How to Make Money as a Student in South Africa

How to Make Money as a Student in South Africa

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Being a student in South Africa comes with many challenges—rising tuition fees, expensive textbooks, and the constant pressure to balance study and life. However, one of the biggest struggles most students face is financial independence. Whether you’re trying to cover transport, buy data, or simply treat yourself occasionally, making money while studying is not just possible—it’s necessary.

Fortunately, in 2025, there are more ways than ever for students in South Africa to earn money legally and flexibly without dropping out or compromising academics. Here’s your complete guide to realistic ways to make money as a student in South Africa.

1. Tutoring High School or University Subjects

If you’re doing well in a subject, use that knowledge to tutor others. You can offer lessons to high school learners in your community or other university students who need help.

How to start:

  • Register on tutoring platforms like Teach Me 2 or Superprof

  • Offer private tutoring via WhatsApp groups or school forums

  • Create simple flyers and distribute them around campus

Subjects in demand: Math, English, Accounting, Physics, Computer Science

2. Sell Notes, Summaries or Study Guides

Many students are willing to pay for quality notes and past paper solutions. If your notes are clear, organized, and exam-focused, this can be a steady side hustle.

Where to sell:

  • Telegram or WhatsApp groups

  • Gumtree Student Section

  • Campus Facebook groups

  • Upload to websites like Stuvia or StudySoup

Make sure your notes are your own and not copied from textbooks or other students.

3. Start a Campus Delivery Service

If your campus has student residences or a busy cafeteria, consider offering a delivery service for:

  • Food/takeaways

  • Toiletries and groceries

  • Printing and stationery

Startup items: A bike, WhatsApp ordering system, basic poster advertising

Bonus: Charge a delivery fee per item or bundle.

4. Freelancing Online

If you have skills in writing, editing, graphic design, coding, or translating, you can work online for global clients. All you need is a laptop and decent internet.

Top platforms:

  • Fiverr

  • Upwork

  • Freelancer

  • PeoplePerHour

Examples:

  • Write blog posts

  • Design CVs

  • Translate documents

  • Transcribe audio

It may take time to build a profile, but it pays well long-term.

5. Start a Small Business on Campus

Entrepreneurial students can make money offering essential products/services, like:

  • Snacks (chips, sweets, juices)

  • Mobile accessories (earphones, power banks)

  • Haircuts or braiding services

  • Nail painting or lashes

Use social media or word of mouth to build a base. This is especially effective in student residences.

6. Affiliate Marketing on Social Media

You don’t need thousands of followers to make money with affiliate marketing. If you can post regularly and engage with your audience, you can promote products and earn commissions.

How to start:

  • Sign up for Takealot, AdMarula, or ClickBank

  • Share links in your bio, stories, or captions

  • Promote student-friendly items (e.g. power banks, headphones, tech gadgets)

Pro tip: Focus on trust, not just sales.

7. YouTube or TikTok Content Creation

Students with strong personalities or unique insights can turn content creation into income. Share your daily life, student tips, or funny videos and build a following.

Monetization Options:

It takes time, but consistent content leads to real income.

8. Sell Clothes, Shoes, or Gadgets

Most students have unused items at home or in their rooms. Sell them to make money quickly and free up space.

Sell via:

  • Facebook Marketplace

  • Yaga

  • WhatsApp status

  • Instagram stories

Also consider reselling items you buy secondhand or in bulk.

9. Work Part-Time (On-Campus or Nearby)

Some universities offer part-time jobs for students:

  • Library assistant

  • Research helper

  • Event coordinator

  • Campus ambassador

Alternatively, check nearby restaurants, shops, or call centers for part-time positions. Be sure it doesn’t interfere with your studies.

10. Offer Laundry, Ironing, or Cleaning Services

In large student residences, laundry and room cleaning services are often in high demand.

You can charge a small fee and offer:

  • Laundry pick-up and delivery

  • Ironing of uniforms or clothes

  • Weekly cleaning of rooms or shared spaces

This is a good hustle for organized students with a bit of extra time.

11. Do Online Surveys and Microtasks

While not highly profitable, online surveys and small digital tasks can earn you airtime, data, or vouchers.

Best sites in SA:

  • Swagbucks

  • Toluna

  • Clickworker

  • Ysense

  • Mobrog

You can do them between lectures or before bed.

12. Sell Digital Products

If you’re good at graphic design, art, or writing, sell your work as:

  • Resume templates

  • Canva designs

  • Instagram post templates

  • Digital planners or journals

Use platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Paystack to collect payments.

13. Photography or Videography

Have a good phone or camera? Offer photo or video services for:

  • Graduation shoots

  • Birthdays and events

  • Content creators or influencers

Edit photos using free apps like Lightroom Mobile or VSCO and promote your work via Instagram or TikTok.

14. Blogging

If you enjoy writing, start a blog on topics like:

  • Student life

  • Budgeting and saving

  • Tech and gadgets

  • Study tips

You can monetize through:

  • Google AdSense

  • Affiliate links

  • Paid guest posts

Use WordPress or Blogger to get started for free.

15. Rent Out Your Skills

Are you good at fixing phones, installing software, or doing hair? Students are always looking for someone nearby with a skill.

Advertise yourself as the go-to person for:

  • Fixing electronics

  • Installing programs (MS Office, antivirus, etc.)

  • Haircuts or beauty services

  • DJing or event setup

Time Management Tips for Student Hustlers

  1. Prioritize Academics: Your studies come first—choose side hustles that fit your schedule.

  2. Use a Calendar App: Keep track of deadlines, classes, and hustle time.

  3. Start Small: Begin with just one hustle before adding more.

  4. Avoid Scams: Never pay upfront for “jobs” or “opportunities.”

  5. Balance Rest & Work: Hustle, but don’t burn out.

Final Thoughts

Making money as a student in South Africa is not only possible—it’s empowering. Whether you choose tutoring, freelancing, reselling, or content creation, each small step brings you closer to financial freedom and confidence. Remember, you don’t have to wait for graduation to build a secure future—start where you are, with what you have.

In 2025, there’s never been a better time for South African students to hustle smart and earn their own way.