How To Become A University Tutor In South Africa & Requirements
As a student or graduate who excels academically and enjoys helping others, becoming a university tutor could be a great way to improve your skills and gain experience.
Sometimes universities will look for students to become tutors to help students with their subjects, assignments, tutorials and much more. This could often be a role offered to postgraduates, high achieving undergraduates and graduates.
Below we have outlined how to become a university tutor, what is required and where you can find tutoring roles.
1. What Is A University Tutor?
A university tutor is someone who can help students understand academic subjects.
Depending on your department and role as a tutor, your duties may include:
Helping students understand complex topics.
One-on-one or group tutorials.
Help students prepare for tests and exams.
Support with academic tasks and assignments.
Support students during practical tasks.
Give feedback on academic tasks when needed.
Keep track of attendance and report back to the relevant lecturer.
Most tutors work as part of a team of lecturers or academic departments.
2. What Qualifications Do You Need?
This depends on what university, faculty and subject you are looking at.
Sometimes students may qualify for tutoring roles if they are:
An undergraduate who has high academic grades.
A postgraduate with knowledge of the subject.
A graduate with a qualification in the subject.
Have tutoring or mentoring experience.
Some departments will prefer those who have completed an honours degree or are studying for a postgraduate.
For example, the University of KwaZulu-Natal had a tutoring role available for History and Tourism and required applicants to have:
Completed an honour degree in a relevant subject.
Registered for a Masters or PhD.
Knowledge of the subject.
High academic performance.
This shows it is best to check what is required by each university.
3. What Skills Do You Need?
Whilst having knowledge of the subject is important, good communication and interpersonal skills are very important to be a successful tutor.
Useful skills include:
Communication – be able to explain complex information in an easy to understand manner.
Patience – students may learn at different paces. A good tutor should be patient and happy to explain concepts multiple times.
Time Management – you may have other commitments to juggle.
Problem Solving – you should be able to help students understand their mistakes and solve complex questions.
Knowledge – you should have a good understanding of the subject or modules you want to tutor.
Professionalism – tutors should have respect for students, follow university guidelines and keep academic boundaries.
4. What Qualifications Are Needed?
Not all universities will require the same qualification.
Some may look for high achieving undergraduate students whilst others may require you to have an honour degree or be registered for postgraduate.
For example:
Mathematics tutors may require you to have high grades in relevant maths modules.
Accounting tutors may require you to have a high academic performance.
Science tutors may require you to have relevant qualifications or experience.
Language tutors may require you to have strong writing and communication skills.
Be sure to check if there are any specific qualifications required for the tutoring role.
5. Where Can I Find University Tutor Roles In South Africa?
Universities may have different ways to advertise tutoring roles. Some will have pages dedicated to vacancies whilst others will have them listed within their faculties/ departments or student support.
Search for roles on:
Vacancy Pages – Check the official vacancies page on the university you are studying at or wish to work at.
Faculty/ Departments – Speak to your faculty to see if there are any tutoring roles available for your subject.
Student Support Centres – Some institutions will employ students to assist with academic development, writing centres or peer learning.
Career Offices – Speak to the Career Services office to see if there are any student roles available to assist with academics.
Make sure to check adverts regularly as some may only be available for a specific semester or academic year.
6. How To Apply For A University Tutor Role
To apply for a tutoring role follow the below steps:
Step 1: Choose your strongest subject
Choose a subject or module you are good at academically and know enough about to help others.
Step 2: Search for roles
Check the official vacancies page on your university. Check any announcements within your faculty/ department.
Step 3: Check the requirements
See what is required for the role in terms of your academic performance, qualifications, experience and anything else.
Step 4: Create a CV
Create a professional CV showing your qualifications, academic achievements, relevant modules, skills and previous tutoring experience.
Step 5: Gather documents
Depending on what the advert says you may need to attach your academic transcript, certified qualifications, proof of registration, ID and any other documents.
Step 6: Apply
Carefully follow the instructions for applying and send your documents via the correct email address or through the universities recruitment portal.
Step 7: Prepare for an interview
If you are shortlisted be prepared to explain your knowledge of the subject and how you would help a student understand a complex topic.
Some institutions may ask you to do a short teaching demo.
7. Where Can I Find Tutor Roles?
Below are some official university websites you can look at:
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) – Student Jobs Page with information on roles such as writing centre assistants.
https://www.mut.ac.za/students/student-jobs/
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Check university announcements and vacancies for tutor roles within departments.
https://www.ukzn.ac.za/
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Check the official vacancies page.
https://www.tut.ac.za/vacancies/
This are just examples of where you can look. Be sure to check the latest adverts to see if they have any vacant roles.
8. Can Tutoring Help My Career?
Yes, it can help you gain some valuable professional skills.
This can improve your communication, leadership, organisation and problem solving skills.
It can also give you experience in providing academic support.
Different institutions will have different tutoring roles. Some will be paid whilst others may be part of peer support or volunteer roles. Always check what the role entails, hours and pay.
FAQs
Can Undergraduates Become Tutors?
Yes, some universities and departments will consider undergraduates who perform well academically. This will vary from institution to institution.
Are Tutors Paid?
Some tutoring roles will pay you or give you a stipend whilst others may be unpaid or part of a student support programme. Be sure to check the advert.
Do I Need Any Experience?
Not always, some will employ those with knowledge of the subject. However having previous tutoring experience can be beneficial.
Where Should I Apply?
Start by checking the official vacancies page on your university, faculty or academic department.
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