GoStudent is an online tutoring company that offers one-on-one lessons for school and college students. It has been growing since 2016 and now serves millions of families worldwide. Many users say it helped improve grades and confidence, but some report issues with cost and service. This article will review GoStudent’s ratings, prices, and features, and compare it to alternatives.
GoStudent Reviews and Testimonials
GoStudent has thousands of reviews online. For example, its site highlights “14,500+ Trustpilot reviews” with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Trustami (which collects reviews) shows about 20,140 reviews with a 4.53/5 score. Many parents praise the tutors and progress. One analysis notes many users appreciate the “flexibility and personalized approach” and report grade improvements. A blog review also mentions positive points like convenience, recorded lessons, and tailored plans.
However, not all feedback is positive. Some users on forums and review sites complain about customer support and billing. For example, one user wrote that it took “2 months” to cancel and they only got a partial refund, calling it “like scammers”. Others warn that GoStudent “will not cancel your subscription in a timely fashion” and continue charging after cancellation requests. The Google Play app rating is only 3.5/5 (from about 1.2K reviews as of 2025) and includes complaints like bugs and unexpected charges. A review aggregator says GoStudent has mixed feedback: many praise tutor quality and communication, but some express frustration with support and cancelled sessions.
Pros of GoStudent include its high tutor standards and flexibility. The company says only 8% of tutor applicants are accepted. Lessons use an interactive online classroom and are recorded for review. Parents often report that students improve grades and confidence with regular use. Cons include cost and service issues. Some reviews note it is expensive (one blog says private sessions cost about $50 per hour) and lacks personal contact of in-person tutoring. The cancellation process can be difficult, leading to complaints. Overall, GoStudent is a legitimate and fast-growing company, but user experiences vary. Many families find it helpful, but some customers have had trouble with billing and refunds.
Is GoStudent legit? Yes. GoStudent is a real, established company (founded in 2016) that has raised millions in funding and has offices in several countries. It has thousands of reviews with mostly positive ratings. However, like any large service, it has both satisfied users and dissatisfied ones. The majority of published reviews are positive about tutoring quality, but a minority report problems with cancellation and fees. So the company itself is legitimate, but parents should read terms carefully and be aware of the subscription model.
GoStudent Pricing
Pricing Range
GoStudent uses a membership and package model. According to its FAQ, a single lesson costs between £21.99 and £30.49, depending on the chosen membership plan. In US dollars, that is roughly $28 to $39 per session. An educational review says pricing starts around £23.20 per hour. In practice, parents typically choose a monthly plan that includes a set number of lessons. The more lessons in a package, the lower the per-lesson cost. For example, bulk discounts (5-20%) apply for larger packages. A comparison site notes that GoStudent’s membership starts at about £21.99 (~$28) and offers other plans at £24.49 or £30.49. So pricing is on the high side compared to some other tutors.
What Students Say About GoStudent Pricing
Many students and parents appreciate the value of expert tutoring, but some feel GoStudent is pricey. One review blog explicitly calls the cost “the biggest downside”. Paying nearly £22-30 for a single lesson can strain a budget if many lessons are needed. Some families compare GoStudent to cheaper options. On the other hand, fans say you get a top-quality tutor and 24/7 convenience in return. Some users mention that group sessions (not just one-on-one) can reduce cost, and that they see the investment pay off in better grades. Overall, feedback suggests that GoStudent is viewed as a premium service: many parents accept the cost for quality, while others wish it were more affordable.
Hidden Costs
GoStudent claims there are no hidden fees beyond the lesson price. The website emphasizes a secure payment process with “no third party costs”. There is no signup fee beyond paying for the first lesson package. The membership fee covers all materials and tools. However, hidden costs can come from practice: many reviews warn that lessons continue to be charged until membership is properly cancelled (see below). Also, while the company offers discounts for bulk lessons, upgrades or add-ons (like extended access to tutoring resources) can cost extra. As always, be sure to read the terms: the monthly membership auto-renews, and if you want to stop, you must actively cancel. There are no surprise fees on the invoice besides the lesson cost, but customers should watch for extra sessions being billed accidentally.
