KIS Academics is an Australian tutoring platform that connects students (mainly Years 5–12) with top-scoring tutors. It offers one-on-one or small group lessons and online courses. In this guide we analyze customer feedback, legitimacy, pricing, and company details, as well as how it compares to alternatives like My Engineering Buddy. We use recent sources (2024–2025) to give a complete, up-to-date picture for parents and students.
KIS Academics Reviews and Testimonials
KIS Academics generally earns glowing reviews from students and parents. An aggregate on TrustIndex shows a near-perfect 5.0/5 rating from 502 reviews. For example, one parent said KIS turned their child’s math grade from 70s into consistent 90s after tutoring. The KIS site highlights “600+ five-star reviews” and many stories of student success. A Reddit comment noted that KIS has “some of the best tutors (most have a 99+ ATAR)” though “they are a bit pricy”.
Tutor feedback (Glassdoor/Indeed) also tends to be positive about flexibility. One tutor review called KIS “an enjoyable and flexible remote” job, though it cautioned the pay “could be improved”. In short, independent sources (Google/Trustpilot via TrustIndex, Reddit) and internal testimonials all paint a positive picture. We found no evidence of scam reports.
Is KIS Academics Legit?
Yes. KIS Academics was founded in 2020 in Australia and operates as a registered private company. Its headquarters are in Melbourne, with offices or presence in major cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth). The founder, Dr. Manoj Arachige, has publicly shared milestones (20,000+ lessons, 300 five-star reviews, $1M paid to tutors), indicating a real business with many customers. The platform openly shows its policies and pricing (next section) and is transparent about tutor qualifications. No legitimate complaint sites flag KIS as fraudulent. In fact, KIS emphasizes verified reviews: a TrustIndex summary shows 485 five-star out of 502 reviews. Given all this, KIS Academics appears to be a reputable, well-reviewed tutoring service.
KIS Academics Pricing
Pricing is clearly stated. One-on-one tutoring sessions are AUD $70/hour for the Gold tier, $90 for Platinum, and $150 for Executive. If you bring friends (group tutoring), the cost per student drops: for example, a 3-student class is $50-$100/hr per student. The platform uses a pay-as-you-go model: you book lessons and pay after each session via KIS’s online TutorPay system. Accepted payments include credit/debit cards, Google/Apple Pay or direct debit (bank transfers are not accepted). KIS offers a free 30-minute study-skills consultation to new students. It also includes bonus resources (KIS Plus online library, valued at ~$12,000) for all paying students.
- Hourly Rates: From about $50/hr (in a 3-student class) up to $150/hr (Executive tutor).
- Group Discounts: “Bring a Friend” deals give 16–33% off per student.
- Online Courses: KIS video courses cost $8 per student per week, with a 7-day free trial.
- Billing: Sessions are billed immediately after they happen. By default KIS auto-charges your card, though you can pay manually if you wish.
- Hidden Fees: None found. No signup fees. You pay only for the lessons you take.
- Free Trial: A 30-min introductory session at no cost.
- Refunds: Generally not offered. KIS’s terms state refunds are only in exceptional cases and otherwise you must resolve issues with your tutor.
- Cancellation: No fee if you cancel more than 1 hour before the lesson. Cancelling within 1 hour incurs full payment.
In summary, KIS’s fees are on the higher end of tutoring, but they defend this by paying tutors well and bundling extra resources. We did not find complaints about hidden costs; the pricing structure is straightforward.
KIS Academics Alternatives
If you are comparing platforms, consider these competitors:
- My Engineering Buddy (MEB): An India-based tutoring site focusing on engineering, math, and science. It connects students worldwide with tutors and often charges per assignment or hourly. MEB touts quick response and higher pay to tutors, but some independent reviewers have flagged its online reviews as possibly inauthentic. KIS differs by focusing on Australian curriculum (high school) and including structured study resources. (MEB is not a scam, but reviews are mixed.)
- Wiingy: A New Zealand/Australia platform that excels in STEM (math, coding, AP subjects). Wiingy has a rigorous tutor vetting process (only ~3% accepted) and offers a free trial lesson. Pricing starts at about AU$43/hr, with no subscription requirement. It promises a “Perfect Match Guarantee” and refunds within 10 days. Overall, Wiingy is praised for STEM focus, though it may lack long-term subscription options.
- Tutor.com: A large US-based platform for K–12 and college subjects. Tutors are experts in 250+ subjects. Pricing is subscription-based or hourly (about $29–40/hr on average). It offers flexible scheduling but no free trial. Tutor.com is known for academic rigor and service to schools/employers.
- Preply: An international marketplace mainly for language tutoring (35+ languages). It also covers some academic subjects. Tutors set their own rates (often lower than specialized sites). There’s no free trial lesson, but bookings are flexible. Preply is very global with transparent pricing.
- Cluey Learning: An Australian online tutoring company offering personalized courses for school students. Sessions are all online, and you can pay per lesson or buy packages (no contracts). It does not offer a free initial trial. Cluey emphasizes tech-enabled learning and multiple subjects, but KIS has the edge in one-on-one live help and trial sessions.
