Introduction
FirstTutors is an online tutoring site. It started in 2005 in the UK to help people find great local tutors. Today it works in many countries (UK, Canada, Australia, and more). FirstTutors lets students search tutors by subject, level, and location. This article will review FirstTutors in 2025. We look at what users say, how much it costs, how it works, and which alternatives exist. It also compares FirstTutors with My Engineering Buddy, a popular tutor service.
FirstTutors Reviews and Testimonials
FirstTutors has many reviews. For example, its own site shows a 4.6 out of 5 rating from about 8,800 reviews. About 93% of those reviewers recommend it. On the FirstTutors site, tutors and students leave comments. Tutors say the platform is easy to use. One tutor wrote: “The platform is user-friendly, secure, and makes it easy to connect with students”. Another tutor said FirstTutors is “very useful to find the right match between student and tutor”. These comments show many users like the site’s matching tools and safety checks.
However, some reviews point out problems. On Reddit, one user said FirstTutors is legit, but the payment system is tricky. You must pay a one-time fee before seeing a tutor’s contact, so you can’t try a tutor first for free. This user also said prices seem quite high. Another reviewer reported the tutor listed was not as advertised and that the finder’s fee was not refunded. Some tutors also report issues: one tutor said their account was suspended after a system error and that support was unhelpful. These reports suggest occasional problems with tutor quality checks and customer service.
Overall, most feedback is positive enough to confirm FirstTutors is a legitimate site. A tutor on Reddit wrote, “Yes it’s legit, to sign up as a teacher you have to provide ID and references”. The high number of positive reviews (4.6/5) on its site also points to many satisfied users. In summary, FirstTutors is a real and trusted platform, but like any service it has a mix of praise and complaints.
FirstTutors Pricing
Pricing Range
FirstTutors uses a simple pricing model. There are no monthly fees or lesson fees to the site. Instead, students pay a one-time finder’s (intro) fee when they pick a tutor. In the UK, this fee ranges from about £5 to £35, based on the tutor’s rate. For example, one page says “we ask for a one-off finder’s fee of £9.99-£34.99 and that’s all”. That fee covers checking the tutor’s ID and references. After paying it, students get the tutor’s contact details. The tutor then sets their own hourly rate (tutors in the UK charge about £9–£18 per hour on average A sample chart shows an average UK tutor rate of £18/hour.
In other countries, the numbers are similar but in local currency. For instance, FirstTutors: Canada has a flat $C9.99 intro fee to unlock a tutor’s details. FirstTutors: Australia says a $A9.99 introduction fee is charged once you pick a tutor:. (The Aussie site points out there are no subscriptions or per-lesson fees. For US students, there is no dedicated FirstTutors US site, but the UK or Canada fees give a guide: roughly $10–$40 one-time. For Gulf countries and others, the pattern is similar: a small upfront fee (often around the equivalent of $10–$20) based on tutor level. Regular tutoring (the per-hour rate you pay the tutor) varies widely by country, subject, and tutor experience. In general, FirstTutors tutors set rates comparable to local markets (for example, tutors around GCSE or college level range from about $15 to $50 per hour in English-speaking countries).
What students say about FirstTutors Pricing
Students have mixed opinions on the fees. Many find the model clear: you pay one fee and then deal directly with the tutor (so no hidden commissions). FirstTutors itself claims this is more affordable than agencies. Its site notes “some agencies charge an additional £10 for every hour… but with First Tutors there are no additional fees”. In other words, you pay the tutor only their hourly rate, without extra charges. A Reddit user explained that because FirstTutors only takes the one-time fee, “you get a better price in the long term as the website isn’t charging a commission on each lesson”. Another student comment on the FirstTutors site said they were happy with a tutor’s help, but did note “Her price is a bit steep though”. This shows some parents find tutor rates on the higher side. Overall, students say pricing seems fair compared to market alternatives. They note FirstTutors’ one-time fee (e.g. ~$10) and tutor rates are in line with local rates, and the lack of monthly or per-lesson fees is a plus.
Hidden costs
FirstTutors advertises “no hidden costs”. In practice, after the one-time finder’s fee there are no extra charges on the platform. For example, FirstTutors says there is “no fee on top of every hour a tutor teaches”. There are no membership or subscription fees. You only pay the tutor’s rate for lessons (usually by cash or PayPal, see below). The only mandatory cost is that intro fee to see a tutor’s contact. Note that if you change your mind, this fee is not refundable. Several reviews note that once the fee is paid, FirstTutors will not give it back, even if tutoring does not happen. Besides that, there are no cancellation fees listed on the site. If a tutor cancels a session, you work it out privately with them. In summary, as long as you use one tutor per fee, there are no surprise charges – but be sure you want that tutor before paying the fee, since it’s final.
