Tuition fees. Textbooks. Transport. Rent. Food. Data.

Being a student in South Africa is expensive.

Your NSFAS funding or study loan covers some of it. But there's always a gap. And asking your parents for more money? Nobody wants to do that.

The solution: A part-time job that works around your class schedule.

This guide lists every part-time job option for students, how much you'll earn, where to find these jobs, and how to balance work with studying.

Let's get you earning.

WHY EVERY STUDENT NEEDS A PART-TIME JOB

Beyond the money (which you obviously need), part-time work gives you something more valuable: EXPERIENCE.

When you graduate, every job will ask for experience. A part-time job during your studies counts.

You'll also learn:

  • Time management (essential for university)
  • Customer service skills
  • How to work in a team
  • Responsibility and reliability
  • How to handle money

Plus, your CV won't be empty when you graduate.

BEST PART-TIME JOBS FOR STUDENTS

Let's break this down by type of work and schedule flexibility.

RETAIL & SHOPPING MALLS

Retail is the #1 employer of students in South Africa. Shops need extra staff on weekends and evenings.

Sales Assistant / Shop Assistant

What you do: Help customers, stock shelves, process payments

Hours: Evenings (4pm-8pm), weekends, public holidays

Pay: R25 - R45 per hour

Companies hiring: Mr Price, Pep, Ackermans, Jet, Woolworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, Game, Makro, Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay

Cashier

What you do: Scan items, handle cash, bag purchases

Hours: Evenings and weekends (busiest times)

Pay: R25 - R40 per hour

Companies hiring: All supermarkets and retail stores

Stock Clerk / Merchandiser

What you do: Restock shelves, arrange displays, check prices

Hours: Early mornings (5am-9am) or evenings, weekends

Pay: R30 - R50 per hour

Companies hiring: Retail chains, warehouses, distribution centres

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE RETAIL PART-TIME JOBS]

FAST FOOD & RESTAURANTS

Fast food is perfect for students. They're busiest in the evenings and on weekends.

Crew Member

What you do: Prepare food, clean, take orders

Hours: Evenings (5pm-10pm), weekends, late nights (Fridays/Saturdays)

Pay: R22 - R38 per hour

Companies hiring: KFC, McDonald's, Nando's, Burger King, Steers, Chicken Licken, Debonairs, Domino's

Cashier (Fast Food)

What you do: Take orders, handle payments, keep counter clean

Hours: Evenings and weekends, lunch rush (12pm-2pm)

Pay: R22 - R35 per hour

Companies hiring: All fast food chains

Waiter / Waitress

What you do: Take orders, serve food, clean tables

Hours: Evenings (dinner shift 6pm-10pm), weekends (busiest)

Pay: R20 - R30 per hour + TIPS (tips can double your earnings)

Companies hiring: Restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels

Delivery Driver (with or without vehicle)

What you do: Deliver food to customers

Requirements: Valid driver's license (Code 8) or learner's license for scooter

Hours: Evenings and weekends (peak delivery times)

Pay: R25 - R50 per hour + delivery fees

Companies hiring: Uber Eats, Mr D Food, Bolt Food, restaurant delivery

Kitchen Helper / Dishwasher

What you do: Wash dishes, clean kitchen, basic food prep

Hours: Evenings and weekends

Pay: R20 - R30 per hour

Companies hiring: Restaurants, hotels, catering companies

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE HOSPITALITY PART-TIME JOBS]

TUTORING & ACADEMIC WORK

Use what you already know. If you're good at a subject, you can teach it.

Private Tutor

What you do: Help high school or university students with specific subjects

Requirements: Good marks in the subject, matric certificate

Hours: Afternoons (3pm-6pm), weekends (flexible)

Pay: R100 - R300 per hour (depending on subject and level)

Best subjects: Maths, Physics, Accounting, English, Afrikaans, Life Sciences

Where to find: Tutor directories, Facebook community groups, local schools, word of mouth

Homework Assistant

What you do: Help younger students complete homework

Requirements: Matric certificate, patience

Hours: Afternoons (2pm-5pm)

Pay: R60 - R120 per hour

Where to find: Local families, community centres, tutoring companies

University Tutor / Lab Assistant

What you do: Help first-year students, assist in practical labs

Requirements: Completed first/second year of your degree, good marks

Hours: Flexible around your classes

Pay: R80 - R200 per hour

Where to find: Your university's faculty notice board, department head

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE TUTORING JOBS]

CALL CENTRES & VIRTUAL WORK

Call centres hire students for evening and weekend shifts.