- First Tutors (Australia/UK): A large private tutoring marketplace in Australia and the UK. It lists tutors you can browse directly. Once you pick a tutor, First Tutors charges a one-time introduction fee of AU$9.99. Tutors set their own rates (the site average is only about $18/hr). You deal directly with tutors, so quality varies. KIS, by contrast, vets its tutors and provides support and resources.
How It Works
For Students
- Find a Tutor: Browse KIS’s tutor directory or request a match. Each tutor’s profile shows subjects and experience. KIS advertises that its tutors are top scorers (average ATAR ~99.5).
- Free Trial: Book a free 30-minute “study skills” consultation. This session helps you meet the tutor and plan your needs (no obligation to continue).
- Lessons: Arrange one-on-one or small-group lessons, online or at home. You can bring friends for a discount. Lessons are booked as needed (usually weekly) and are flexible with your schedule.
- Pay After Lessons: KIS charges your card via its TutorPay system after each lesson. No need to prepay or sign contracts. You simply pay for the sessions you attend.
- Resources: All students get free access to KIS Plus – an online portal of videos, quizzes and study tools worth ~$12,000. These supplement the live tutoring.
- Support: KIS offers customer support 24/7 by real people. You can contact them by chat, email or phone if any issues arise.
For Tutors
- Apply Online: Qualified high-achievers can apply through the KIS website. KIS requires a high academic record and valid working-with-children check. They interview and verify credentials before hiring.
- Pricing Tiers: Tutors choose Gold, Platinum or Executive tiers during signup, but KIS may assign your final tier based on experience and feedback. F.
- Pay & Guarantee: Tutors start at ~AU$40/hr (Gold tier). KIS guarantees payment for lessons: if a student misses a session without notice, the tutor still gets paid for up to two hours of missed lessons. Payments are automatic via KIS TutorPay.
- Materials Provided: KIS supplies lesson templates, training and feedback. You don’t do admin or billing; KIS handles all payments and scheduling.
- Marketing Support: The platform advertises tutors at no cost. KIS estimates this free promotion is worth around $300–$400 per tutor per year.
- Community & Flexibility: Tutors set their own schedules. KIS also hosts community events and provides ongoing training and support.
FAQs
Q: How much can I earn as a KIS tutor?
A: Tutors start at about AU$40 per hour in the Gold tier. Platinum and Executive tutors earn more (up to around AU$90+/hr). Note KIS takes a service fee (~33% of your rate for private lessons). Overall pay is good for flexible work, but some tutors say it is not as high as some private centers.
Q: Is it hard to become a KIS tutor?
A: KIS looks for top students, so you need strong academic results (ATAR ~99+ is common) and any teaching qualifications. You apply online, submit documents and do an interview. If accepted, KIS will match you with students that fit your subjects. Many applicants are accepted once they meet criteria.
Q: How do I get students on KIS?
A: Once you’re on KIS, the platform lists you in its tutor search and on social media. They advertise tutors for free. You can also promote your profile, collect positive reviews, and offer the free 30-min trial to attract students. Word of mouth and KIS referrals often help.
Q: How does KIS’s cancellation policy work?
A: Students can cancel or reschedule as long as it’s more than 1 hour before the lesson. In that case, no fee is charged. If you cancel within 1 hour, KIS still charges the full lesson fee (this protects the tutor). Tutors who miss a lesson without notice still get paid for that time (up to 2 hours).
Q: How does KIS compare to My Engineering Buddy?
A: KIS is Australia-based and focuses on school curriculum tutoring, while My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is an India-based service specializing in engineering and math problem help. Both offer online one-on-one help. KIS tends to have higher hourly rates and formal lesson plans, plus a free trial and study resources. MEB often charges lower rates for assignments and focuses on college-level STEM, whereas KIS covers K–12 subjects (especially Australian exams).
KIS Academics Company Information
KIS Academics was founded in 2020 by Dr. Manoj Arachige (a high-achieving student turned doctor). Its mission is “to provide every student with an amazing, personalised education experience”. By 2024 KIS had about 11–50 employees and ~600 tutors serving thousands of students. It operates primarily in Australia (Melbourne HQ, with tutors in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, etc.). KIS offers tutoring in all major subjects – from maths and chemistry to English and UCAT test prep – for Years 5–12. Unique features include small group “bring a friend” lessons, no binding contracts, and bonuses like the KIS Plus library of videos and quizzes.
Unique Selling Points of KIS Academics
- Elite Tutors: KIS insists on top scorers – average tutor ATAR is ~99.50. You get specialists, many of whom are medical or engineering students.
- Free Trial: A no-charge 30-minute study consultation for new students.
- KIS Plus Resources: Unlimited access to an online library of videos and practice materials (no extra cost).
- Group Discounts: Large savings for booking two or more students together (up to 33% off each).
- Flexible Pay-As-You-Go: No long contracts – pay only for lessons as you take them.
- 24/7 Support: Around-the-clock customer service by real staff.
Drawbacks of KIS Academics
- Higher Price: Its one-on-one rates ($70–$150/hr) are above many local tutors. This can be costly for some families.