How pricing works
Here is how payments work on FirstTutors. After you choose a tutor and agree to use them, the site will ask you to pay the finder’s fee. This fee is shown in your account header. You can pay it online (by credit card) in the members area. If you cannot pay by card, the FAQs say you can do a bank transfer for the same amount. Once you pay, the tutor’s contact (email/phone) is sent to you. You then contact the tutor directly. First Tutors does not handle lesson payments. You agree with the tutor how to pay them (for example, cash for in-person lessons or PayPal for online lessons). The site suggests tutors mention their preferred payment method. There are no payment plans, subscriptions, or promo codes – you pay per tutor connection. FirstTutors also often runs basic discount campaigns (for example, a new-user promo for the finder’s fee) but these are rare and small. In short, after the one-time fee, all payment is between student and tutor by the method they agree on.
Free Trial
FirstTutors does not offer free trials of tutoring. You cannot book a lesson on credit. Instead, the model is: you browse and contact tutors for free, but you only pay when you decide to hire someone. This decision is final: once you pay the contact fee, you get the details and then start lessons directly. The Australian site explains: you can search and contact tutors at no charge, and pay a small $9.99 fee only once per tutor introduction. In other words, you do not pay anything unless you pick a tutor. But there is no trial session – the fee unlocks the tutor’s info immediately. If you want a free sample, you could talk to a tutor in messages first (free), but you won’t get a lesson until you pay the fee. No “free lesson trial” is provided by FirstTutors.
Refund policy
FirstTutors’ official policy is that the finder’s fee is non-refundable. The site doesn’t explicitly state this in the FAQs, but support responses and user feedback make it clear. For example, a tutor (Saba) wrote that the £19.99 fee a student paid “goes directly to First Tutors” and “no part of this fee was or will be paid to me”. She noted that FirstTutors “decided not to refund” the fee when the student complained. Another student review said exactly this: after lessons turned out to be wrong, “I contacted First Tutors for a refund… They refused to give me my money back”. FirstTutors does mention a “tutor satisfaction guarantee” on its site (meaning they will help if things go badly), but in practice students report that once the intro fee is paid, it is rarely returned. The bottom line: expect that you will not get that fee back if you cancel. However, FirstTutors’ support may offer to help find a replacement tutor under special cases. According to one FAQ, if a tutor doesn’t work out, you can contact support to discuss options. Still, don’t rely on refunds – plan carefully before paying.
FirstTutors Alternatives
Some students look at other tutoring sites either because of fees, subjects, or features. Here are a few alternatives to FirstTutors, including My Engineering Buddy:
- My Engineering Buddy – A tutoring service focused on engineering and advanced courses. It offers 1:1 online tutoring plus homework/assignment help, test prep and lab/project assistance. MEB targets higher-level students in US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf. Its tutors are said to be top-rated and very specialized. The site claims 97% student satisfaction, but also admits its services are “not very cheap”. Pros: Great for engineering topics and homework help (which FirstTutors does not do). Cons: Limited to STEM/advanced subjects and can be expensive. See myengineeringbuddy.com.
- Chegg Tutors – A popular US-based tutor marketplace (part of Chegg). Students pay per minute or by session and can drop in for help anytime. Pros: Very large network of tutors in many subjects, instant help available, subscription plans for homework help. Cons: Requires buying time or subscription; can get costly for frequent lessons. (Chegg also offers Q&A homework help separate from tutoring.)
- Preply – A global platform mostly for language, test prep, and academic tutoring. Tutors set hourly prices and Preply takes a commission. Pros: Large variety of tutors worldwide (especially languages), often lower rates for ESL. Cons: Commission fees make it pricier per lesson than FirstTutors, and less focus on local, in-person tutoring. Users must use Preply’s video lesson interface.
- Wyzant – A US tutoring site with thousands of tutors in many subjects. Students search, pay per hour to tutors. Pros: Wide subject coverage, find local or online tutors. Cons: Tutors set high rates; Wyzant charges tutors a cut of earnings (unlike FirstTutors). No one-time finders fee – you pay per lesson.
- MyTutor (UK) – An online UK tutor marketplace for school and A-level students. Pros: Tutors are vetted and often are university students. Payment per lesson, often cheaper than FirstTutors for some subjects. Cons: Limited to UK syllabus levels, and the format is fully online lessons. FirstTutors offers both online and home tutors, whereas MyTutor is only online.