Customer Service Agent (Evening/Weekend)

What you do: Answer calls, help customers, solve problems

Requirements: Good English, basic computer skills, Grade 12

Hours: Evening shifts (4pm-10pm), weekend shifts (full days)

Pay: R35 - R65 per hour + performance bonuses

Companies hiring: Teleperformance, Webhelp, WNS, Merchants, iContact, CallForce

Data Capturer (Flexible Hours)

What you do: Type information into computer systems

Requirements: Typing speed (30+ wpm), attention to detail, Grade 12

Hours: Flexible - some offer work-from-home

Pay: R30 - R55 per hour

Companies hiring: Call centres, market research companies, insurance companies, medical practices

Virtual Assistant

What you do: Admin tasks, email management, scheduling, social media

Requirements: Good computer skills, reliable internet

Hours: Fully flexible - work when you can

Pay: R50 - R150 per hour

Where to find: Upwork, Fiverr, Facebook freelancing groups, Virtual Assistant Facebook groups

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE CALL CENTRE PART-TIME JOBS]

CAMPUS-BASED JOBS

Your university or college hires students for various roles.

Library Assistant

What you do: Shelve books, help students find resources, check books in/out

Requirements: Enrolled student, attention to detail

Hours: Evenings and weekends (when library is busiest)

Pay: R25 - R50 per hour

Where to apply: Your university library front desk or HR

Campus Ambassador

What you do: Promote events, hand out flyers, represent your university at open days

Requirements: Enrolled student, friendly personality

Hours: Flexible, occasional full days for events

Pay: R50 - R100 per hour or event fee (R500-R2,000 per event)

Where to apply: University marketing department, SRC, student affairs office

Research Assistant

What you do: Help professors with research tasks (data collection, surveys, admin)

Requirements: Good academic record, specific department

Hours: Flexible around classes

Pay: R40 - R100 per hour

Where to apply: Department notice board, ask your lecturers

Residence Assistant / RA
What you do: Help manage dormitory, assist students, organise events
Requirements: Live in residence, good leadership skills
Hours: Evenings, some weekend duties
Pay: Reduced accommodation fees + small stipend (R1,000-R3,000 per month)
Where to apply: Residence manager, student housing office

Tutor for First-Year Students

What you do: Run tutorial sessions, mark assignments, help struggling students

Requirements: Completed the course with good marks

Hours: 5-10 hours per week

Pay: R60 - R150 per hour

Where to apply: Your faculty, department head, academic development office

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE CAMPUS JOBS]

FREELANCING & ONLINE WORK

Work from your laptop. Set your own hours. Build a portfolio.

Content Writing / Copywriting

What you do: Write articles, blog posts, social media captions

Requirements: Good English, ability to research

Hours: Fully flexible

Pay: R100 - R500 per article (depending on length)

Where to find: Upwork, Fiverr, ProBlogger, Facebook writing groups

Social Media Manager

What you do: Post content, reply to comments, schedule posts for small businesses

Requirements: Know how to use Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Hours: 5-15 hours per week (flexible)

Pay: R1,000 - R5,000 per month per client

Where to find: Facebook local business groups, ask small business owners

Graphic Design (Canva is free)

What you do: Create social media graphics, flyers, logos

Requirements: Basic Canva skills (free tutorials on YouTube)

Hours: Flexible

Pay: R50 - R300 per design

Where to find: Upwork, Fiverr, Facebook freelancing groups

Transcription

What you do: Convert audio/video to text

Requirements: Good typing speed, good hearing, attention to detail

Hours: Flexible

Pay: R50 - R150 per audio hour

Where to find: Rev, TranscribeMe, Upwork, local transcription companies

Online Surveys & Market Research

What you do: Answer surveys, test products, give opinions

Requirements: Internet access

Hours: Flexible (10-30 minutes per survey)

Pay: R10 - R50 per survey (not a main income, good for extra data)

Where to find: Survey24, Panelbase, PrizeSaver

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ONLINE FREELANCE JOBS]

BABYSITTING & CHILDCARE

Families need help on evenings and weekends.