- Australian Focus: KIS is tailored to Australian curricula (HSC, VCE, IB). It may not suit students outside those systems.
- Tutor Pay Cut: KIS takes roughly a 33–36% commission from tutor fees. Some tutors feel overall pay is only moderate.
- Strict Cancellation: Last-minute cancellations (<1h) are charged in full, which some users may find inflexible.
- Limited Age Range: KIS mainly serves school students (Years 5–12). It doesn’t offer general adult education or university courses.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
KIS Academics and My Engineering Buddy (MEB) are both online tutoring platforms but differ in focus. KIS is Australia-based and geared to high school curricula (with small group classes and online courses). My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, is India-based and targets STEM homework and engineering tutoring worldwide. KIS charges higher hourly rates but includes added value (free consult, study resources), whereas MEB often markets lower-cost solutions and assignment help. In practice, KIS appeals more to families wanting structured lesson plans and verified tutors, while MEB appeals to students seeking quick homework or exam question help in technical subjects.
Customer Support and Policies
- Support: KIS offers 24/7 support with real staff (via chat, email, phone) to handle any issue.
- Payments: All billing is done online through KIS TutorPay after lessons. You can use credit cards, Apple/Google Pay or direct debit.
- Cancellation: Free if you cancel more than 1 hour before a lesson. Cancel within 1 hour and you pay the full fee.
- Refunds: KIS’s terms state that refunds are not generally provided unless in “exceptional circumstances”. (Students unhappy with a tutor are instructed to seek a refund from the tutor, not from KIS.)
- Guarantee: Assignment/essay marking includes a “Return on Time Guarantee”: if the tutor fails to meet the deadline, the service is free for the student.
Global Reach and Localization
KIS Academics is essentially Australia-centric. Its website and support are in English, and the content aligns with Australian state curricula (VIC/VCE, NSW/HSC, QLD/QCE, WA/WACE, plus IB). The company has no localized versions for other countries (e.g. no separate UK or US site) and does not offer other languages. Students from Gulf nations or elsewhere could use KIS online, but they would be served by Australian tutors and resources. For now, KIS’s main market is Australia (with a small international IB and online course audience).
KIS Academics’ Future Plans
While KIS hasn’t published a detailed roadmap, recent developments suggest continued growth. In 2024 the founder stepped down from day-to-day leadership and appointed a new CEO, implying an institutional growth phase. KIS has been expanding its online course offerings (for example, launching an IB program) and is likely to add more subjects and exam prep materials. It’s reasonable to expect that KIS will keep investing in technology and possibly AI-driven learning tools, as competitors do, though no official announcements on AI were found. The key theme is scaling up while maintaining tutor quality and support.
FAQs About KIS Academics
Q: Is there a free trial at KIS Academics?
A: Yes – new tutoring students get a free 30-minute “study skills” session with their tutor. Online courses often offer a 7-day trial, after which subscription charges begin.
Q: How do I sign up for KIS?
A: To hire a tutor, you simply fill in a request form on the KIS website with your subject needs. KIS then matches you to a tutor or lets you browse profiles. There’s no obligation after the free trial. To become a tutor, you apply via their “Become a Tutor” page and submit qualifications.
Q: How does KIS Academics compare to other tutoring sites?
A: KIS is similar to other online tutoring platforms in offering 1-on-1 lessons, but it emphasizes Australian curricula and small group discounts. It guarantees high tutor quality (top 3% ATAR) and includes extra study resources. Compared to bigger marketplaces like Wyzant or Preply, KIS vets its tutors and offers a fixed pricing structure. It is most like other Australian providers (Wiingy, Cluey, First Tutors), but stands out for its trial session and “no contract” model.
Q: What payment methods does KIS accept?
A: KIS accepts credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and direct debit. They do not accept manual bank transfers. Payments are taken automatically after each lesson by default, but you can also pay manually if you wish.
Q: Does KIS offer refunds?
A: Generally no. According to KIS’s terms, refunds are only given in exceptional circumstances (and only at KIS’s discretion). If you are unsatisfied with tutoring, you must first discuss it with your tutor, as KIS primarily facilitates connections and does not handle academic outcomes.
Q: How does KIS Academics compare to My Engineering Buddy?
A: KIS (Australia) focuses on school students (Years 5–12) and provides live tutoring in various subjects with premium resources. My Engineering Buddy (India) focuses on engineering/maths assignments and has a global tutor pool. KIS charges higher hourly rates with included extras, whereas MEB’s pricing is typically per problem or at lower rates. Both are legitimate, but they serve slightly different needs.
Conclusion
KIS Academics is a legitimate, highly-rated Australian tutoring service known for its top-tier tutors and strong student outcomes. It offers transparent pricing and policies, with perks like a free trial and extensive online resources. Its main downsides are higher cost and focus on Australian curricula. For families in Australia (or those needing IB/high-school help), KIS is a solid choice. International users may also consider alternatives (e.g. My Engineering Buddy, Wiingy, Preply) depending on their subject needs and budget. In all, KIS seems well-managed and customer-focused, with continued growth likely under new leadership.