In general, alternatives differ in how they charge (subscriptions, per lesson, or commissions) and what subjects they cover. FirstTutors stands out by focusing on local home tuition with one-time fees and no lesson commissions. Depending on your needs (e.g. engineering help, language lessons, or instant Q&A), one of the above might be a better fit than FirstTutors.
How it Works?
For Students
Using FirstTutors is easy. First you sign up for free and fill out a profile. Then you can search for tutors by subject, level, and location. The site shows tutor profiles with experience, teaching info, hourly rate, and student feedback. You can send messages to many tutors at no cost and ask about lessons. Once a tutor accepts you and you agree on a lesson plan, FirstTutors will ask you to pay the intro fee. This is a one-off payment (about $10–$35) that unlocks the tutor’s contact details. After paying, you get the tutor’s phone/email and can arrange sessions directly. Lessons happen either in person or online, as you choose. You then pay the tutor for lessons by cash, PayPal, or another agreed method. The site does not handle lesson payments, only the intro fee. In short, students browse, message tutors, pay once to connect, and then learn directly with the tutor.
For Tutors
How to join: Tutors sign up for free by creating a profile with their subjects, experience, and rates. You must provide ID and references. There is no cost to join and advertise on the site. You can teach any hours you want and choose whether to meet students at their home or online.
Earnings: Tutors keep 100% of their earnings. FirstTutors does not charge a commission on hourly rates. (They only charge the student the one-time intro fee, which goes to the company.) You set your own hourly price (in UK it can start from £8 per hour:). Your actual earnings depend on how many students you find and how often you teach.
Schedule: You decide your availability each week. You can teach a few hours or many, on any schedule that suits you. There is no fixed commitment to FirstTutors; it’s all on-demand tutoring. The more hours you teach, the more you earn.
Reviews: After about a month of lessons with a student, FirstTutors asks the student to leave feedback on the tutor’s page. Good reviews help attract more students. You can see your ratings and respond to messages from potential students in your members area.
Apply here: If you want to be a tutor, you can join at the FirstTutors Tutor Registration page. It walks you through setting up your profile.
- Q: Can I set my own rates? Yes. Tutors have full control of their prices. You name your hourly rate, and you keep all of it. FirstTutors takes no cut of lesson fees. Just be aware the site notes a minimum (in UK, it asks tutors to set at least £8/h).
- Q: How much can I earn? Earnings vary by subject and location. In the UK, a tutor’s average rate is around £18 per hour. Top tutors can charge more, especially for advanced subjects. In the US or Gulf, rates might be in line with local private tutoring (for example, $30–$80/hr in math or science). Essentially, your income is your rate × hours taught. More students and higher rates mean more income. Some tutors say they earn well because they don’t pay commissions and get many contacts through the site.
- Q: Are tutors satisfied using FirstTutors? Many tutors like FirstTutors because it offers plenty of leads and no fees. For example, several on the site praised it as a source of “quality leads” and clients. However, as with any platform, experiences vary. One tutor review mentioned a sudden account suspension as a big downside. Overall, reviews suggest FirstTutors is generally fair, but not perfect.
- Q: How does FirstTutors compare to My Engineering Buddy for tutors? FirstTutors is broad: tutors in any subject can join. MEB, by contrast, hires only engineering and advanced-subject tutors. MEB claims to pay top tutors well and to have competitive compensatio}. If you are an engineering tutor, MEB might focus your talents. If your subjects are non-engineering, MEB may not be a fit. FirstTutors covers both STEM and non-STEM, but its pay depends on your own rates and how many students you get.
- Q: What if I have a problem with a student or payment? FirstTutors provides support via email/phone 7 days a week and aims to respond quickly (often within 1 hour during business hours). If a student doesn’t show up or has an issue, FirstTutors suggests you both contact support to help sort it out. They have a tutor satisfaction guarantee in theory (helping you find a new student if needed). By contrast, MEB’s support is said to be quite responsive via chat or WhatsApp. In practice, FirstTutors’ user reviews on support are mixed – some tutors say it was slow or unhelpful in tough cases.
FirstTutors Company Information
FirstTutors is run by EduNation Ltd, based in Preston, UK. It was founded in 2005. The site was one of the first of its kind, and its founders aimed to make tutoring more open and fair. Today the company says its mission is to make the tuition market “more open and merit-based, meaning anyone can find tutors without paying high agency fees.
