Being a student in South Africa can be financially challenging. Between tuition fees, textbooks, transportation, and daily expenses, many students struggle to make ends meet. Fortunately, side hustles offer a flexible way to earn money while continuing your studies.
This article explores side hustles that can boost your income as a student, covering various options that require minimal investment and can be started with little to no experience.
Why Should Students Consider Side Hustles?
Side hustles are a great way to:
- Earn Extra Cash – Cover living expenses, pay for books, or save for future investments.
- Gain Work Experience – Improve your skills and build a strong resume.
- Work Flexibly – Balance work and studies without committing to a full-time job.
- Turn a Passion into Profit – Monetize your hobbies and interests.
- Learn Entrepreneurial Skills – Prepare yourself for future business opportunities.
Best Side Hustles for Students in South Africa
1. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, freelance writing can be a great way to make money. Many businesses, blogs, and websites need content writers.
What You Can Do:
- Write articles, blog posts, or product descriptions.
- Offer copywriting services for businesses.
- Start your own blog and monetize it with ads.
Where to Find Jobs:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- South African Facebook job groups
Tip: Create a portfolio with writing samples to attract clients.
2. Graphic Design & Digital Art
Do you have a creative eye? Graphic design is a high-demand skill that you can turn into a side hustle.
Services You Can Offer:
- Logo and business card design
- Social media post designs
- Flyers and posters
- T-shirt designs
Where to Sell Your Work:
- Fiverr
- Canva (sell templates)
- Instagram (direct clients)
- Printify or Redbubble (sell t-shirts and merch)
Tip: Use free design tools like Canva or GIMP if you don’t have Adobe Photoshop.
3. Social Media Management
Many businesses need help managing their social media pages. If you enjoy posting on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, you can turn it into a money-making side hustle.
What You Will Do:
- Create and schedule posts
- Respond to messages and comments
- Run basic ad campaigns (optional)
- Grow followers for businesses
How to Get Started:
- Offer services to small businesses in your area.
- Showcase your work on your own social media pages.
- Learn social media marketing through free online courses.
Tip: Charge per post or offer monthly management packages.
4. Tutoring & Homework Help
If you’re good at a particular subject, why not help other students? Tutoring is one of the easiest side hustles for students, and it pays well.
Subjects in Demand:
- Mathematics
- English
- Accounting
- Science
Where to Find Students:
- TeachMe2 (South Africa-based tutoring platform)
- SuperProf
- Facebook and WhatsApp groups
Tip: You can also offer homework assistance for younger students at a fee.
5. Selling Second-Hand or Handmade Products
Selling products is a great way to earn extra cash, especially if you have a good eye for trends.
What You Can Sell:
- Second-hand clothes (thrifted items)
- Handmade crafts, jewelry, or accessories
- Digital products like planners or art prints
- Phone accessories or gadgets
Where to Sell:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Takealot (for new products)
Tip: Take high-quality pictures and use social media to market your products.
6. Delivery & Errand Services
With the rise of online shopping, many people need help with deliveries and errands.
How You Can Earn:
- Offer grocery or food delivery services.
- Run errands for busy people (picking up parcels, shopping).
- Sign up as a driver for UberEats or Mr D Food.
Tip: If you don’t have a car, you can do bicycle or walking deliveries in local areas.
Related: 50+ Entry-Level Jobs That Require No Experience for School Leavers
7. Photography & Videography
If you love taking pictures or making videos, you can turn it into a business.
How to Make Money:
- Offer photoshoots (birthdays, graduations, events).
- Edit videos for YouTube creators.
- Sell stock photos online.
Where to Sell Your Work:
- Shutterstock
- Adobe Stock
- Fiverr (video editing)
Tip: If you don’t have a professional camera, start with a smartphone and edit using free apps like Snapseed.
8. Car Washing & Cleaning Services
Starting a car washing service in your community is an easy and profitable side hustle.
Ways to Offer This Service:
- Go door-to-door offering car washing services.
- Set up a pop-up car wash on weekends.
- Offer house cleaning services to busy professionals.
Tip: Offer student discounts or special deals to attract customers.
9. Selling Snacks & Baked Goods
If you love cooking or baking, why not make money from it?
Ideas for a Small Food Business:
- Sell homemade cupcakes, cookies, or cakes.
- Make and sell fast foods like kotas, vetkoek, and sandwiches.
- Sell snacks at school, campus, or local events.
Tip: Offer delivery services to offices and student hostels for more customers.
How to Succeed with Your Side Hustle
- Learn & Improve Your Skills – Use free resources like YouTube, Coursera, and Udemy to learn new skills.
- Create a Strong Online Presence – Use social media to market your services.
- Network & Find Clients – Join Facebook groups, WhatsApp business networks, and online freelancing platforms.
- Price Your Services Competitively – Research market rates and start with affordable prices to attract clients.
- Stay Consistent & Professional – Always deliver quality work and meet deadlines.
The Growing Impact of Gig Economy Jobs in South Africa
Final Thoughts
Starting a side hustle as a student in South Africa is a great way to earn extra income, gain experience, and even build a future career. Whether you’re writing, selling online, or offering services, there are countless ways to make money. The key is to start small, be consistent, and keep improving your skills.
