How To Start Freelancing As A Student

Being broke as a student is common, but relying solely on parental support can limit personal growth and financial independence. In today’s evolving job market, freelancing for students offers more than just extra cash—it provides flexibility, practical skills, and hands-on experience that traditional part-time jobs often lack. With freelance jobs for students, they can work on their schedule, gain valuable industry skills, and build a professional network, all while studying. This guide will help you get started with freelancing, covering how to do freelancing as a student and how to find top in-demand freelancing jobs for students to explore.

Why Do You Need to Freelance as a Student?

In addition to giving you some extra spending money, freelancing will look great on your resume. Thanks to the pandemic, we can now explore a variety of freelance jobs for students options. This is also an excellent method to get ready for the job market while accomplishing your career goals and maintaining a conventional academic experience. 

How to Start Freelancing as a Student?

Now that you know the skills required for freelancing, let's look at how to start freelancing as a student. With so many things to consider, such as your skills, platform, audience, and rates, figuring out how to freelance as a student can get quite overwhelming. So, here's a step-by-step breakdown to help you get started if you are also struggling with the question ‘how to be a freelancer as a student?’. For additional information, make sure to check out our blog on Guide to Freelancing for GenZ.

Step 1: Define your goals

The first and foremost step is understanding the aim behind embarking on this journey of looking for freelance jobs for students. Ask yourself why you want to search for freelancing jobs for students. A clear idea of your goals will help you in the long run.

Step 2: Pick out your best skills

One of the most important things to do when you are looking for freelance jobs for students is to identify your assets and build a business that utilises your best skills. There are multiple skills required for freelancing. Try to pick out unique and polished skills that not many other people might possess. These could be self-taught or skills you picked up from a hobby or a previous job.

Step 3: Club them together into a service

By bundling up your skills, you can create a unique service that will help you maximise your revenue and offer quality service at freelance jobs for students.

Step 4: Create a client profile

No matter which freelancing job you've taken up, it is important to understand your target customers. This will help you identify potential customers and reach them easily.

Step 5: Set your rates

When looking for freelance jobs for students, setting rates according to the current market is important. Analysing your competition and creating a strategy is crucial when looking for freelancing jobs for students.

Step 6: Research relevant laws

Find out if there are any laws about your business, and make sure you abide by these. Also, keep track of any business expenses and manage your taxes well.

Step 7: Reach out to potential customers

When thinking about freelancing jobs for students, you might find it difficult to reach customers. You can start by spreading the word about your new business through social media, emails, or simply by word of mouth while using your existing network.

Master These Top 5 Skills to Succeed in Student Freelancing Today

You can showcase your specialised abilities as a freelancer by utilising hard skills and soft skills. Below are a few skills required for freelancing jobs for students:

1. Communication

2. Negotiation

3. Industry Knowledge

4. Marketing

5. Creativity

6. Empathy

7. Time Management

How to Start Freelance and Earn $1000+ as a Student?

Whether planning to study overseas or in your city, you should always look for freelancing jobs for students. Check out these 15 best freelancing jobs for students we've handpicked in different domains to give you a comprehensive perspective on what to choose if you have a few hours to spare and decide to start freelancing.

1. Freelance Writing

Average Salary: $1000-$2000/month

Skill Required: Writing proficiency, Research skills, Editing and proofreading, Client Collaboration

What to Avoid: Avoid clients who refuse to sign a contract or offer very low pay. Always research market rates and protect your work with clear agreements. 

Are you an avid texter? We assume you can type fast, which is one skill set many companies seek in a writer. You can freelance as a student by helping them write marketing content, such as reviews, blog posts, social media posts, newsletters, and more. It is one of the ideal freelance jobs for students. Skilled professionals are in high demand for writing freelance content. You can look for job listings online, on job portals, or freelance websites. Copywriting is one of the most recommendable skills required for freelancing.

Steps students can follow for this freelancing jobs for students -

1. Choose a niche 

2. Create writing samples or a portfolio for your freelance jobs for students

3. Sign up to freelancing platforms

4. Apply for entry-level writing gigs 

5. Build your profile and request client testimonials to increase credibility.

2. Video Editing

Average Salary: $1000-$2000/month

Skill Required: Video Editing Software Proficiency, Creative storytelling, attention to detail, time management.

What to Avoid: Avoid clients who expect fast turnarounds without offering fair compensation. 

