Side Hustles for Students in South Africa (Updated 2025)

By / September 5, 2025

South African students are some of the most resourceful people you will meet. Between rising study costs, data prices, and […]

Side Hustles for Students in South Africa (Updated 2025)

South African students are some of the most resourceful people you will meet. Between rising study costs, data prices, and daily living expenses, a smart side hustle can be the difference between scraping by and actually getting ahead. The good news is that 2025 offers more student-friendly earning routes than ever — many of them flexible, digital, and low-cost to start.

This guide breaks down practical side hustles that fit around lectures, how to choose the right one for your situation, what to charge, how to get paid, and the key legal basics you should not ignore. Everything is written for South Africa, using British English, and with the student timetable in mind.

How to choose the right side hustle (fast checklist)

Use this five-point filter before you start anything:

  1. Time fit: Can you do it in 90-minute blocks between classes and evenings? If it requires long, uninterrupted sessions, it will clash with exam weeks.
  2. Skills on day one: What can you already do well enough to charge for? Your first clients are buying done, not perfect.
  3. Start-up cost under R1 000: Prioritise hustles you can launch with what you already own — smartphone, laptop, data, and maybe a simple toolkit.
  4. Clear proof of value: You should be able to show results with screenshots, before-and-after photos, a one-page portfolio, or a 30-second video.
  5. Low admin: Prefer a hustle where onboarding, payment, and delivery are simple (marketplaces, templates, services with fixed packages).

22 student-friendly side hustles that actually work in SA

To make this real, each idea includes the usual start cost, time, and income pattern. The ranges are typical, not guarantees; your results depend on effort, quality, and demand in your area or online niche.

A) Tutoring and academic services (ethical)

  1. Private tutoring (school or first-year modules)
    • Start cost: R0–R300 (data and Canva for slides).
    • Time: Afternoons, evenings, and Saturday mornings.
    • Income pattern: Session-based; starts small, grows by referrals.
    • How to win: Pick two subjects; create a one-page profile with your marks, approach, and a simple package (e.g., 4 lessons/month).
    • Tip: If you use platforms, keep your response time under 1 hour to rank higher.
  2. Assignment skills coaching (formatting, referencing workshops)
    • Start cost: R0–R200 (Zoom or Google Meet, templates).
    • Time: Weekend bootcamps or short group sessions.
    • Income pattern: Group fees; repeats each term.
    • How to win: Offer a 90-minute “OSCOLA/Harvard crash-course” or “Excel for first-years”. Sell seats at R99–R199.
  3. Language tutoring (English, isiZulu, Shona, French, etc.)
    • Start cost: R0–R300.
    • Time: Flexible online sessions with international students or locals.
    • Income pattern: Retainers from regular students.
    • How to win: Record a 30-second intro video; offer a discounted first lesson.

Academic integrity: Do not sell essays or complete graded work for others. Offer tutoring, editing, and skills training only.

B) Digital services you can run from a laptop

  1. Social media content packages for small businesses
    • Start cost: R0–R800 (CapCut, Canva; optional mic).
    • Time: Batch work on weekends; schedule posts midweek.
    • Income pattern: Monthly retainers (e.g., 8 posts + 4 Reels).
    • How to win: Niche down (salons, barbers, cafés, campus eateries). Sell a starter pack with three short videos and a content calendar.
  2. Freelance design (logos, menus, flyers, pitch decks)
    • Start cost: R0–R500 (free tools, fonts).
    • Time: Project-based, great in holidays.
    • Income pattern: Once-off jobs; upsell brand kits and social templates.
    • How to win: Publish five strong before-and-after samples.
  3. WordPress edits and website makeovers
    • Start cost: R0 (work on client sites).
    • Time: Evenings and Saturdays.
    • Income pattern: Fixed-fee “starter site audit”, hourly tweaks, maintenance retainers.
    • How to win: Offer a 10-point audit PDF and a 7-day “quick wins” package.
  4. Transcription and captioning
    • Start cost: R0–R300 (headphones).
    • Time: Asynchronous, ideal between lectures.
    • Income pattern: Per-minute audio/video; spikes around conferences and exam seasons.
    • How to win: Specialise (legal, medical lectures, sermons). Learn keyboard shortcuts.
  5. Data cleaning and Excel dashboards
    • Start cost: R0.
    • Time: Flexible; deep work blocks of 60–90 minutes.
    • Income pattern: Project fees; repeat clients once they trust your spreadsheets.
    • How to win: Share a one-page portfolio with a sample dashboard GIF.