How GoStudent’s Pricing Works
GoStudent uses a subscription model. After a free trial lesson (see below), you choose a membership plan. Each month you pay for a set number of lessons. You then schedule one-on-one tutoring sessions using the online GoStudent platform. The cost per lesson is determined by your membership tier (those £21.99–£30.49 figures). You can cancel or change plans if needed. A company FAQ describes this as “tailor your package to fit your needs”. The platform also generates lesson summaries and progress reports at no extra charge. Essentially, you pay a flat monthly rate for a bundle of hours, rather than paying per-hour each time. This model means you should commit to a few lessons to get your money’s worth, but it also provides consistency and priority scheduling.
Free Trial
GoStudent offers a free trial lesson to new students. This is one 50-minute class with a tutor, letting you see how the teaching works. You need to register an account and book the free trial via the website or app. If you like it, you then choose a membership plan. If not, you can walk away without cost. The trial lesson is the only free session; after that, you pay as per your chosen plan. (My Engineering Buddy, by comparison, offers a paid trial – $1 for 30 minutes) The trial is risk-free and is commonly mentioned in reviews as a good way to test a tutor.
Refund Policy
Legally, GoStudent follows a 14-day cooling-off rule. You can cancel within 14 days of buying a lesson package and get a full refund. After those two weeks, their terms say you generally cannot reclaim money for unused lessons. In practice, this means if you change your mind quickly, you can get your money back. But once the trial period passes, refunds are unlikely. Some customer reports indicate GoStudent is strict about this: many complaints are from parents who wanted refunds after starting tutoring and didn’t receive them. Always be aware of the deadline. Beyond the 14 days, the policy states that any unused credits are forfeited. If you believe an error was made, GoStudent may review it case by case. In short, the official policy allows a refund only in that first fortnight, so plan carefully when enrolling in lessons.
GoStudent Alternatives
- MyEngineeringBuddy: This service is focused on STEM and homework help. It offers live tutoring via voice chat and whiteboard. Pricing is lower: about $20/hr for K-10, $25/hr for 11-12, $30/hr for college, and $35/hr for advanced (USD). MEB does not require a monthly subscription, and lets students pay per session. It covers many regions (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Gulf countries). Unlike GoStudent, MEB primarily helps with college coursework and online homework; it also offers a 30-minute trial for $1.
- Preply: Preply is a global tutoring marketplace covering languages and many subjects. Students choose from thousands of tutors and pay hourly rates that the tutors set. Prices often range from about $15 to $40 per hour. Preply is known for language learning, but also offers math, science, test prep, etc. It has no subscription – you pay each session individually. It has a large tutor pool of varying quality. This model contrasts with GoStudent’s subscription: Preply gives more flexibility to pick a tutor and schedule, but less certainty of tutor quality.
- Skooli: Skooli offers on-demand tutoring by the minute. It covers 100+ subjects (math, science, languages, test prep). Tutors are usually very qualified (many have college degrees or PhDs). Pricing is about $0.82 per minute (roughly $49 per hour) for pay-as-you-go. It also offers package rates that lower the per-minute cost. Skooli provides a free introductory lesson and satisfaction guarantees (e.g. credits if not happy). Unlike GoStudent’s fixed schedule, Skooli is truly instant help: you can connect with a tutor in minutes. However, because it charges by minute, it may be better for short questions rather than long-term programs.
- Tutor.com: Tutor.com is a US-based tutoring platform (part of Princeton Review) serving K-12, college, and adult learners. It offers 24/7 tutoring in 250+ subjects. Tutors are vetted and may include certified teachers. Students can submit questions or book live sessions, and most report positive outcomes (the site notes a 4.7/5 average rating). Pricing is usually subscription-based or per-session, and varies by plan. Tutor.com is often used by schools, libraries, and university programs. For a parent, it provides high-quality tutors on demand. The downside is cost: it tends to be more expensive and is more structured (often tied to institutional memberships), whereas GoStudent is direct to consumer.