FirstTutors has grown into a large platform. It reports having over 60,000 tutors in the UK alone. (It also has dedicated sites for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK) The tutors cover a very wide range of subjects – from core school subjects like Maths and English to niche areas like art, music and languages. Students can find help for primary, secondary, college, university and adult learning levels. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the site supports both home tuition and online lessons. Key features include ID and reference checks on all tutors for safety and a feedback system so students can post reviews. The company is now part of Edunation, which is a subsidiary of Chegg (a major education company), giving it strong backing.
USP of FirstTutors
FirstTutors sets itself apart with a straightforward model and scale. Its main claim is that you can pick your own tutor and only pay a single intro fee. This means no extra commissions or hidden hourly fees – one reviewer noted this means better long-term prices. The site also highlights its huge tutor network (60K+ in UK) and easy matching tools. Other USPs: it offers 7-day support, a secure members area, and it appeared in major media (BBC, Guardian, etc.) which boosts its reputation. In practice, these claims largely hold up: many users do find it cheaper than agencies and appreciate the transparency. Tutors enjoy keeping full pay and having many leads. The platform’s large database means students often find multiple tutors for their needs. All in all, FirstTutors’ self-service, low-fee approach is its unique angle, and many reviews support that it delivers on that promise.
Drawbacks of FirstTutors
No service is perfect, and FirstTutors has some downsides. The big one is the payment system. As users noted, you must pay before getting tutor details, which some find annoying. The one-time fee is non-refundable, so if things go wrong you can lose money. Another issue is quality control: in rare cases the tutor’s profile may not match their skills, leading to disputes. Customer support gets mixed reviews too – while FT promises quick help, some users said support fell short when problems arise. Finally, some parents find tutor rates or fees “a bit steep”. In summary, drawbacks include the strict non-refund policy, occasional mismatched tutors, and potential hassles with fees – all things to watch out for if using the site.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
Focus: FirstTutors is a broad tutor directory for many subjects, while My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is all about engineering and advanced courses. MEB offers one-on-one tutoring like FT, but also does homework and assignment help (writing lab reports, projects, etc.). If you need help in mechanical, civil, electrical or computer engineering, MEB has tutors targeted for that. FirstTutors has plenty of math and science tutors too, but they may not offer full homework solutions.
Quality & Cost: Both claim high quality. FirstTutors vets tutors with ID checks and collects feedback. MEB also hires “top tutors” and boasts 97% satisfaction. However, MEB admits its services are expensive. FirstTutors’ one-off fee is relatively low, but tutors set their rates individually (often lower than specialized services). MEB likely charges more per hour or assignment, reflecting its niche focus.
Which is better? For broad tutoring needs (many subjects, local or online), FirstTutors wins on variety and flexible pricing. For engineering students needing deep help or someone to do assignments, My Engineering Buddy may be a better fit, even if it costs more. In short, FT is great for general tutoring with no commission fees, while MEB is strong for specialized engineering help.
Customer Support and Policies
FirstTutors offers support by email and phone every day. It says its office hours are 8am–7pm daily, aiming to reply “within one hour” Users can contact support if any issue arises (tutor change, technical glitch, etc.). The company does have a “satisfaction guarantee” in theory, meaning they will try to help if a tutor doesn’t work out. In practice, reviews suggest response quality varies: some students got quick help, while one tutor reported their support experience was “unacceptable” when an account was suspended. The refund policy is strict – as noted above, the intro fee is usually not returned if you cancel or a tutor drops out.
Compared to MEB, FirstTutors’ support is more formal. MEB operates on WhatsApp and chat, which many students find fast and personal. MEB’s long history and word-of-mouth success (almost all inquiries come by referral suggest its support is solid. On refunds, MEB’s service agreement is private; it likely also keeps fees once a tutor is booked. In summary, FT has official round-the-clock support, but mixed feedback, while MEB emphasizes a hands-on, personal support model. Students should weigh which style suits them.
Global Reach and Localization
FirstTutors operates in many countries. It has region-specific websites for the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and more. Each site shows tutors in local currency and often nearby locations. The platform is only in English, but tutors in non-English-speaking countries sometimes mention language skills. FirstTutors also lets you find tutors for in-person home lessons or online ones anywhere. Its mobile-friendly site works globally.
My Engineering Buddy also serves multiple regions, but more narrowly. The company specifically lists students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia. MEB uses English as well and provides 24/7 support via chat. Compared to FirstTutors, MEB is less about local face-to-face help and more about online service. FT’s broad reach means you can use it almost anywhere in the English-speaking world, while MEB focuses on markets with demand for engineering help.
