How to Find Internships as a Student A Step by Step Guide

Side Hustles for South African Students: Make Money While You Study

Being a student in South Africa isn’t easy with rising tuition fees, textbooks, and daily living costs; the pressure to earn money is real. But guess what? You don’t have to wait for your degree to start making cash. In fact, there are plenty of side hustles students can do without dropping out or failing tests.

Here’s a list of the best side hustles for South African students that can help you earn while you learn!

🎓 1. Tutoring Other Students

If you're strong in subjects like Maths, Accounting, English, or Life Sciences, consider tutoring fellow students or high school learners.

• Where to promote: Gumtree, Facebook groups, school notice boards.
• How much you can make: R100 – R250 per hour.
• Tip: Offer group tutoring to make more in less time.

💻 2. Freelancing Online

Freelance platforms allow you to work from your phone or laptop. If you can write, design, translate, or edit videos, this is for you!

• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, People Per Hour.
• What you can do: Logo design, writing CVs, editing, and social media management.
• Tip: Start small, build a portfolio, and grow from there.

📱 3. Become a Social Media Manager

Most small businesses in South Africa need help running their Facebook or Instagram pages. If you're good at creating content, you can charge for managing their social media.

• Earning potential: R500 to R2500 per month per client.
• Tools to learn: Canva, Buffer, Meta Business Suite.

📷 4. Start a YouTube Channel or TikTok Page

Share your student life, tips, fashion, campus hacks, or even comedy. Once you grow an audience, you can earn from ads and brand deals.

• Start-up cost: Just your phone and internet.
• Monetise through: YouTube AdSense, TikTok Creator Fund, sponsorships.

🧠 5. Sell Digital Products

Create and sell:

• Study guides
• CV templates
• E-books (e.g., “How to Pass Matric Maths”)
• Printable planners

Where to sell: Gumroad, Etsy, Payhip, WhatsApp groups.

🖋 6. Blogging

Yes! Blogging still works in 2025 — especially if you focus on topics like student life, bursaries, or job search advice.

• Monetise with: Google AdSense, affiliate links (e.g., Takealot, Loot).
• Tip: Write consistently and learn basic SEO.

💼 7. Campus Ambassador/Promo Jobs

Join programs that pay you to promote brands on your campus or social media. Some even offer free merch and data!

• Look for: MTN Pulse, Nescafé, brands in the Student Village.

🚗 8. Deliveries or Errands

Got a bike or a car? Work part-time with Uber Eats, Mr D, or Bolt Food. If not, consider doing errands for people in your area.

⚠️ Final Tips:

• Don’t let your hustle affect your academic performance.
• Choose one or two that fit your time, skills, and passion.
• Be professional and reliable  word-of-mouth is powerful.