- MyTutor (UK): MyTutor is a UK tutoring service popular for GCSE and A-Level prep. It pairs students with UK-based tutors (often graduates or top university students). Tutors set their own hourly rates (around £22–£55 per hour). There is no subscription; students pay per lesson. MyTutor offers a short free meet-and-greet session (15 minutes) to choose the right tutor. This contrasts with GoStudent’s membership plan and free one-on-one trial. MyTutor covers all school subjects and some university support.
- Khan Academy: This is a free alternative (though not live tutoring). Khan Academy provides thousands of video lessons and practice exercises in math, science, and other subjects. It has no tutors, but its structured lessons can help self-learners improve skills at no cost. Students may use Khan Academy to study on their own schedule. It’s best as a supplement or for self-study. GoStudent, in contrast, offers live help – so Khan Academy is very low-cost but less personalized.
How it Works
For Students
Students or parents start by creating a GoStudent account. GoStudent may ask questions to match a student to a tutor. Then the student books a free trial lesson with a tutor to see how it goes. After that, students pay for a subscription plan of lessons. Each lesson is a live 1:1 video class using GoStudent’s GoClass platform (with whiteboard and chat). Students can log in and pick a time slot; the platform shows available tutors based on the chosen subject. For example, the GoStudent website says to log in, select “Tutor selection,” and then pick a tutor and time from the list. Classes can be done from anywhere with internet. After each lesson, the tutor writes a summary of what was learned. Parents can review these summaries and see progress. The scheduling is flexible – you can cancel or reschedule if needed, as long as you follow the rules. In short: you sign up, choose subjects and times, meet your tutor online, and repeat until you cancel or finish your plan.
For Tutors
GoStudent hires independent tutors. To become one, a tutor fills out an online application on their site. Applicants must be at least 18 and well-spoken. Only a small percentage (about 8%) are accepted. Accepted tutors create profiles listing their subjects and education. Tutors then set their schedule. They teach from home, use the GoClass classroom, and work through the student’s material. GoStudent provides an AI lesson-planning tool to help tutors prepare. Tutors are paid for each lesson they teach. According to GoStudent, tutors “become your own boss,” choose hours freely, and help students improve grades. To apply, visit the GoStudent site’s tutor page or click become a tutor. GoStudent handles finding students for you, so tutors focus on teaching. In summary, tutors apply online, get vetted, then teach lessons at agreed times on the platform.
GoStudent Company Information
USP of GoStudent
GoStudent’s unique selling points are personalized online tutoring and technology tools. It offers one-on-one lessons in 30+ subjects and covers K-12 topics (and is expanding into university-level support). Its strengths include a strict tutor selection (only top 8% pass) and an interactive classroom with whiteboard, summaries, and an AI tutor (“Amelia”). GoStudent provides a dashboard for parents to track progress and access recordings. They also use AI in recruiting (an “AI-based diagnosis test” for new tutors). The site advertises high success: 3 in 4 students improve by up to 3 grades. The service is available globally in many languages. In short, GoStudent sells itself on quality tutors, tailored lesson plans, and advanced learning tools.
Drawbacks of GoStudent
On the downside, GoStudent can be expensive and less personal than in-home tutoring. Private lessons cost around £22–30 each (higher for college level). Some customers find the price too high for their budget. Because it is fully online, there is no in-person connection, which some families miss. Some users also say the platform interface can be glitchy (as reflected in the low mobile app rating). A major complaint is billing: many parents report issues canceling subscriptions and getting refunds. Others say support can be slow to respond. Finally, GoStudent operates on a membership plan which means you must keep paying monthly; for a single lesson or short-term help, this may not be ideal. These drawbacks appear in reviews as warnings to carefully read terms and monitor payments.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
Compared to MyEngineeringBuddy, GoStudent is a more formal service with higher prices. GoStudent works through an app and formal lesson scheduling, while MEB uses WhatsApp and email and offers help faster. GoStudent’s cost per lesson is about £22–30 (~$28–$39), whereas MEB’s rates start around $20–30 (USD) per hour. GoStudent requires a subscription, while MEB lets students pay per session without commitment. GoStudent has tutors for all school subjects and a newer college program, while MEB focuses on college-level STEM and homework support. MEB even has a $1 trial for 20 minutes, whereas GoStudent gives one full free lesson. In terms of reach, both serve the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. GoStudent’s platform is more polished with recorded lessons and progress tracking, but MEB is often seen as cheaper and more convenient for quick homework help. Each has pros: GoStudent is backed by a big company and invests in technology, while MEB offers lower prices and flexible access.
