Your guide to a great first lesson.
From finding the right tutor to topping up and joining your lesson — here’s how Ostazi works.
Online or in person. One clear step at a time.
From browsing to your first lesson.
Follow the steps in order, or jump straight to the part you need.
Find your tutor
Browse by subject and level, then compare hourly rates, teaching languages, reviews, and online or in-person options.
- Read the biography and check that your curriculum is covered.
- Check session types and location before choosing.
Recharge your credits
Open My Credits from your student dashboard and choose Recharge Credits. Add enough for your lesson and any new tutor contact.
- Pay through InstaPay or choose Card / Wallet. Follow the instructions for your selected method.
- InstaPay requests need payment verification. Submitting a request alone does not add credits.
- Review the recharge amount, service fee, and total before paying.
Example recharge
- Credits added
- 100 EGP
- Service fee (14%)
- 14 EGP
- You pay
- 114 EGP
Connect & request a lesson
Starting a new tutor conversation costs 5 EGP in credits. Discuss your goals, then choose the subject, session type, duration, and available time on their profile.
- Review the date, time, and lesson price before sending the request.
- A request is not a confirmed lesson. Credits are deducted when the tutor accepts.
Join, learn & keep progressing
Track the booking status in your dashboard. For online lessons, open the session from your booking; for in-person lessons, agree the meeting details with your tutor.
- Prepare your questions and materials before the lesson.
- Need a change? Check the booking’s available actions and cancellation terms before proceeding.
- After the lesson, leave an honest review and discuss your next session.
Bring a goal. Leave with a plan.
A tutor can help more when they know what you are working towards. Share the details before the lesson so you can spend the time learning, not explaining the basics.
- Write down the topic, your level and what you find difficult. Include your curriculum or exam board where relevant.
- Send the relevant exercise or learning material and tell the tutor about any upcoming deadline.
- Check the confirmed booking time, lesson format and meeting details. For online lessons, test your connection and microphone.
- Keep a few questions ready and leave time at the end to agree what to practise next.
A useful first message
Example to adapt
Hi! I’m studying IGCSE maths and need help with quadratic equations. My exam is in November. I’d like an online lesson focused on solving past-paper questions. Do you teach this syllabus, and what should I prepare?
This is an example, not an actual conversation or a promised outcome. Change the details to match your situation.
Booking a tutor, without the guesswork.
Still need a hand? Our support team can help.
Contact supportHow do I choose the right private tutor?
Start with the subject, level and curriculum you need, then compare the tutor’s experience, teaching language, session types and price. Read the profile rather than choosing on price alone. Ask how they would approach your specific topic and check that their availability fits your schedule before requesting a lesson.
Do online lessons happen inside Ostazi?
Ostazi has built-in meetings for online lessons. Open your confirmed booking to check its joining details. You and your tutor can also agree to use Google Meet or Zoom. Confirm the meeting method in messages beforehand so you both know where to join; do not assume an external link is automatically created.
How can I recharge?
Use Recharge Credits in your student dashboard. Choose InstaPay or Card / Wallet, review the total, and follow the payment instructions. InstaPay transfers require verification.
What fees should I expect?
Recharges start at 100 EGP with a 14% service fee added at recharge. Starting a new tutor conversation costs 5 EGP in credits. Check the displayed total before paying.
When are lesson credits deducted?
When your tutor confirms the booking, not when you send the request. Keep enough credits available and check your booking status before the lesson.
What if my recharge or booking is still pending?
Check which request is pending: an InstaPay recharge needs payment verification, while a lesson request needs the tutor’s acceptance. Check your credit history and booking details before trying again. If a completed payment is missing, contact support with the payment reference; never share your card details, password or one-time code in a message.
Can I cancel or change a lesson?
Open the booking in your student dashboard to see the available actions and review the cancellation terms before confirming a change. Message the tutor as early as possible. The options and any credit refund depend on the booking status and applicable policy; a message alone does not cancel a booking.