What are the best jobs for online uni students?
Want to switch into a less demanding job while you’re studying? These part-time roles are a perfect fit for online students.
When university becomes your world, you don’t necessarily have the headspace for a mentally taxing job as well.
It can be easier to make studying your priority with a low commitment part-time or casual role instead.
If that’s how you’d prefer to structure your studies this year, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best jobs for online students that can easily fit in around your coursework.
Freelance photographer
Don’t be afraid to give this a try if you’ve got an eye for photography, because the freedom freelancing gives you can be perfect for online study. Not only can you choose your own hours—you can even schedule all your photography sessions within a single day or weekend each month, so you can free up the rest of your time for your course.
Think about where the gaps are in your local area, and what you might like to specialise in, like weddings, pregnancy or family photography. Then set up a website or Instagram account, and advertise on your local community noticeboard.
The pros: You get to nourish your creative side, while earning an income at the same time.
The cons: You’ll need to provide your own equipment, which can be an expensive (but one-time) investment.
Where to start: Promote yourself as freelancer or apply to advertised jobs on websites like Upwork, FlexJobs, or Fiverr. Make sure you apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN ) first for tax purposes.
Freelance writer
Are words more your thing? Anyone can pitch their writing to publications or promote themselves as a freelance copywriter. This gig can be well suited to online students because once you have a set deadline, you can do the work whenever you want. The most important thing to start with is to set up an online portfolio showcasing your talents.
The pros: Copywriting is an introvert’s dream—you can secure work over email, without even meeting your editors in person.
The cons: If you’re already writing a lot for assessments, then doing extra on the side might drain your creativity.
Where to start: Follow editors and other freelance writers on LinkedIn to hear about opportunities—they share calls for submissions and requests for support frequently. Also keep an eye on freelance writing job boards like Rachel’s List for more regular gigs.
Hospitality worker
Hospitality has always been a go-to for busy students, for good reason.
The shifts are flexible, and you don’t usually need much formal experience to get started. You can also choose from a variety of roles—everything from barista-ing, bartending and front or back of house-ing, to guest services and housekeeping. You could even put your name forward for event-based work like weddings at hotels near you.
The pros: If you’re a people person who’s studying online, hospo can be an ideal gig. It will give you an outlet for socialising, but you won’t have to take any baggage, like computer work, home with you later.
The cons: Some hospitality roles can be physically demanding and require late nights or long shifts (but more time off in between). Consider if that’s going to fit into your current lifestyle.
Where to start: Browse the latest hospitality openings on Scout Jobs.
Dog walker
Are you an animal lover? Walking dogs for those who can’t do it themselves can provide a regular source of income and easily fit in around your studies. Plus, this gives you time to spend with a furry friend, so it may not feel like work at all!
The pros: Most of your walks will likely happen early in the morning or over lunchtime, making it fairly easy to plan out your day. The exercise and company will also do wonders for your mental health, making you fresh when it’s time to hit the books.
The cons: Finding clients can be tricky at first, especially if you’re in a suburb where there are a lot of dog walkers already. The good thing is that dog owners talk to each other at the vet, in pet stores and at the park. Finding one regular client can be all you need to open up your network.
Where to start: Sign up to websites like Pawshake and Mad Paws to meet clients in your area.
Rideshare driver
If you have a car and you’re over 21 years of age, you can sign up to become a driver for a ridesharing app like Uber, and work flexibly whenever you find yourself with a few free hours. All you have to do is log in, accept customer requests, and then taxi people to their destination.
The pros: Not only are you free to work when you want, but you can also schedule your shifts during ‘surge periods’ to maximise your earnings. This is usually during peak hour or after public events when demand for ridesharing is very high.
The cons: You’re responsible for your car’s expenses, including wear and tear.
Where to start: You can register to become a driver on Uber or Didi.
Academic tutor
Tutoring work is a good option if you’re skilled in a particular subject, like English, maths or science. You could tutor high school or primary school students—or even your fellow uni classmates.
The pros: It can be incredibly satisfying, knowing you’re helping someone flourish academically and reach their full potential. You also have the flexibility to negotiate your rate, depending on your level of expertise, and to tutor either face-to-face or online.
The cons: Common challenges may include overbearing parents or lots of preparation work, which could take time away from your studies.
Where to start: Check your university’s online jobs hub. Parents often advertise here when they’re searching for a tutor. You could also promote your services in local community Facebook groups.
Freelance accountant
Perhaps you’re a financial wizard or accountant honing your skills through further study? Airtasker has an accounting and bookkeeping section where you can pick up one-off tasks or ongoing project work. It’s a nice way to boost your income without taking on a full-time commitment.
The pros: You get to choose who you work for—and you can ‘fire’ clients you don’t like.
The cons: Like most freelance gigs, your income can be inconsistent.
Where to start: Beyond Airtasker, you can also find freelance accounting jobs posted on Upwork. Another option is to promote your services to your connections on LinkedIn.
How many hours can I work as a student?
There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work as a student if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen holding a Subclass 444 Special Category visa (SCV).
If you are an international student visa holder studying in Australia you can work a maximum of 48 hours a fortnight while you are studying. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can work when your course is not in session.
You can check your visa details and conditions at the Department of Home Affairs.
It’s worth keeping in mind that what you earn could affect your student benefits payments, if you are receiving them. Payments including Austudy, ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance could be impacted. For example if you earn over $509 a fortnight your Austudy payment could be reduced.
Check the restrictions for your particular payment with Centrelink.
Juggling work, study and life
Wondering how much work you’ll be able to manage alongside your study? Check out our study planning page, which will help you figure out how much time you normally need to set aside for a subject.
If you need to adjust your study load or rejig your subject choices going into a new study period, we can help with that too. Contact an Open Universities Australia student advisor for advice. Their unbiased, one-on-one guidance will empower you to study how you need to.