Customer Support and Policies
GoStudent offers customer support via live chat on its website. Support is available every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time). The chat lets you ask questions about lessons, billing, or technical issues. Outside these hours, you can email or use an FAQ page. According to reviews, support is hit-or-miss: some find answers quickly, others wait a long time for replies. Policy-wise, GoStudent’s terms give a 14-day right of withdrawal (full refund) if you cancel a contract within two weeks. After that, credits are not refunded. You must cancel by email or form (no automatic cancellation online). Many unhappy customers mention this policy, as they tried to cancel after 14 days and did not get money back. In summary, GoStudent follows standard e-commerce rules (14-day cooling-off). Its support is available during business hours but has gotten mixed reviews for responsiveness.
Global Reach and Localization
GoStudent is based in Europe but serves students worldwide. It started in Austria and quickly expanded through Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, and beyond. By 2021 it had launched in multiple European countries and was hiring to expand into 15 countries. Now it also operates in the US, Canada, Australia, and several Middle East countries (UAE, Kuwait, etc.) to serve English-speaking markets. The platform supports English and several other languages (there are country-specific sites in German, French, etc.). It claims to have supported over 10 million families globally. In contrast, MyEngineeringBuddy also serves many of these countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Gulf states). Both aim at international reach, but GoStudent is positioning itself as a global brand with local teams. Its lessons follow local curricula (e.g. GCSE in UK, A-Levels, US grades). Overall, GoStudent has a broad international presence and local options for major developed regions.
GoStudent’s Future Plans (AI and More)
GoStudent is investing in new technology. It already uses AI to improve tutoring: for example, they have an AI-based test to match and vet tutors. Their platform includes an “AI tutor” named Amelia, which students can use to get instant answers outside of class. Tutors also get an AI lesson-planning tool to help them prepare. Looking ahead, GoStudent likely plans to expand these tools (e.g. more AI personalization during lessons). The press also notes that GoStudent is scaling up globally (aiming for 15 countries and 800 employees by end of 2021). In short, the company is growing fast and adding AI features for both students and tutors. We can expect more automated study help and data-driven insights in the future.
FAQs About GoStudent
1. What is GoStudent? GoStudent is an online tutoring platform founded in 2016 by Felix Ohswald. It connects students (from age 6 through college) with private tutors for 1-on-1 video lessons in core subjects like math, science, English, etc. The goal is to boost grades and confidence through personalized lessons.
2. Is GoStudent legitimate? Yes, GoStudent is a real, well-funded company. It operates in many countries and has a high volume of reviews (over 10,000 on Trustpilot with ~4.8/5 rating). Many students and parents report genuine academic improvements. However, as with any service, experiences vary and there are some complaints about service.
3. How much does GoStudent cost? The price depends on your plan. Per lesson, costs are about £21.99–£30.49 (roughly $28–$39) depending on membership. You pay monthly for a package of lessons. Group sessions, if available, are cheaper. Overall it is considered a premium (higher-cost) tutoring option.
4. Is there a free trial? Yes, GoStudent offers one free trial lesson for new students. This means you can try a 1-hour class at no charge. If you like it, you then buy a membership. No credit card is charged for that first free lesson.
5. How do I cancel GoStudent? You must contact customer support to cancel. There is no automatic online cancel button for subscriptions. You typically send an email or message to support or use the contact form. According to the official terms, you have a 14-day window to cancel for any reason. After 14 days, the monthly payments are non-refundable. Note: many parents report it can be difficult to cancel and get a refund if you miss that 14-day period.
6. Can I get a refund if I change my mind? Only within 14 days of purchase. The law gives a two-week “cooling-off” period. GoStudent’s policy says you can terminate during these 14 days and get a full refund. After this period, the contract is binding and unused lessons cannot be refunded. Customers should be aware of this cutoff to avoid losing money.
