The rising cost of living and the increasing cost of education has forced many students to juggle their studies with part-time work.
For some students, it is to not a choice, but it is a necessity to fund their education and meet basic needs for themselves, while for others, extra income helps them to supplement the money they get from home or from financial aid, while for some, the extra money simply helps them to get the branded clothes and latest cool gadgets.
While bursaries and limited family support provide some relief, this often falls short of covering tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, and transport.
This has left students with no choice but to seek employment while they study, usually in the form of waitressing, promotions or tutoring jobs.
For many students, the struggle begins at home. Parents often juggle multiple financial responsibilities, and they cannot always provide the adequate support required. This leaves students to fend for themselves, seeking jobs to fill the gaps.
For example, a typical three year undergraduate journalism diploma course costs an estimated R28,260 per year at institutions like the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and around R60,662 at universities like Rhodes University.
Tuition fees can increase in the second year, depending on inflation and the specific modules taken, which might differ from the first year.
Registration fees range from R750 at universities of technology and from R2,500 at traditional universities.
Accommodation costs are approximately R40,000 per year, while monthly grocery expenses are estimated at R800.
| How much? | ||
| Tuition | R28,260 | |
| Accommodation | R40,000 | |
| Food | R8,000 | |
Entertainment | R10,000 | |
| Books/Laptops | R5,200 | |
| Total | R91,460 |
This is the projected cost for a year required at a university of technology: R91,460. Depending on the city and many other factors, the figure could easily double, nearing the R200,000 per year mark.
The programme coordinator for Journalism at CPUT, Dr Hermon Berhane Ogbamichael, said the trend of working while studying is particularly prevalent among Advanced Diploma students.
“Almost 80% of our Advanced Diploma students work and study at the same time,” he explained.
For some, the experience enhances their discipline and work ethic.
“Some students are able to balance work and study effectively, which helps them gain valuable experience in the media industry or their respective fields,” Dr Ogbamichael added.
However, not all students thrive under the dual burden.
“Many become overwhelmed with work, struggle to attend classes, and miss assignment deadlines. I always advise students to prioritise their studies and view part-time work as a financial support system rather than the main focus.”
Malibongwe Ngema, a second-year hospitality student at CPUT, works at the university cafeteria while she studies.
“It’s part of my profession as I’m doing hospitality and hotel management. It brought so many opportunities for us to embrace what we have to embrace our talents to give every skills. That is needed as that's we need as students. So this gives some extra money,” he said.
On the other hand, Lihle Mkhohliwe, a film production student, turned his entrepreneurial spirit into a survival tool. Without funding in 2023, he started a small business selling food.
“I’d wake up at 8am to restock and start selling at 6pm, sometimes until 2 or 3am,” Lihle shared.
His packed schedule left him with just two hours of sleep per night, but he was determined to pay for his toiletries, clothes, and tuition.
“It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it in the end.”
For third-year students, internships are often a requirement before completing the programme and graduation, adding another layer of complexity.
Jabulile Tibane, who recently completed her Diploma in Public Relations at CPUT, described how she balanced her in-service training with academic responsibilities.
“We didn’t have many classes, but juggling deadlines at work and school was still a challenge,” she said.
Despite the difficulties, she credits her practical experience for helping her complete the course successfully.
Jobs for students
For students seeking employment, a range of part-time opportunities exists that can help fund their studies while gaining valuable experience.
These roles vary widely, both in scope and earning potential. On-campus jobs offer the convenience of proximity, reducing commuting costs and time.
On campus jobs for students
Library assistants, for instance, can earn around R2,000 per month by organising books and assisting fellow students in locating resources.
Cafeteria workers handle tasks like serving food and managing cash registers, with monthly earnings of up to R3,500.
Residence assistants (RSAs), who oversee student accommodation, earn between R2,000 and R3,500, depending on their university.
Tutoring remains a popular option, with students earning approximately R2,000 per month by helping peers with academic challenges.
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Off-campus jobs for students
Off-campus jobs, on the other hand, provide greater financial opportunities and sometimes experiences aligned with students’ long-term career goals.
Many students work as waiters or waitresses, earning between R500 and R1,500 weekly, while temporary event staff roles bring in R1,200 to R2,000 per event.
Promoters, a dynamic and engaging job option, involve marketing products, brands, or services at events or retail stores.
Students in these roles typically earn between R500 and R1,500 daily, depending on the event’s duration and complexity.
For those with strong interpersonal skills, this role offers a chance to network while earning a competitive wage.
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Virtual jobs for students
Online jobs such as virtual assistant roles or content creation are also becoming increasingly popular, offering the flexibility of remote work that accommodates academic schedules.
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These jobs provide flexibility, enabling students to balance their academic commitments with work, all while contributing to their financial stability.
Universities often have job boards or career centres that advertise part-time roles, and networking through campus student groups or social media platforms can also yield results.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Gumtree, and Indeed are frequently used by students to search for listings, while recruitment agencies catering to part-time roles can help match students with suitable positions.
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