People are switching to Reels and TikToks for quick information and entertainment. Video is one of the most prominent forms of information on the internet today, and editing video requires an excellent technical skill set. So wear your creative hat and learn quick editing tools, whether mobile editing apps or big-blown software, and learn how to start freelancing as a student.

Steps students can follow-

1.  Familiarise yourself with editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

2. Edit sample videos for your portfolio 

3. Sign up on freelancing sites 

4. Look for local gigs.

5. Take small jobs to gain experience and increase your rates

3. Mobile Application Development

Average Salary: $1000-3500/month

Skill Required: Programming and coding, User interface (UI) design, Problem-solving

Testing and debugging.

What to Avoid: Don’t take on projects with vague objectives or without detailed requirements. Avoid clients who want to bypass app store guidelines or expect free maintenance post-launch. 

With the boon of increased importance for coding and learning programming languages like Java, Python, C++, C#, etc. This is one of the ideal freelance jobs for students. This is a highly paid freelancing job for students; you can choose between Android and iOS app development. Once you get a few projects under your belt, you will have ample opportunities for work as a freelance app developer.

Steps students can follow -

1. Learn mobile app development languages (Swift for iOS, Java for Android).

2. Create simple apps or contribute to open-source projects to build a portfolio.

3. Register on sites.

4. Bid on smaller app projects to gain initial experience.

5. Build relationships with clients to gain repeat business and referrals.

4. Audio Transcription

Average Salary: $1000-$1200/month

Skill Required: Listening comprehension, Typing speed and accuracy, Knowledge of transcription software, Attention to detail

What to Avoid: Avoid transcription jobs with very poor audio quality or unclear deadlines, as they can become time-consuming. 

Do you always have your headphones on? Do you love listening to podcasts? This job might be for you. There is a need for people who can listen to audio and translate it into written words. This ability is necessary for audio transcription and can make this a good freelance job for students. Various online sites hire for audio transcription services. This can be a good option for your side hustle. This is one of the best freelancing jobs for students. 

Steps students can follow for this freelancing jobs for students -

1. Develop good typing speed and accuracy, along with listening skills.

2. Sign up on transcription websites like Rev, TranscribeMe, or GoTranscript.

3. Take their transcription tests to get approved for paid work.

4. Start with small audio files to improve your skills and speed.

5. Complete jobs consistently to build a reputation for accuracy and timeliness.

5. Online Tutoring

Average Salary: $1000-$2000/month

Skill Required: Communication, Subject knowledge, Adaptability, Patience

What to Avoid: Steer clear of platforms that don't offer secure payment options. Ensure you set clear boundaries with students about your availability. 

Tutoring will be good freelance jobs for students if they have good information interpreting and explaining skill sets. Many online teaching sites allow you to create and upload your online courses on the platform. A good thing about this job is that you do not have to work daily; you just record your videos and let the platform do the marketing.

You can make your online study courses and upload them to platforms like Udemy and Skillshare, or you can become an online tutor to teach students online on platforms like Tutor.com or Skooli.

Steps students can follow-

1. Identify subjects you excel in (math, science, languages).

2. Register on platforms.

3. Create a profile highlighting your expertise and tutoring style.

4. Set your hourly rate based on market demand and your skill level.

5. Start taking on students and offer personalized lessons for a strong reputation.

6. Graphic Designer

Average Salary: $1000-$1300/month

Skill Required: Creativity, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, Typography, Visual communication

What to Avoid: Avoid working with clients who ask for excessive revisions without additional pay. 

Do you like editing your pictures in a quirky way? If Picsart and Pixlr are your go-to apps for photo editing, graphic designing might be a great freelance jobs for students. There are lots of freelance design assignments accessible. You must have a firm grasp of modern design tools like Figma, Canva, and Adobe Illustrator and design software like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, and others. Designing is one of the most recommendable skills required for freelancing.

Steps students can follow-

1.  Build a portfolio with logos, posters, and social media graphics using software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.

2. Create profiles on 99Designs, Fiverr, or Behance to showcase your work.

3. Set up a profile on freelancing sites and start bidding on small projects.

4. Network through social media or LinkedIn to find additional clients.

5. Continuously update your portfolio with completed work.

7. Web Developer

Average Salary: $1000-$3500/month

Skill Required: HTML/CSS, Programming languages, Web development, Problem-solving

What to Avoid: Steer clear of clients who cannot provide a clear project brief or technical specifications. This can lead to scope creep and unrealistic expectations.