C) Creator and UGC (user-generated content)

  1. UGC for local brands (product demos and testimonial-style clips)
    • Start cost: R0–R1 000 (tripod, lapel mic).
    • Time: Weekends to film; weekday edits.
    • Income pattern: Per video set; retainers if you are reliable.
    • How to win: Pick two niches (skincare, cafés). Shoot three mock samples with good lighting and natural delivery.
  2. Campus micro-influencer
  • Start cost: R0.
  • Time: Daily stories, two Reels per week.
  • Income pattern: Free product initially; then paid posts and affiliate commissions.
  • How to win: Own a campus-specific niche (budget eats, student finance tips).

D) Selling and e-commerce

  1. Reselling second-hand fashion and tech
  • Start cost: R0–R500 (initial stock from your wardrobe).
  • Time: Listing batches on Sunday; packing midweek.
  • Income pattern: Predictable once your shop has reviews.
  • How to win: Great photos on a white background, precise sizing, and next-day shipping. Focus on one category first (sneakers, vintage tees).
  1. Campus snack box and study-fuel packs
  • Start cost: R300–R1 000.
  • Time: Prep on Sundays; deliveries Monday and Wednesday.
  • Income pattern: Weekly repeat orders.
  • How to win: Bundle for residence blocks; include a handwritten note and loyalty stamp.
  1. Digital products (notes, planners, templates you created yourself)
  • Start cost: R0.
  • Time: One-time creation; drip income thereafter.
  • Income pattern: Sales spikes during term starts and exam seasons.
  • How to win: Build packs around programmes (e.g., “First-year Accounting pack”).
  1. Print-on-demand campus merch
  • Start cost: R0–R500 (designs).
  • Time: Upfront design, fulfilment via a local POD supplier.
  • Income pattern: Seasonal drops; pre-order to avoid risk.
  • How to win: Limited runs; allow custom names or numbers.

E) Services around campus and neighbourhood

  1. Phone repair and screen protectors
  • Start cost: R500–R1 500 (toolkit, starter stock).
  • Time: Evenings and quick on-site visits.
  • Income pattern: High margins; word-of-mouth driven.
  • How to win: Offer a 24-hour warranty and a cleanliness checklist.
  1. Photography and short video for events and societies
  • Start cost: R0–R5 000 (use a borrowed camera or rent).
  • Time: Weekends and late afternoons.
  • Income pattern: Package fees; upsell edited reels and drive-through delivery.
  • How to win: Publish a highlights reel; deliver within 48 hours.
  1. Pet sitting and dog walking
  • Start cost: R0–R300 (leads, poop bags).
  • Time: Mornings or late afternoons.
  • Income pattern: Repeat bookings from the same households.
  • How to win: Insurance awareness, GPS-tracked walks, photos to owners.
  1. House moves and “student bakkie” service
  • Start cost: R0 (if you have access to a bakkie/van).
  • Time: Weekends and month-end.
  • Income pattern: Per move; tips common.
  • How to win: Fixed bundles (res-to-res, res-to-flat), protective blankets, punctuality.

F) Gig economy and delivery

  1. Food delivery rider (bike or scooter)
  • Start cost: Your own bike/scooter, helmet, reflective gear.
  • Time: Evenings and weekends.
  • Income pattern: Per trip + tips; demand spikes in rain and sport nights.
  • How to win: Optimise hotspots; be selective with orders; keep ratings high.
  1. On-demand errands and dropping parcels
  • Start cost: R0–R500.
  • Time: Between classes.
  • Income pattern: Per task; great for residences and small businesses.
  • How to win: WhatsApp broadcast list for your block; same-day promise.

G) Agriculture and food micro-ventures

  1. Microgreens for cafés and residences
  • Start cost: R500–R1 500 (trays, seeds, lights if needed).
  • Time: 15–20 minutes daily; harvest weekly.
  • Income pattern: Weekly supply contracts.
  • How to win: Offer two varieties (sunflower, radish), consistent supply, and samples.
  1. Home-baked goods on pre-order
  • Start cost: R300–R1 000 (ingredients).
  • Time: Batch bake; deliver twice a week.
  • Income pattern: Pre-orders to eliminate waste.
  • How to win: Sell in exam weeks and club events; compliant labelling and allergy notes.

