Part-time jobs in South Africa: Students looking forward to an enriching student experience, cultural knowledge and personal growth often choose South Africa as their study abroad destination. Furthermore, for those in the field of human diversity, evolution and other similar fields of study, South Africa is a living example to study with experience. It offers unique courses like wildlife conservation and African studies. If you are studying in such a country, for these courses, then returning without gaining experience is a foolish decision. Here is a complete analysis of how and what part-time jobs in South Africa are available for students.
This Blog Includes:
- Why Work Part-Time in South Africa?
- List of Top Part-Time Jobs in South Africa for Students
- Popular Job Sectors for Students
- Conditions for Part-Time Jobs in South Africa
- Required Documents for Part-Time Jobs in South Africa
- Tips to Find Part-time Jobs in South Africa
- Popular Websites for Jobs in South Africa
- FAQs
Why Work Part-Time in South Africa?
South Africa is rich in culture, wildlife and diversity and has many more surprises to offer than one can possibly imagine. Working in South Africa can enhance your study abroad experience in the following ways;
- You familiarise yourself with the local dialects and culture.
- Building a rapport with the locals will help you improve your employability.
- There are many UN Programs taking place in South Africa that you can be a part of.
- If you have a knack for flora and fauna, then you can find amazing, relatable part-time work and internships.
- Get experience of working with multinational companies and improve global competitiveness.
List of Top Part-Time Jobs in South Africa for Students
Here are curated jobs and internships that are really beneficial for international students in South Africa. They can gain experience and earn money at the same time with these internship programs.
| Jobs | Pay |
| Book Keeper | R 11,000 to R 15,000 |
| Part-Time Lecturer | R 20,000 |
| Clerk | R 11,500 |
| Vacation Intern (VI) Mechanical Engineering | Paid Internship |
| VI Chemical Engineering | Paid Internship |
| VI Human Resources | Paid Internship |
| VI Communication | Paid Internship |
| VI Metallurgy | Paid Internship |
| Finance Intern | Paid Internship |
| Social Media Intern | Paid Internship |
| Gender Equality Internship | Paid Internship |
| Forest Restoration Field Research Internship | Paid Internship |
| Gansbaai: Great White Shark Conservation | Paid Internship |
Also Read: Everything To Know About South Africa Student Visa
Popular Job Sectors for Students
Students have some restrictions on work in order to be eligible to work part-time in South Africa. These part-time jobs should be related to their field of studies or aid their performance development in some way. Therefore, it is important to know about the most popular sectors of work for students in South Africa.
- Graphic Designer: A graphic designer is required in every field of work and is considered an added benefit or skill set for potential employees. It is also one of the most in-demand skills these days.
- Tutor: As a tutor, you can read, study and practice the subjects you are pursuing a college degree in while teaching the students simultaneously. It helps in brushing up your knowledge on the subject.
- Research Assistant: STEM courses have a lot of research opportunities at universities and research organisations. Additionally, students can be a part of projects pursued by their professors or the PhD scholars at universities. This will help them improve their career.
- Marketing & Management: Marketing is an integral part of every organisation. Therefore, marketing and management jobs are pursued by many students. The organisation they choose to take up the part-time job must be related to their field of study.
- Communications: No one can deny the fact that communication is the key to every problem. Think of any sector, and they will need a communications specialist in their field to carry out negotiations and convey brand ideas, etc. Therefore, part-time communications jobs are also popular in South Africa.
- English Teaching: English is a barrier and an icebreaker while working abroad. If you move abroad to a country that has a language other than English or the language of your home country, then English becomes a negotiated medium of communication for both parties. If you are good at the language, you can use your skills to earn some money.
Average Pay
The average pay for an intern in South Africa is between R 5,000 and R 12,000 per month. The exact amount will depend on the type of internship chosen by the student. Average part-time pay, however, is R 108 per hour in the country. Students can choose to work anywhere as long as they meet the conditions to work part-time in South Africa.
Conditions for Part-Time Jobs in South Africa
Here are a few things that a student must possess to successfully work while studying in South Africa. Go through the list carefully to avoid missing out on any important information.
- Students can only work for 20 hours per week during semesters.
- During semester breaks, students are allowed to work as long as 40 hours a week.
- Till the time they are enrolled in a program, students can seek part-time jobs on a student visa.
- Students can enrol in internships, leadership, and studentships available inside or outside the university without restriction.
- Students who speak other languages, like Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, and Hindi, can also work as translators.
Also Read: Legal Hours vs Actual Student Earnings by Country
Required Documents for Part-Time Jobs in South Africa
Many important documents would prove that you are a full-time student at a particular university in South Africa, currently enrolled in a course and have permission to work. Here are the documents a student must be ready with while looking for the part time jobs in South Africa.
- Passport
- Student Visa
- Academic transcripts
- Admission letter
- In some cases, the employer might ask for a No Objection Certificate/Letter from the university.
- In some cases, the employer might also ask for an undertaking that you are not working elsewhere.
Tips to Find Part-time Jobs in South Africa
To work part-time in South Africa, you must know how to find a job in the first place. Here are some tips to start with.
- Create a resume with the help of your peers in a format that works in the country.
- Enrol in student communities and placement cells of the university.
- Create a profile on multiple job posting websites.
- Apply for work related to your skill, expertise or field of study.
- Build connections with professors and locals.
Popular Websites for Jobs in South Africa
Here are some popular places where you can find job and internship opportunities in South Africa.
- Indeed
- Marine Impact
- Intern Abroad HQ
- Connect 123 Internship Programs
- Roots Intern
- Greenpop
- Asia Internship Program
- World Endeavours
- Projects Abroad in South Africa
FAQs
Yes, students can work part-time in South Africa. They are allowed to work for 20 hours a week during the semester and 40 hours a week during vacations.
Students can work part-time in jobs related to their field of study, based on their skills or interests. For example, there are jobs available as part-time drivers, translators, bookkeepers, work in IT jobs, engineering jobs, management jobs, etc.
The average income for part-time work in South Africa is R 108 per hour. For students indulged in internships and studentships, the pay can range from R 5000 to R 12,000 a month.
The general legal working age in South Africa is 15 years, but students typically work part-time from age 18 and above, depending on the employer and visa rules.
You can make money through part-time jobs, internships, on-campus roles, tutoring, freelancing, or working in hospitality and retail, depending on your visa conditions.
Relevant Reads
We hope this was helpful for you and that your journey towards finding the best part-time jobs in South Africa will be more fruitful. This is all the information about how to get part-time jobs in South Africa for international students. If you want to read blogs on part-time jobs, follow Leverage Edu.

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