Babysitter

What you do: Watch children, help with homework, prepare simple meals

Requirements: Love children, responsible, first aid certificate (helpful)

Hours: Evenings (date nights), weekends, school holidays

Pay: R35 - R80 per hour

Where to find: Facebook community groups, word of mouth, babysitting apps (Bubble, Sitters4U)

Au Pair (Part-Time)

What you do: After-school childcare, homework help, driving to activities

Requirements: Driver's license (usually), love children, responsible

Hours: Afternoons (2pm-6pm), some weekends

Pay: R2,000 - R5,000 per month (part-time)

Where to find: Au pair agencies (Au Pair Extraordinaire, Au Pair SA), Facebook groups

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE CHILDCARE JOBS]

DOG WALKING & PET SITTING

Perfect if you love animals and want exercise.

Dog Walker

What you do: Walk dogs while owners are at work

Requirements: Love dogs, physically fit

Hours: Mornings (7am-9am) and afternoons (2pm-4pm)

Pay: R50 - R120 per walk

Where to find: Facebook community groups, neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, pet sitting apps (PetBacker)

Pet Sitter

What you do: Feed pets, let dogs out, play with animals while owners are away

Requirements: Love animals, reliable

Hours: Flexible - visits 1-2 times per day

Pay: R100 - R300 per day

Where to find: PetBacker, Facebook groups, word of mouth

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE PET JOBS]

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

One-off jobs that pay well for a few hours.

Event Staff

What you do: Usher, check tickets, direct guests, assist at conferences

Requirements: Friendly, professional appearance

Hours: Evenings and weekends (event days)

Pay: R50 - R100 per hour

Where to find: Event staffing agencies (MGI Staffing, Apex Staffing), Facebook event jobs groups

Brand Ambassador / Promoter

What you do: Hand out samples, promote products at malls or events

Requirements: Friendly, outgoing, comfortable talking to strangers

Hours: Weekends, public holidays, special events

Pay: R60 - R150 per hour

Where to find: Promo staffing agencies (Gigsa, MGI Staffing), Facebook promo groups

Mystery Shopper

What you do: Visit stores, buy products, report on customer service

Requirements: Attention to detail, good writing skills

Hours: Flexible - you choose when to shop

Pay: R50 - R150 per shop + reimbursement for items

Where to find: Mystery shopping companies (SASS, Mystery Shopper SA)

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE EVENT JOBS]

WHERE TO FIND PART-TIME STUDENT JOBS

Use all these methods. Don't rely on just one.

1. Online Job Portals

Indeed.co.za – Search "part-time student" or "evening job"
Pnet.co.za – Filter by "part-time"
CareerJunction.co.za – Part-time category
Gumtree.co.za – Jobs section, many casual positions
JoblySA (you're here!) – Updated daily

2. Facebook Groups

Search these exact phrases:

  • "[Your City] Part Time Jobs"
  • "[Your City] Student Jobs"
  • "[Your University Name] Jobs"
  • "South Africa Freelance Opportunities"
  • "[Your Area] Community Noticeboard"

Join 10+ groups. Check them every morning.

3. Walk-In Method

Print 20 copies of your CV. On Tuesday or Wednesday (9am-11am), walk into:

  • Malls near your university
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Retail stores
  • Fast food outlets

Ask for the manager. Say: "I'm a student looking for part-time work. I'm available evenings and weekends. Do you have any positions open?"

4. Your University

Check:

  • Student notice boards
  • Career centre (most universities have one)
  • Student representative council (SRC)
  • Faculty office
  • University Facebook groups

5. Word of Mouth

Tell everyone you know that you're looking for part-time work. Classmates, lecturers, family, friends, neighbours.

Most part-time jobs are never advertised online. Someone knows someone who needs help.