Pricing made simple (no guesswork)

  1. Anchor to outcomes, not hours. For tutoring, sell packages (e.g., 4 × 60-minute lessons + recap notes).
  2. Create good-better-best. Example for social media:
    • Starter (R899): 6 posts + 2 short videos.
    • Standard (R1 699): 8 posts + 4 short videos + captions.
    • Pro (R2 499): Everything + scheduling + monthly report.
  3. Add a rush fee. +25% for 48-hour turnarounds.
  4. Include one revision. More revisions are extra.
  5. Offer a student discount only if it protects your margin. Cap it at 10–15% and use it to fill low-demand slots.

How to get your first five clients in 14 days

Day 1–2: Pick and package. Choose one hustle. Write a one-page offer with three packages and a simple guarantee.

Day 3–5: Build quick proof. Create three portfolio samples or film two 20-second UGC demos.

Day 6–8: Outreach sprint. Message 30 relevant prospects (societies, small businesses near campus, parents in neighbourhood groups). Use a short script: who you help, what you do, one result, and the call-to-action.

Day 9–10: Profile on a marketplace. Publish your offer on a local resale or freelance platform. Add two gig listings with different keywords.

Day 11–12: First jobs at a discount. Offer two trial clients a once-off “beta” price in exchange for a review and permission to showcase results.

Day 13–14: Systemise. Save templates (invoices, briefs, checklists). Set weekly time blocks. Create a simple spreadsheet to track leads, jobs, and income.

Getting paid and staying professional

  • Payment methods: EFT is standard; many students also use mobile payments. For in-person sales, consider card readers or QR-based payments.
  • Deposits: For projects longer than a week, ask for 50% up-front, balance on delivery.
  • Invoices: Use a clean template with your name, contact details, itemised work, and payment terms.
  • Delivery and handover: For services, include a 7-day minor-fix period; for physical items, provide photos and a packing checklist.
  • Client communication: A welcome message, a mid-point update, and a delivery note will cut misunderstandings by half.

Avoid the three big student side-hustle mistakes

  1. Trying to sell everything. You cannot be a tutor, designer, editor, and delivery rider at the same time. Pick one lane for 6–8 weeks.
  2. No clear offer. “I do design” is vague. “I build one-page menus for cafés in 72 hours for R699” sells.
  3. Under-communicating. Silence kills trust. If you will be late, say so early and offer options.

Legal and tax basics (2025 essentials)

This section is not legal advice. It is a practical summary to help you avoid obvious pitfalls. Always check the official pages and your visa or funding conditions.

1) If you are a South African citizen or permanent resident

  • Tax thresholds (2025): You become liable for income tax once your annual taxable income exceeds the tax threshold for your age group. For the 2025 year of assessment, SARS confirms thresholds of R95 750 (under 65), R148 217 (65–74), and R165 689 (75+). Keep records from day one (invoices, receipts, bank statements). (South African Revenue Service)
  • Provisional tax: If you freelance or run your own micro-business and expect to owe income tax (because you are above the threshold), you will usually fall into provisional taxpayer status. It is a pay-as-you-earn system for non-salary income. Filing dates are set each year; for 2025 the individual season timeline is published by SARS. (South African Revenue Service)
  • If you hire help: Pay at least the National Minimum Wage. From 1 March 2025 the general minimum wage is R28.79 per hour (different rules apply to certain public works programmes). (Department of Labour, South Africa Government, labourwise.co.za)

2) If you are an international student on a study visa

  • Work-hour limits: Holders of a higher-education study visa are generally allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term. There is mixed guidance on holiday work; some sources caution against working during academic vacations. The safest route is to check your visa conditions and get written confirmation from your institution’s international office or VFS before working more hours. (Wits University, VFS Global, embajadasudafrica.org.ar)

3) Handling customer data (POPIA)

  • If you collect client names, phone numbers, or addresses for orders and bookings, South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) applies. At minimum, use data only for the agreed purpose, secure it, and delete it when no longer needed. The Information Regulator also expects organisations (even small ones) to designate an Information Officer and register them. Keep it simple: limit the data you collect and store it safely. (Empowered Compliance, POPIA, Oak Law)

4) Platforms and marketplaces

  • If you sell on large marketplaces, read seller guidelines carefully (product quality, returns, delivery time frames). This reduces the risk of account penalties and chargebacks. (Takealot.com)

Smart tools and templates (free or very cheap)

  • Design and video: Canva, CapCut, GIMP, DaVinci Resolve (free tiers are enough to start).
  • Docs and delivery: Google Docs/Sheets, WeTransfer, Drive.
  • Organisation: Trello or Notion for task boards; Google Calendar for time blocking.
  • Invoicing: A spreadsheet or a free invoicing app is fine initially; ensure every invoice is numbered and dated.
  • Backups: Keep copies of client files in the cloud and on a flash drive.

