Let’s be honest, surviving on a student budget in 2025 is no joke. Between skyrocketing food prices, data costs, transport fees, and vibes tax (you know what we mean 😅), students need extra income to stay afloat without messing up their academics.
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Side Hustles That Pays in 2025
So, here are side hustles that work in today’s world, especially in 2025. No fluff, just real ways to make money as a student.
1. Tutoring (Online or Face-to-Face)
- Why it works: You already study, so why not earn by helping others?
- Subjects: Maths, Science, English, Accounting, and essay writing.
- Platforms: Teach Me 2, Superprof, or start small by tutoring in your res or WhatsApp groups.
- Earnings: R80 – R250/hour
- Time commitment: Flexible
2. Freelance Writing / Copywriting
- Why it works: If you’re good with words, turn that skill into income.
- Write blogs, articles, adverts, or website content.
- Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, or pitch to local businesses.
- Earnings: R200 – R1,000/article
- Bonus: You build your writing portfolio, which is good for journalism/marketing students!
3. Content Creation (TikTok, YouTube, Blogging)
- Why it works: SA students are killing it online; reviews, comedy, beauty, finance, student life, etc.
- Monetise via ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
- Earnings: Starts slow, but has big potential
- Tip: Be authentic, use SA slang, local vibes, and relatable content to get engagement.
4. Sell Digital Products
- Why it works: Create something once and sell it forever.
- Examples: Study notes, design templates, CV formats, eBooks.
- Platforms: Gumroad, Paystack Storefront, or even Google Drive + WhatsApp
- Earnings: R50 – R500/item
- Great for: Students in design, education, or IT.
5. Social Media Management for Local Brands
- Why it works: Many small businesses want an online presence, and you know how Instagram and TikTok work better than they do.
- Offer to run pages, create posts, and respond to messages.
- Earnings: R1,000 – R4,000/month per client
- Skills needed: Canva, scheduling tools (like Buffer), and consistency.
6. Academic Transcription or Typing Services
- Why it works: Students, lecturers, and researchers need help typing documents or converting audio lectures into text.
- Great if you’re a fast typist and detail-oriented.
- Earnings: R100 – R500/project
- Tools: Use Google Docs Voice Typing or apps like Otter.ai
7. Reselling Items (Shoes, Clothing, Gadgets)
- Why it works: Buy in bulk or secondhand, sell for profit.
- Use Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and WhatsApp Status.
- Sell clothes, thrifted fashion, power banks, or even perfumes.
- Earnings: Varies, but profit margins can be high
- Tip: Focus on trending, high-demand items.
8. Virtual Assistant (VA)
- Why it works: Businesses and busy individuals need help managing emails, bookings, research, and data entry.
- Platform: LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork
- You only need basic admin and communication skills.
- Earnings: R80 – R200/hour
- Skills that help: Excel, Gmail, Trello, Google Calendar
9. Campus Ambassador for Brands
- Why it works: Brands like MTN, Standard Bank, or even student platforms often hire students to promote them on campus.
- Hand out flyers, host small events, or post on socials.
- Earnings: R1,000 – R3,000/month + free merch
- Bonus: You become a campus influencer.
10. Photography or Videography (Events & Birthdays)
- Why it works: Students are always throwing parties and events.
- If you have a good phone or camera and editing skills, offer your services.
- Earnings: R200 – R2,000 per shoot
- Tools: CapCut, Lightroom, Canva for edits
You don’t need to be perfect, just start. Pick one hustle that fits your skills and schedule. Whether it’s tutoring for one hour a week or uploading one video every two weeks, small consistent effort can lead to big results.
WHICH HUSTLE ARE YOU STARTING THIS WEEK? Let us know or share this article with a friend who needs it!