Let’s face it: being a student is expensive. Between paying for textbooks, accommodation, daily transport, and a little entertainment (we see you, Friday night plans), money disappears faster than free Wi-Fi on campus. For students juggling university life, a side hustle isn’t just a way to make ends meet — it’s a way to build skills, gain experience, and even set up your future career.
If you’re tired of asking, “Ma, can I get a little pocket money?” then this article is for you! We’ve rounded up 7 student-friendly side hustles that are flexible, rewarding, and perfect for balancing with your studies.
Table of Contents
1. Tutoring High School Learners
Estimated income: +-R145 per hour
If you’re a whiz at maths, science, languages, or any subject in between, why not use your skills to tutor high school learners? Many South African parents are willing to pay for extra lessons to help their children ace exams, especially matric.
Tutoring isn’t just about helping learners pass — it’s about boosting their confidence, refining their study techniques, and helping them see subjects in a new light. Plus, tutoring is flexible, pays well, and looks great on your CV!
How to Become a Tutor:
Making tutoring your side hustle is a lot easier than you think. Here’s what you need to do:
Identify Your Strengths
Choose the subjects you’re best at — the ones you’ve mastered at school or are currently excelling in at university. Matric subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English are always in demand.
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, offer tutoring in those too! Afrikaans, isiZulu, and other home languages can be incredibly valuable for learners who need extra support.
Decide How You’ll Tutor
Some tutors are one-on-one focused, whereas others prefer to teach in groups. Which one will you be? Knowing the difference between the two can help you decide:
- One-on-one sessions: Focus on individual learners, either in-person or online via platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
- Group tutoring: Teach small groups of learners at a lower rate per student. This option allows you to help more students and earn more per session.
Set Your Rates
Research what other tutors are charging in your area. A standard starting rate is between R100 to R200 per hour, depending on your experience and the subject.
Offer “starter” rates for your first few learners to attract clients, and increase your prices as you build credibility and demand.
Promote Yourself
The best way to make an income as a tutor is to be seen. Advertise your services on local Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, and student forums. Post flyers at nearby high schools, libraries, and community centers.
You can also use platforms like Teach Me 2, SuperProf, or Upwork to connect with students and parents online.
Alternatively, create social media posts to showcase testimonials, success stories, and simple study tips to draw in clients.
Promote Yourself
The best way to make an income as a tutor is to be seen. Advertise your services on local Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, and student forums. Post flyers at nearby high schools, libraries, and community centers.
You can also use platforms like Teach Me 2, SuperProf, or Upwork to connect with students and parents online.
Alternatively, create social media posts to showcase testimonials, success stories, and simple study tips to draw in clients.
Prepare Your Materials
Plan your sessions ahead of time. Use your old school notes, YouTube videos, or online resources to explain concepts in simple ways.
Create practice tests or revision guides for your learners to use between sessions.
Stay Professional
Communicate clearly and keep parents updated on their child’s progress.
Show up prepared and be punctual — professionalism builds trust and brings referrals your way.
Pro tip: Offer group sessions for a lower rate per student. It’s more affordable for parents, and you’ll earn more overall.
Freelance Writing or Social Media Management
Estimated income: Between +-R11,415 and +-R14,550 per month
If you’ve got a way with words or spend half your life scrolling Instagram, you’re already halfway there. Many small businesses and startups in South Africa need help with writing blog posts, creating social media content, or managing accounts.
This side hustle allows you to express your creativity while earning money — and in the digital age, businesses are always looking for fresh, young talent to boost their online presence.
How to Start Freelancing
Trying your hand at freelancing may seem scary at first, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you set yourself up for success! All you need to do is follow the steps below:
- Identify your skills: If you’re looking to get into writing, try blog writing or website copywriting. If social media management is more your thing, craft some Instagram captions and TikTok videos and see which one works best for you.
- Create a portfolio: Write a few sample blog posts, social media captions or design a content calendar to show off your skills. Offer free or discounted work to friends, local businesses or student organisations to build credibility.
- Find clients: Join freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to get your name out there to clients. Be sure to also post your services in local Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, and on LinkedIn.
- Set your rates: Start with beginner-friendly rates (e.g., R200 per blog post or R500 per social media package) and increase as you gain experience.
- Use the Right Tools: Platforms like Canva for content design, Hootsuite for scheduling posts and Grammarly for error-free writing will make your job easier.
All said and done, freelancing is a great way for you to make some extra cash while you study. You’ll also gain some exceptional experience in digital marketing, writing and communications before you graduate (score!).