HOW TO WRITE A STUDENT CV (NO EXPERIENCE)

No previous job? No problem. Focus on:

Contact Details
Name, phone number, email address, area you live

Education
Your current degree/diploma, university name, expected graduation year
Matric certificate, school name, year completed, subjects

Skills

  • Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite, Canva)
  • Languages (English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa – be specific)
  • Typing speed (if applying for data entry)
  • Customer service (even from helping family or church)
  • Time management

Activities & Achievements

  • Prefect or leadership roles
  • Sports teams
  • Cultural activities (debate, choir, drama)
  • Volunteer work
  • Church or community involvement

Availability Be VERY clear: "Available evenings (Monday-Friday after 5pm) and all day weekends"

Reference
Lecturer, teacher, pastor, family friend (not family member)

SAMPLE STUDENT CV

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [Your Area, City]

EDUCATION

Bachelor of [Your Degree] (2024-2027) [University Name], [City] Expected graduation: 2027

National Senior Certificate (Matric) – 2023 [High School Name], [City] Subjects: [List 6-7 subjects]

SKILLS

  • Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, Canva
  • Languages: English (fluent), Zulu (conversational)
  • Typing speed: 45 words per minute
  • Customer service: Experience helping at church events and family business
  • Reliable, punctual, quick learner

AVAILABILITY

  • Monday-Friday: Available after 4pm
  • Saturdays: All day
  • Sundays: All day
  • Public holidays and university breaks: Full availability

REFERENCES

[Lecturer Name]
[Department], [University Name]
[Email or phone number]

[Community Leader Name]
[Position], [Church or Organisation]
[Email or phone number]

HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND STUDY

This is the most important part. A part-time job should help your studies, not destroy them.

Rule 1: Set a maximum hours per week

  • First year: 10-15 hours max
  • Second year: 15-20 hours max
  • Third year: 10-15 hours max (your degree comes first)

Rule 2: Be honest with your employer
Tell them you're a student. Tell them when your exams are. Most employers are flexible with students.

Rule 3: Protect your study time
Block out study hours in your calendar. Don't let work take your study time.

Rule 4: Use free periods
Study between classes. Don't go home and nap. Use every gap.

Rule 5: Don't work during exams
Take 2-4 weeks off during exams. Good employers understand this. Tell them your exam dates in advance.

YOUR 14-DAY ACTION PLAN

Week 1 – Preparation

Day 1-2: Write your student CV (use the template above)
Day 3-4: Print 30 copies of your CV
Day 5: Join 10 Facebook job groups
Day 6-7: Apply online to 20 part-time jobs

Week 2 – Active Job Search

Day 8-9: Walk into 20 stores/restaurants near your campus
Day 10-11: Follow up on online applications (call or email)
Day 12: Check your university career centre and notice boards
Day 13: Apply to 10 more jobs online
Day 14: Follow up on ALL walk-ins from this week

By Day 14, you should have at least one interview lined up.

WHAT TO AVOID

Scams
Never pay money to get a job. Legitimate employers don't ask for "registration fees" or "training fees."

Overcommitting
Don't agree to 30 hours per week. You will fail your courses. Start small (10-15 hours) and increase if you can handle it.

Missing class
Work should never come before class. Ever. You're a student first.

Illegal work
Don't work without a contract. Don't work for cash under illegal conditions. Know your rights.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How many hours can a student work in South Africa?
A: No legal limit for part-time work. But your studies should come first. Most students work 10-20 hours per week.

Q: Do I need a work permit as an international student?
A: Yes. International students need a study permit that allows part-time work (max 20 hours per week during term).

Q: What's the minimum wage for part-time workers in SA?
A: As of 2025, the national minimum wage is approximately R27.58 per hour (varies by sector). Some jobs pay more, some less for tipped positions like waiters.

Q: Can I work during university breaks?
A: Yes! Many students switch to full-time hours during December, June, and April breaks. Tell your employer you're available for extra hours during breaks.

Q: I don't have transport. What jobs can I do?
A: Look for jobs on campus (library, residence assistant, tutor) or within walking distance. Also consider online work (freelancing, transcription, virtual assistant).

Q: Will a part-time job affect my NSFAS funding?
A: NSFAS considers household income. Your part-time earnings are unlikely to affect your funding unless you earn a very high amount (over R350,000 per year).

THE BOTTOM LINE

A part-time job changes everything.

You stop stressing about money. You stop asking your parents every week. You start building your CV. You learn skills that lectures can't teach.

Start small. 10 hours per week. See how it feels.

Then adjust. More hours if you can handle it. Fewer hours if your grades slip.

But start. Today. Not next month. Today.

READY TO START EARNING?

Browse all part-time student jobs on JoblySA below. Updated daily.

[CLICK HERE TO BROWSE PART-TIME STUDENT JOBS]