Being a student in Australia often means juggling study commitments with the need for extra cash.
Many students are discovering that side hustles offer a flexible way to earn money while still focusing on their education.
From traditional options like moving services to digital gigs in content creation, there’s something for every skill set and schedule.
The most profitable side hustles for Australian students include delivering food, online tutoring, freelancing, and participating in the sharing economy by renting out assets.
These options can bring in anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour depending on the gig, skills, and time invested.
Looking for the right side hustle means finding something that works around uni schedules and doesn’t interfere with study goals.
Many students are becoming movers or offering gardening services through platforms like Airtasker, while others are exploring online freelancing opportunities that leverage their existing skills and can be done from anywhere.
Freelancing Opportunities
Freelancing offers students flexible ways to earn money using skills they already have or are developing at uni.
These jobs can fit around class schedules and often pay better than typical casual work.
Creative and Media Services
Students with creative talents can make good money through freelance work.
Graphic designers can create logos, social media content, or branding packages for small businesses, charging anywhere from $30 to $100+ per hour depending on experience.
Photographers can shoot events, portraits, or product photos, with many uni students earning $200-500 for a single event.
Videographers are in high demand for creating content for websites and social media.
Many Australian businesses need short promotional videos and are willing to pay $300-800 for quality work.
Even beginners can start with simple projects on platforms like Airtasker or Fiverr.
Social media management is another growing area.
Students who understand Instagram, TikTok and Facebook can help small businesses with their online presence, charging $25-40 per hour or monthly retainers of $300-600.
Writing and Translation
Content writing has become one of the most accessible freelance jobs for students.
Blog posts, website copy, and product descriptions are constantly needed by businesses.
Beginners can start at around $0.10-0.15 per word, with experienced writers earning $0.20-0.30 per word.
Academic writing services like editing and proofreading assignments can earn students $25-35 per hour.
Those who speak multiple languages can offer translation services, which typically pay $0.08-0.15 per word in Australia.
There’s always a demand for content, making freelance writing an excellent option for students with strong language skills.
Many find clients through online platforms like Upwork or by directly approaching local businesses that need content marketing help.
Tech and Web Development
Students studying IT, computer science or design can earn impressive side income through tech freelancing.
Web development is particularly lucrative, with even junior developers earning $40-60 per hour building or maintaining websites for small businesses.
App development, while more complex, can pay $50-80 per hour.
Many students start by creating simple mobile apps or helping with specific features on existing projects.
Data entry and basic programming tasks are great entry points for those still building their skills.
These simpler jobs typically pay $25-40 per hour but are abundant on freelancing platforms.
Virtual assistant work with technical focus – managing online systems, setting up automation, or handling tech support – can earn students $30-45 per hour with flexible hours that work well around uni schedules.
Online Tutoring and Education
Online tutoring offers flexible work hours and decent pay rates for students looking to earn extra income.
This side hustle allows them to work from home while helping others learn valuable skills and knowledge.
Academic Tutoring
Academic tutoring is one of the most sought-after online education gigs in Australia.
University students with strong grades can earn between $30-50 per hour tutoring high school students in subjects like maths, science, or English.
Many tutoring platforms like Cluey Learning handle scheduling and provide teaching resources, making it easier to get started.
They offer competitive pay and flexible working hours that fit around uni schedules.
No formal teaching qualifications are typically needed for entry-level positions, though expertise in the subject matter is essential.
Good communication skills and patience are important traits for success in this role.
The demand for tutors typically spikes during exam periods, creating more earning opportunities.
Some tutors work independently to earn higher rates, while others prefer the security of established platforms.
Language Coaching
Language coaching has become a popular side hustle for bilingual students in Australia.
Native speakers can earn $25-40 per hour teaching languages like Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese or English to second language learners.
Online platforms make it easy to connect with students globally, expanding the potential client base.
Many Aussie university students find they can fit teaching sessions between lectures and assignments.
No formal teaching qualifications are needed to start, though having certification in language teaching can boost hourly rates.
Conversation practice sessions are typically easier to prepare for than formal grammar lessons.