Almost every business wants to establish a prominent online presence. The growth of digitisation and technology has led to increased web design. A website is a company's online storefront. If you know how to create a website, you can start charging people immediately. For many projects, the ability to design a simple WordPress site suffices; advanced capabilities are not even necessary. It is one of the best freelancing jobs for students. 

Steps students can follow-

1. Start by learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through free platforms like Codecademy or FreeCodeCamp.

2. Build a Portfolio

3. Join Freelancing Platforms

4. Research the market rates for web development and set clear pricing for different types of projects.

5. As you progress, expand your skills by learning front-end and back-end frameworks 

8. Social Media Marketing

Average Salary: $1000-$2000/month

Skill Required: Social media knowledge, Content, Analytics and metrics analysis, Audience engagement

What to Avoid: Watch out for spammy or unethical marketing practices.

Suppose you spend hours perusing social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram and have a creative and relatable side. In that case, consider putting your skills to learn how to be a freelancer as a student in the social media manager position. Most business owners have no idea how to use social media; you can use your marketing best practices to deliver the outcomes their clients want. Being creative is one of the most recommendable freelance jobs for students.

Steps students can follow-

1. Learn the basics of social media platforms.

2. Build a portfolio by managing a personal or small business’s social media account.

3. Create a freelancer profile 

4. Pitch your services to small businesses or influencers.

5. Track analytics to show results.

9. Proofreading

Average Salary: $1000-$1300/month

Skill Required: Language proficiency, Attention to detail, Grammar and punctuation rules, and editing techniques

What to Avoid: Avoid clients who expect rewriting instead of proofreading, unless you are being paid accordingly. 

Are you a grammar Nazi? If spotting grammatical and consistency errors when reading comes effortlessly to you, you might want to consider this freelance jobs for students. Nearly every company requires proofreaders to ensure the high calibre of shared and published material. Proofreaders are needed for anything from blog posts and brochures to scripts and even student essays to ensure the text is free of grammatical and structural problems.

Steps students can follow-

1. Brush up on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

2. Create samples by proofreading academic papers, etc.

3. Join proofreading platforms 

4. Take on small proofreading jobs to build your experience.

10. Virtual Assistant

Average Salary: $1000-$3000/month

Skill Required: Organization and time management, Communication, Administrative tasks, Tech-savviness

What to Avoid: Avoid clients who expect you to be available 24/7 without respecting your time or paying fairly. 

Many busy people require assistance but lack the funds to hire a personal assistant in person. Virtual assistants can help with this. They complete tasks like making appointments, responding to emails, and almost every other digital duty a busy person doesn't have time for. With a virtual assistant position, you have a lot of freedom to decide on whatever services you want to offer for freelance as a student. It is one of the top freelancing jobs for students.

steps students can follow-

1. Identify the administrative skills you have.

2. Create a profile on freelancing sites.

3. Set clear service offerings (e.g., social media management, research, customer support).

4. Start by taking on small tasks for businesses or entrepreneurs.

5. Build client relationships and ask for testimonials to grow your virtual assistant business.

11. Photo Editor

Average Salary: $1000-$1500/month

Skill Required: Composition and framing, Lighting techniques, Camera operation, Post-processing and editing

What to Avoid: Be wary of clients who request edits on stolen or copyrighted photos. Offering photography and picture touch-up services can be a terrific way to earn money if you have a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of aesthetics. Photoshop skills enable you to produce stunning, original images for small enterprises. Fashion models, food bloggers, and influencers are all gaining popularity on social networking sites. As a result, there has never been a greater need for freelance photography, photo editing, touch-ups, and good freelance jobs for student options.

steps students can follow-

1. Learn software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

2. Build a portfolio of edited images, showing before-and-after comparisons.

3. Register on Fiverr or Upwork to offer photo editing services.

4. Start by offering services like background removal, color correction, or retouching.

5. As your skills improve, take on more complex projects and increase your rates.

12. English Tutor

Average Salary: $1000-$2000/month

Skill Required: Language proficiency, Teaching and communication, Grammar and writing skills, Lesson planning

What to Avoid: Don't promise unrealistic results, like fluency in a short period. 