3. Start a Thrift Reselling Business
Estimated income: Between +-R415 000 and +-R800 000 per year
Thrifting is more than just a trend — it’s a booming business. South African students love scoring stylish, affordable clothes, and if you’ve got an eye for fashion, you can turn that into cash.
Here’s how to make your thrifting side hustle happen:
- Source unique, affordable clothes from thrift stores or local markets.
- Clean, style, and photograph the items.
- Sell on platforms like Instagram, Yaga, or Facebook Marketplace.
Bonus: Focus on sustainability and offer eco-friendly packaging to appeal to conscious shoppers.
You can easily turn a R20 item into R150 or more. The more you hustle, the bigger the profit!
4. Deliver Food or Groceries
Estimated income: Between +-R4,450 and +-R7,600 per month
You’ve probably heard of apps like Mr D, Uber Eats, and Checkers Sixty60. Did you know you can sign up to deliver food and groceries part-time? With flexible hours and growing demand, this is a great side hustle for students with a car, bike, or scooter.
How to Become a Delivery Driver
Becoming a driver in South Africa is easy once you know what steps to take. Here’s how to become a part-time delivery driver for apps like Uber Eats, Mr D, and Checkers Sixty60:
Meet the Requirements
First things first, you need to have access to a vehicle (car, scooter or bike) as well as a valid South African driver’s licence. Got those in the bag? Great! Now you can download the delivery app of your choice and get the process started.
Choose Your Hours
With apps like Mr Delivery, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own schedule. Make sure you select the “part-time” option if it’s available, as you’ll need to be mindful of balancing your studies with your side hustle. You’ll also need to ensure the other apps do not require you to work on a full-time basis or that they have a set schedule you need to follow (which may interfere with your lectures).
Sign Up
Once you’ve chosen your time slots, it’s time to sign up! Fill in your details for your chosen delivery app and get started. Details may include the following:
- Your name and surname
- Mobile number
- South African ID number
- Location (province, city, town)
- Vehicle type (motorbike, scooter or car)
- Copy of your Driver’s licence
Pro tip: Check out other delivery apps like Bolt Food or Pick n Pay ASAP! for more opportunities.
5. Become a Freelance Photographer
Estimated income: +-R350 per hour
If you’ve got a camera (or even a good smartphone) and an eye for photography, this side hustle is for you. Students are always looking for photoshoots for graduation, birthdays, or events.
How to promote your services:
- Offer discounted rates to fellow students to build your portfolio.
- Share your work on Instagram and TikTok to attract clients.
- Collaborate with student clubs, societies, or small businesses on campus.
With rates starting at R500–R1,000 per shoot, this hustle can be lucrative, and you’ll gain experience in a creative industry.
6. Start a Small Baking or Cooking Business
Got a knack for baking brownies, whipping up killer cupcakes, or cooking the perfect kotas? South African students love homemade food that’s affordable and delicious, which is why you should definitely give this side hustle a try!
Steps to get started:
- Choose your specialty: cakes, treats, kotas, or even meal preps.
- Start small — advertise on campus WhatsApp groups or student forums.
- Take custom orders for events, birthdays, or exam-time snacks.
Example: Sell treats like brownies or muffins for R10–R20 each. A box of 20 items can quickly earn you R200–R400.
Plus, who doesn’t love a side hustle that lets you taste-test your own products?
7. Offer Tech or Computer Services
In today’s digital world, most students rely on laptops and phones for their studies. If you’re good with technology or heading into the IT field, you can offer tech support, phone repairs, or software installations to your peers (let’s be honest, you’re already your friends and family’s local IT technician, you might as well get paid for it!).
Services you can offer:
- Basic laptop/phone troubleshooting.
- Installing software like Microsoft Office or antivirus programs.
- Fixing cracked screens or upgrading old laptops.
Why this works:
Students would rather pay a peer for affordable repairs than an expensive tech shop. Charge reasonable rates and watch word-of-mouth spread your business.
Get a Student Loan with Fundi
As you can see, there are plenty of side hustle ideas for South African students that can help you earn extra cash while studying. However, it’s important to remember that money shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a side hustle.
Your personal interests, skills, schedule, and long-term goals are all things to consider when deciding on the right hustle for you.
Once you find a side hustle that fits your lifestyle, the extra income will give you more financial freedom — whether it’s covering your daily expenses, saving for something big, or just treating yourself to a well-deserved reward.
Of course, managing your studies and a side hustle can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to stay organised and focused so you can earn while you learn.
If you’re looking to succeed in your studies and need financial support, Fundi has your back! Fundi offers student funding to cover all your educational needs — from tuition and accommodation to technical devices and more.
Want to see if you qualify for a Fundi loan? Check out the Fundi Loan Calculator and take the first step toward achieving your academic goals today!
