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.

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Juggling work and studies, a reality for many in the quest to bag that degree | Student Survival 2025