This freelance option for students is for you if you can speak, read, and write English fluently. Many platforms link students with language instructors, so this can be a good option for freelancing jobs for students. English is a sought-after language in many countries, and you can earn money by instructing in it. You don't even have to speak another language or be a certified teacher. To be hired, several platforms only need you to speak English fluently.

steps students can follow-

1. Sign up on tutoring platforms like Preply, Italki, or Chegg Tutors.

2. Highlight any English proficiency certifications (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

3. Set a tutoring schedule that works around your classes.

4. Offer competitive rates initially and target students looking for conversational or academic English practice.

5. Develop personalized lesson plans and build rapport with students.

13. Data Entry

Average Salary: $1000-$1200/month

Skill Required: Typing speed and accuracy, Attention to detail, Data management software, Time management

What to Avoid: Be cautious of jobs requiring excessive personal details or sensitive information. Always clarify expectations on the amount of data and timeline before agreeing.

Do you like to organise things? Are Excel sheets your best friends? Data Entry might be a fun freelancing job for you. This is a job that almost everyone can do as long as you are efficient and detail-oriented. Data entry transfers information from one source or format to another, usually a spreadsheet or database management system. Data entry is one of the most basic skills required for freelancing. It is one of the best freelance jobs for students. 

steps students can follow-

1.  Brush up on Excel and other data management tools.

2. Sign up on data entry platforms 

3. Look for data entry tasks like inputting information into spreadsheets or databases.

4. Build speed and accuracy to increase your earning potential.

5. Take on regular tasks to maintain a steady income flow.

14. Start a YouTube Channel

Average Salary: $1000-$1400/month

Skill Required: Content creation, Video editing, Audience engagement and growth, SEO and marketing

What to Avoid: Be wary of copying trends just to gain views—authenticity is key. Also, avoid using copyrighted music or footage without permission.

As you already know, video content is highly consumed, and this is your chance to enter the YouTube industry. Expect not to become as well-known as Pewdiepie, but if making videos appeals to you, you should look into this field for freelance as a student. Online programmes for producing YouTube are widely available. Keep consistency and relevance in mind when creating video content. Try to get better at editing and delivering a story with each video you make. Communication is one of the most basic skills required for freelancing.

steps students can follow-

1. Identify a niche (e.g., vlogging, tutorials, gaming).

2. Create your YouTube channel and start posting consistent content.

3.  Promote your videos on social media to increase visibility.

4. Monetize your channel by joining the YouTube Partner Program once you meet the requirements.

5. Continuously engage with your audience and improve content quality.

15. Music Production

Average Salary: $1000-$2000/month

Skill Required: Music theory, Audio production software proficiency, Sound engineering, Composition and arrangement

What to Avoid: Be cautious about copyright issues when using samples or third-party content. Always research appropriate pricing for your work.

If you know how to make cool beats or have a slight inclination towards music and the creating process, this is an excellent option for you to start freelancing jobs for students! Selling beats online allows music producers to earn a decent amount of money. To begin with, you must learn how to make beats using the numerous online tutorials and courses readily available. Once you have a following, you may start sharing your beats on websites like Soundcloud. 

steps students can follow-

1. Learn music production software like FL Studio, Ableton, or Logic Pro.

2. Create sample tracks and remixes to showcase your skills.

3. Offer your services on platforms like SoundBetter or Fiverr for artists seeking producers.

4. Build a portfolio and reach out to local musicians or online creators needing beats or sound design.

5. Focus on delivering quality work to gain more clients through word of mouth or online reviews.

Freelancing Websites For Students

There are many freelancing websites for students that can help them make a quick buck. Some of the most popular websites include

1. Fiverr- Freelancers offer services starting at $5, making it ideal for quick, affordable tasks. It stands out for its gig-based system and is free to join, with a 20% fee on transactions.

2. Upwork- Known for a wide range of freelance opportunities, Upwork charges freelancers a sliding fee based on earnings. It stands out for its time-tracking and hourly contracts, appealing to long-term projects.

3. Freelancer- Offers both fixed-price and hourly projects with free membership available. What sets it apart is its competition-based projects, where freelancers bid or participate in contests to win work.

4. Toptal- Known for its rigorous vetting process, only accepting the top 3% of freelancers, ensuring high-quality work. Toptal has no upfront fees but is exclusive, focusing on premium projects.

5. Guru- Allows freelancers to create a profile for free with paid membership options for additional features. It stands out for its WorkRooms feature, enabling project management and collaboration.

‍ Note that these are a popular choice so the competition is also more on such websites.

What to Keep in Mind when Freelancing as a Student?