7. What ages and subjects does it cover? GoStudent mostly covers K-12 school subjects (math, physics, English, etc.) including British GCSEs, A-Levels and US grade levels. They say they are expanding to university-level subjects as well. So currently it’s ideal for primary and secondary students, with some support for high school and beyond.
8. How qualified are the tutors? GoStudent claims to have a strict vetting process. Only about 8% of applicants pass their selection test. Tutors are often experienced teachers or graduates. However, some reviews say experience varies. Always check a tutor’s background and trial a lesson to see if they are a good fit.
9. How does GoStudent compare to MyEngineeringBuddy? They are quite different. GoStudent is a paid membership service mainly for school tutoring, while MyEngineeringBuddy (MEB) is cheaper per hour and focuses on STEM homework help, often for college students. GoStudent requires monthly payment but includes a trial lesson. MEB lets you pay per session with no subscription and even offers a $1 trial for new students. GoStudent has a polished app and video classroom; MEB uses WhatsApp/email and audio calls. In short, GoStudent is more structured and higher cost, whereas MEB is more on-demand and cost-effective.
10. What are the customer support hours? GoStudent has live chat support every day from 9am to 6pm local time. You can ask questions about lessons or billing during these hours. Outside that, you can email them or check the FAQ online. Some users say the support is helpful, but others have waited days for answers.
11. Does GoStudent use technology or AI? Yes. GoStudent uses AI for some features. They have an AI-based tutor called “Amelia” that students can use for quick questions. They also use AI in their tutor vetting (an AI test to select good tutors). Tutors get an AI tool to help plan lessons. So, technology and AI are a big part of their offering.
12. Are there any hidden fees? GoStudent says no hidden fees – the price you pay covers everything. Their platform notes “no third party costs” in payments. In reality, parents should watch out for auto-renewal: if you forget to cancel, you might be charged for another month. But apart from that, there are no surprise costs beyond the agreed lesson price.
13. What is GoStudent’s refund policy? As above, a full refund is possible only if you cancel within 14 days. After that, no refunds for unused lessons. If you have issues with a lesson, GoStudent says you can request credit from the tutor. In practice, many users report that getting refunds or credits can be hard, so the safest approach is to use the 14-day cancellation right if needed.
14. Are lessons recorded? Yes. Every lesson is automatically recorded and made available to the student and parent. GoStudent highlights that this lets you replay any lesson anytime. This is a useful feature for review and ensures that materials are not lost.
15. How do I sign up as a tutor? You can apply on the GoStudent website. They have a tutor application form (see “Become a tutor” on the site). You fill in your info and subjects, and GoStudent reviews your credentials. If accepted, you start tutoring through the platform. According to GoStudent, they will even find students for you after you sign up.
16. What are some Google-popular queries about GoStudent? Common questions include “Is GoStudent legit?”, “GoStudent reviews”, “GoStudent price”, and “How to cancel GoStudent”. This article covers those. (In summary: many find it a helpful service, it costs about £22–30 per lesson, and cancellation must follow the 14-day refund rule.)
17. Does GoStudent work for college students? GoStudent has mostly been aimed at K-12, but it is adding more college-level subjects. The site says it is “expanding [its] offering for university students”. So while it is mainly used for school tutoring now, it is likely to fully support college courses soon. MyEngineeringBuddy remains the more established choice for current college coursework.
18. What alternatives should I consider? Aside from MyEngineeringBuddy, other options include tutor marketplaces like Preply (self-serve tutor selection) or Skooli (pay-by-minute help), or large services like Tutor.com. For free study, Khan Academy is an alternative (no tutor, just instructional videos). Each has different strengths in price, availability, and format, so choose based on your needs.
Conclusion
GoStudent is a major online tutoring service with strong parent reviews and advanced tech. It offers top-notch one-on-one lessons and has many satisfied students. Its strengths are personalized teaching, an AI-powered platform, and a global reach. However, it is relatively expensive and has drawn criticism for its cancellation policy and support. For families who want structured, quality tutoring and are willing to pay for it, GoStudent can be a good choice. Those on a budget or needing short-term help might look at alternatives like MyEngineeringBuddy or Preply. In the end, GoStudent is a legitimate service that delivers results for many students, but users should understand the pricing and policies before subscribing.