FirstTutors’s future plans
FirstTutors has shown interest in technology and growth. It posted articles about artificial intelligence in education, noting that many tutors already use AI tools. For example, a 2023 blog by FirstTutors reported that nearly 25% of tutors use AI for research and 15% for lesson planning. The company says it “believes AI in education will continue to evolve” and sees AI as a “valuable asset” to support learning. This suggests FirstTutors may integrate AI tools or recommendations in the future. Additionally, FirstTutors is part of the EduNation/Nerdy group (related to Chegg), which is actively expanding educational services. While the site itself hasn’t announced new features, being backed by a major edtech firm hints at future improvements. For now, their focus seems to be on combining human tutors with modern tech to “enhance” education.
FAQs About FirstTutors
- Q: Is FirstTutors a legitimate tutoring website? Yes. FirstTutors is widely used in the UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. It verifies tutors with ID checks. Its own review page shows thousands of ratings (4.6/5) from real users. Students and parents generally find it reliable, and it’s even partnered with media like the BBC and Guardian. For comparison, My Engineering Buddy is also real and respected, especially for engineering help.
- Q: How does pricing work compared to My Engineering Buddy?On FirstTutors you pay only a one-time introduction fee (around $10–$35) to get a tutor’s contact, and then pay the tutor directly each hour. There are no hidden fees. By contrast, My Engineering Buddy charges for each session or assignment. MEB notes its help is high-quality but “not very cheap”. In short, FirstTutors fees are usually lower overall (and optional per tutor), whereas MEB’s specialized services cost more but are tailored to engineering courses.
- Q: Can tutors set their own rates, and how much can they make? Yes, tutors always set their own rates on both sites. On FirstTutors, tutors keep 100% of what students pay:. For example, in the UK the average tutor rate is about £18/Tutors earn = rate × hours taught. On My Engineering Buddy, tutors also set their prices. MEB is known to pay competitive rates because it hires experienced engineering tutors. In general, experienced tutors in STEM can command higher rates on both platforms. The more your rate and hours, the more you earn.
- Q: Are students generally happy with FirstTutors and My Engineering Buddy? Most students like both. FirstTutors has many positive testimonials – one parent said their child is “excelling” after using a FirstTutors tutor. Overall user reviews on FirstTutors’ site are 4.6/5. My Engineering Buddy boasts 5-star student ratings and a 97% satisfaction rate:. In general, users find FirstTutors great for general tutoring needs (it’s easy to find many tutors) and are pleased with results. MEB users praise its expertise in engineering. Satisfaction often depends on finding the right tutor through the site.
- Q: How do refunds and cancellations work on FirstTutors vs My Engineering Buddy? If you cancel after paying on FirstTutors, the intro fee is usually not refunded. Customers have reported FirstTutors refusing to return the fee even if the tutor was not as advertised. Tutors on FirstTutors suggest contacting support if a problem arises, but refunds are rare. My Engineering Buddy’s policies aren’t fully public, but because they are a tutoring company (rather than just a listing site), they might handle issues case-by-case. In any case, always double-check details before paying to avoid needing a refund.
- Q: Does FirstTutors use AI or have new tech features planned? The rise of artificial intelligence in education and tuition | First Tutors. Many of its tutors use tools like ChatGPT for lesson prep. The company suggests it will continue evolving with technology. My Engineering Buddy focuses on one-on-one help and hasn’t announced AI tools. For now, tutoring on both is driven by humans, but expect tech tools (like scheduling apps or tutoring bots) to play a bigger role soon.
Conclusion
FirstTutors is a well-established tutoring network with strengths and weaknesses. It gives students a huge choice of tutors, clear pricing (one fee, no commissions) and a user-friendly site. Many users have good experiences: tutors appreciate keeping full pay, and parents often find good local tutors. On the downside, the one-time fee can be seen as steep by some, and it is not refunded even if problems arise. The platform’s support has room to improve in rare cases. For students focused on STEM, especially engineering, My Engineering Buddy is a smart alternative. MEB offers expert help and homework support that FirstTutors does not, and users rate it very highly. In short, FirstTutors is strong for general tutoring needs, but if you need specialized engineering help or assignment assistance, My Engineering Buddy may be the better choice. Overall, we recommend comparing both: use FirstTutors for broad, no-commission tutoring, or MEB for in-depth engineering help.