Example: a realistic first-month plan

Goal: Earn R3 000–R5 000 in 30 days while studying full time.

Week 1: Pick one hustle (e.g., tutoring + UGC samples). Create your one-page offer and three proofs. Reach out to 30 prospects.

Week 2: Close two paid jobs (even at a lower rate) and ask for testimonials. Publish your marketplace profile with keywords like “first-year Accounting tutor” or “UGC for cafés”.

Week 3: Raise your rates slightly, bundle a package, and offer a referral bonus (R100 airtime or R100 off next booking).

Week 4: Systemise delivery, file invoices, and review what worked. Decide whether to double down or pivot to a related niche.

Safety, ethics, and campus-friendly conduct

  • Ethics first: No ghost-writing of graded assignments. Offer tutoring, editing, and coaching only.
  • Personal safety: Meet in public places or online. Share a live location with a friend for in-person jobs.
  • Financial safety: Use deposits, formal invoices, and proof of delivery. Avoid “overpayment” scams.
  • Reputation: Deliver on time, communicate proactively, and ask happy clients for a one-line review you can quote.

Frequently asked questions (quick answers)

Do I need to register a company?
Not at the start. Many students trade as sole proprietors using their own names. Register a company later if you need separate banking, partners, or tenders.

Do I charge VAT?
Only if you are a VAT vendor. Most students will not register for VAT unless their 12-month taxable supplies exceed the SARS VAT registration threshold (much higher than typical student turnover).

How do I keep records?
A single Google Sheet works: date, client, description, amount, receipt link. Save all invoices and slips to a cloud folder.

What about bursary conditions?
Some bursaries and scholarships restrict outside work. Read the terms and get written permission if needed.

Final word

Your first side hustle is not about becoming rich overnight. It is about proving that you can identify a need, package a solution, deliver reliably, and get paid — skills that compound for the rest of your career. Start narrow, keep it simple, and focus on delightful delivery. In a semester you can build a small portfolio, a handful of loyal clients, and a rhythm that makes your studies more affordable and your CV far stronger.

You have got this. Start this week.

Sources

  • South African Revenue Service (SARS). Rates of Tax for Individuals — thresholds and rebates for the 2025 year of assessment. (South African Revenue Service)
  • SARS. Changes for the 2025 Filing Season — timelines and updates. (South African Revenue Service)
  • Department of Employment and Labour. National Minimum Wage (2025) — Government Gazette and official flyer confirming R28.79/hour from 1 March 2025. (South Africa Government, Department of Labour)
  • VFS Global / DHA. Study Visa Guidance — part-time work up to 20 hours per week; cautionary note on academic vacations. (VFS Global)
  • Wits University International Students Office. Study Visa – Work Hours — up to 20 hours per week for holders of higher-education study visas. (Wits University)
  • Information Regulator of South Africa. POPIA and Information Officer Registration — compliance overview for organisations. (Empowered Compliance)
  • POPIA (consolidated, public reference site). Protection of Personal Information Act — accessible text of the Act. (POPIA)
  • Oak & Associates (legal explainer, 2025). Data Protection Duties for Businesses in 2025 — practical POPIA obligations summary. (Oak Law)
  • Takealot. Seller Programme Overview — marketplace participation and seller expectations. (Takealot.com)
  • Yaga. About and Platform Overview — local resale marketplace for pre-loved fashion. (Yaga – marketplace for preloved fashion, Yaga South Africa)
  • Prolific. Participant Eligibility — South Africa supported for paid research participation. (Prolific Researcher Help, Prolific Participant Help Center)
  • Mr D. Become a Driver — basic driver requirements. (mrd.com)

Note: The guidance above is general and intended for students. Legal and tax obligations vary by personal circumstances; always confirm the latest rules with the official sources linked above.

Related Posts