Finalising the pay for a project when freelancing as a student can be quite confusing. There are several things you must consider when setting your pay. Let's take a look at some of the pricing factors to keep in mind:

1. Location: Although freelance jobs for students can be handled from anywhere globally, the pay for a project can be significantly impacted by the client's location.

2. Education: Although this will differ from profession to profession, a freelancer's pay scale can be significantly increased by education and certified training.

3. Experience: The amount a freelancer pays rate often rises as they gain more expertise in their field.

4. Skill set: A freelancer's pricing greatly influences their skills employers look for while hiring. If work demands a solid base of technical skills, freelancers may demand a higher rate.

5. Reviews: Past project reviews give a business a simple approach to confirming a freelancer's performance. Freelancers might charge more because they have established credibility with favourable reviews.

Time Management tips to help students balance Freelancing with Studies

Time management can be a little tricky when you have a lot on your plate and everything needs your undivided attention. Here are some time management tips to help students understand how to earn money as a student. And how to balance freelancing with their studies:

1. Create a Schedule: Use a planner or digital calendar to allocate specific time slots for both study sessions and freelancing work. Stick to the routine as much as possible.

2. Prioritise Tasks: Focus on important and urgent tasks first, whether it’s an assignment deadline or focusing on freelancing jobs for students. Prioritise tasks based on deadlines and importance.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, achievable goals. For example, plan to complete a portion of a project or study chapter each day rather than cramming everything at once.

5. Use Time-Blocking: Block out time for dedicated study and freelance work without interruptions. This helps you stay focused on one task at a time.

6. Avoid Procrastination: Start early and avoid leaving tasks until the last minute. Procrastination often leads to poor-quality work or missing deadlines.

7. Utilize Downtime: Use small pockets of free time during the day (between classes or on commutes) for light tasks like replying to freelance emails or reviewing class notes.

Freelancing Tips for Beginners

Freelancing jobs for students can quickly turn into a disaster if not done well. You might face issues such as a lack of balance, communication gaps, exploitation, etc. Here are some tips to help you avoid such problems when looking for freelance jobs for students.

1. Work with an open mind: There is no rush to identify the clients you want to work with and the services you will provide them at the beginning of your freelance business.

2. Perform research: Do your research! Always do your homework on project scope and pricing to avoid being exploited. 

3. Negotiation: As a freelancer, learn to negotiate like a pro. To establish your value from the outset of the conversation, you must carry yourself with the confidence and expertise you possess.

4. Networking with other Freelancers: To freelance as a student, you can join a group for online freelance jobs for students. Only other solopreneurs can genuinely comprehend the highs and lows of freelancing. 

5. Obtain repeat business from satisfied clients: After completing a job, you might reduce your rate by 5% to 10% if they decide to work with you again. You'll have more money in your pocket without looking for new employment.

Pros and Cons of Freelancing as a Student

If you are still contemplating whether or not to go for freelance jobs for students then you can consider this pros and cons list for freelance jobs for students. 

Pros:

1. Flexible Schedule: Freelancing allows you to set your working hours, giving you the freedom to work around your classes and study time.

2. Financial Independence: Freelance jobs for students provides an opportunity to earn money and reduce reliance on parents or loans, giving you financial freedom.

3. Real-World Experience: Freelancing gives practical work experience in your field of interest, which can enhance your resume and future job prospects.

4. Skill Development: You develop crucial skills like time management, communication, self-discipline, and problem-solving, all while working on various projects.

5. Networking Opportunities: Freelancing helps build professional connections, which can lead to future work or internships.

Cons:

1. Time Management Challenges: Balancing freelance jobs for students with academic responsibilities can be stressful and may affect your studies if not managed properly.

2. Inconsistent Income: Freelancing jobs for students can offer irregular income, with busy periods followed by times when work is scarce, making budgeting difficult.

3. Lack of Stability: Freelance jobs for students lack job security, benefits like health insurance, and paid leave, which can be a downside compared to a traditional job.

4. Distractions from Studies: With multiple projects in your freelancing jobs for students, you may find it hard to focus on academic assignments, which can negatively impact your grades.

5. Isolation: Freelance jobs for students are often done remotely, which can feel isolating compared to working in a more social or team-based environment.

To quote the Joker from The Dark Knight, "If you are good at something, never do it for free". Freelance is a great way to gain an excellent skill set as a student. Now you know how to earn money online for students. The more skills in your CV, the higher the chances of securing a good job and loving what you do. You can also view our web story on how to freelance as a student to understand more.