Starting a business as a student in South Africa can be one of the most empowering decisions you make. Instead of spending your entire education loan on just daily expenses, you can invest a small part of it into a side business that brings in extra income, builds your confidence, and teaches you important money and time management skills.
Many students think starting a business is too expensive or too complicated. But the truth is, with the right idea, a clear plan, and some dedication, you can build a small venture right from your dorm room or campus. The key is to start small, focus on businesses with low running costs, and choose something that fits into your student lifestyle.
Let’s look at the top 5 student-friendly business ideas you can consider funding with your loan in 2025.
1. Online Tutoring Services
One of the easiest and most reliable businesses for students is online tutoring. If you’re good at a particular subject or course, you can turn that knowledge into income by helping others understand it better.
Why it works:
- You already know the subject
- You don’t need an office or any special equipment
- You can work from your phone, laptop, or even a shared campus computer
What you’ll need:
- A laptop or smartphone with stable internet
- Free tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet
- Some basic marketing through WhatsApp, campus groups, or social media
What you can earn:
- You can charge per hour or per session
- Some students charge between R50 and R150 per hour depending on the subject and demand
2. Mobile Food Delivery or Snack Business
If you enjoy cooking or baking, this idea can turn into a reliable side hustle. Many students don’t have time to cook or leave campus to buy meals. You can meet that need by preparing simple meals or snacks and delivering them directly to students in your residence or nearby classes.
Ideas to start with:
- Homemade sandwiches, wraps, or pasta bowls
- Healthy snacks like fruit cups or smoothies
- Sweets like cupcakes or chocolate chip cookies
What you’ll need:
- Cooking utensils and packaging materials
- R300–R500 to buy ingredients in bulk
- A reliable way to take orders — WhatsApp is great for this
Smart tip:
Keep your menu small and simple in the beginning to reduce waste and focus on quality.
3. Reselling Pre-Loved Items or Fashion Accessories
You can start a small online thrift or fashion business by buying and reselling items like clothes, bags, shoes, or handmade jewelry. This idea is easy to manage, especially for students who already enjoy fashion and have an eye for great deals.
What you can sell:
- Gently used clothing from thrift stores
- Low-cost accessories from local markets or online stores
- Custom-made items like beaded bracelets or printed t-shirts
How to sell:
- Use Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or even TikTok
- Promote in university WhatsApp groups
- Offer small discounts to friends who help spread the word
Why it’s perfect for students:
- Low upfront costs (you can start with R500 or less)
- Flexible — you can pack and ship items on weekends
- Helps build skills in sales, branding, and customer service
4. Printing and Typing Services
Many students need help printing assignments, typing long essays, or scanning documents. You can offer these services right from your hostel or a small corner on campus.
What you’ll need:
- A basic printer (you can get one for about R800–R1,200)
- A laptop or desktop for typing
- A stable power source or backup solution
How to get customers:
- Print a few flyers and paste them around campus
- Offer small discounts for referrals
- Provide urgent same-day service for people in a rush
Bonus idea:
Add extra services like photocopying or laminating when you have more funds.
5. Digital Content Creation or Freelancing
If you have a skill like writing, graphic design, social media marketing, or video editing, you can turn it into a freelancing service. Many people and small businesses are looking for affordable online help — and students are in a great position to offer these services at fair prices.
Freelance platforms to explore:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer
- Social media and WhatsApp
What you can offer:
- Article writing or blog posts
- Logo design or Instagram content creation
- Short TikTok-style videos for small brands
How to start:
- Use your loan to buy basic tools like a better phone, ring light, or design software
- Build a small portfolio by offering free work to friends first
- Promote your work online with samples and testimonials
Choosing the Right Business as a Student
When picking which business idea to go with, consider your time, interest, and starting budget. The best student-friendly businesses are:
- Easy to manage alongside your studies
- Affordable to start and maintain
- Based on a skill or interest you already have
Avoid anything that will distract you from school or put you under too much financial pressure. Instead, look for ideas that grow slowly and steadily — you’ll thank yourself later.
Top 5 Student-Friendly Business Ideas to Fund with Your Loan
Using part of your education loan to start a small business is not only possible, it’s smart. Whether it’s tutoring, food delivery, reselling, printing services, or freelancing, you can turn your free time and personal interests into profit.
Starting early helps you build real-world skills while still in school. It also gives you a head start on becoming financially independent, even before you graduate.
Make sure to plan your business wisely, budget for it carefully, and keep learning along the way. When done right, a student business can help you support yourself, fund your studies, and even inspire your long-term career path. Let your loan do more than pay for textbooks, let it fund your dreams.