The flexibility of this work means students can take on as many or as few clients as their schedule allows.
Cultural exchange often happens naturally during lessons, making this side hustle both financially and personally rewarding.
Skill-Specific Instruction
Teaching specific skills online has become another viable income stream for university students with particular talents.
Tech-savvy students can earn $30-60 per hour teaching coding, graphic design, digital marketing or video editing.
Platforms like SEEK list opportunities for virtual assistants and social media managers that university students can do part-time.
These roles often allow working remotely and setting one’s own hours.
Arts and music students find teaching their craft online provides steady supplementary income.
Teaching piano, guitar, drawing, or photography usually pays between $25-45 per session.
Creating and selling pre-recorded tutorials or courses represents another avenue that allows for passive income.
While setup requires initial effort, ongoing earnings can continue without additional time investment.
Students who excel at academic writing can offer essay coaching services, helping others improve their writing skills while earning money on the side.
E-commerce and Crafting
Digital marketplaces offer Australian students flexible ways to earn money through their creativity and business skills.
These platforms allow students to work on their own schedule while building valuable entrepreneurial experience.
Handmade Goods Sales
Many Aussie students are turning their creative hobbies into profitable side hustles by selling handmade crafts online.
Popular items include jewellery, artwork, custom clothing, and personalised gifts that showcase unique skills or cultural influences.
Etsy remains the top platform for creative sellers, with its marketplace specifically designed for handmade goods.
The setup is straightforward – create an account, take quality photos, write compelling descriptions, and set prices that cover materials plus your time (typically $20-50 per hour depending on skill level).
Instagram and Facebook Marketplace have also become popular selling platforms with lower fees.
Some students combine online sales with weekend markets to build their brand locally.
Successful crafters often find a specific niche rather than competing with mass-produced items.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping has become one of the most accessible e-commerce models for Australian students.
This business model eliminates inventory management as products ship directly from suppliers to customers.
Students can start with platforms like Shopify (around $29 AUD monthly) or even free options like WooCommerce with WordPress.
The key is finding reliable suppliers through AliExpress, Spocket or local Australian wholesalers who offer reasonable shipping times to Aussie customers.
Successful student dropshippers focus on specific niches like eco-friendly products, Australian-themed gifts, or trending accessories.
Marketing through social media is essential, particularly Instagram and TikTok where product demonstrations perform well.
The startup costs are relatively low (typically $300-500 AUD including website and initial marketing), making it accessible for uni students.
Most profitable student dropshippers spend 10-15 hours weekly managing their online stores while attending classes.
Gig Economy and Task-Based Work
The gig economy offers students flexible ways to earn money around their study schedule.
These jobs typically don’t require long-term commitments and can be picked up whenever students have spare time.
Ride-Sharing and Deliveries
Students in Australia can make decent money through popular platforms like Uber, Didi, Ola, and Menulog.
Driving for ride-sharing services can earn between $25-35 per hour during peak times, while food delivery might bring in $20-30 per hour including tips.
The best part? These jobs can work around uni timetables.
Many students drive during evening hours or weekend nights when rates surge. Some choose to work only during semester breaks when they have more time.
Requirements are straightforward – a valid driver’s licence, a reliable vehicle, and insurance.
For those without cars, bicycle delivery through services like UberEats or Deliveroo provides similar flexibility with lower barriers to entry.
Housekeeping and Assistance
Task platforms like Airtasker and Hipages connect students with Aussies needing help with everyday jobs. These platforms allow students to browse and bid on tasks that match their skills and availability.
Common jobs include house cleaning ($25-35 per hour), furniture assembly ($30-40 per hour), and gardening ($25-30 per hour).
Many students find these gigs particularly lucrative because they can often complete multiple tasks in a single day.
Housesitting has also become popular among students, with platforms like MindAHome offering opportunities to earn $50-100 per night while studying in someone else’s space.
Pet sitting services through Mad Paws can bring in similar amounts for animal-loving students.
The most profitable side hustles in this category require minimal equipment investment and utilise skills most students already have.
