and average around A$55/hr. Prices depend on tutor experience, subject, and level. For example, elementary math may be cheaper than a university-level subject. Compared to agencies, Learnmate often costs ~30-50% less. There are no extra hidden fees for students beyond the agreed lesson rate (plus any small bank transaction fee).
• What subjects does Learnmate cover? A very wide range – 110+ subjects. This includes core academic subjects (Math, English, Science), standardized exam prep, and even general skills like public speaking, languages, music, coding, and AI. Students can find tutors for all major Australian curricula (VCE, HSC, IB, etc.) as well as primary and secondary topics. The platform is strong in STEM and school subjects, and also offers tutors for hobbies and college-level courses.
• How do I become a tutor on Learnmate? You must meet the minimum requirements: be fluent in English and have at least one of (a) a very high ATAR or equivalent, (b) a completed bachelor’s degree (often a teaching degree or higher), or (c) one year of private tutoring experience. If qualified, you apply on their site (via the “Become a tutor” page). Creating an account and listing your services is free. Once approved, you set up your profile, set your rates, and can begin accepting students. Learnmate offers support and a community for tutors once you join.
• Does Learnmate offer refunds or trial lessons? Learnmate does not have free trial lessons. Once you book and attend a lesson, the fee is charged and is generally non-refundable. If a lesson does not happen or is of poor quality, you must request a review – refunds are only given for major failures under Australian law. For peace of mind, some tutors may agree to a cheap initial session, but any paid lesson is treated as final purchase.

Conclusion

Learnmate is a solid, Australia-focused tutoring platform with many strengths: a large, vetted tutor network; flexible pay-as-you-go scheduling; and many positive user reviews about its quality and ease of use. Its main downsides are its commission fees and its limitation to the Australian market. Based on reviews, Learnmate is legitimate and well-regarded, but students should still compare options. In particular, My Engineering Buddy stands out as a strong alternative for technical subjects: it has an even higher review score and caters to complex engineering and STEM needs. Learners needing in-depth STEM help may prefer MEB, while those seeking general tutoring in Australia will find Learnmate effective. Overall, Learnmate delivers on its promises of affordable, quality tutoring. Its social media presence (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) and blog activity suggest it stays engaged with its community. We found no recent controversies – in fact, Learnmate has publicly addressed industry concerns (e.g. in a Sept 2023 blog) and continues to operate smoothly as of 2025.