42 min
4
01.09.2024
As a student, juggling the demands of academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be challenging. However, the rise of freelancing platforms has opened up a world of opportunities, allowing students to work on their terms and explore diverse projects that align with their passions.
Freelancing, at its core, refers to the practice of offering services or expertise to clients on a project-by-project basis, without being tied to a single employer. It offers a unique set of advantages, providing students with a pathway to financial independence, career growth, and the development of essential skills that go beyond the classroom.
In this article, we will explore the best freelance sites for students, empowering them to embark on their freelance journey.
Studybay – Best Freelance Website for Students
Studybay is a well-known platform that connects freelancers with clients seeking academic assistance. It provides an opportunity for freelance writers and tutors to showcase their skills and expertise in various academic disciplines. In this table, we will explore the pros, cons, and unique features of Studybay for student freelancers.
| Year of Foundation | 2011 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Live chat, Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Access to a wide range of academic writing and tutoring tasks |
| Cons | Competitiveness among freelancers may affect project selection |
| Unique Features | Bidding system for project selection, ability to negotiate prices, plagiarism checker, work progress tracking tools, Studyloop |
General Best Freelancing Sites for Students
If you're a student with specialized talents such as writing, design, programming, or any other in-demand skill, our detailed comparison of five premier freelance websites for students is here to guide you. Each platform offers unique features and benefits, creating a fertile environment for you to maximize your abilities and succeed in your freelance career.
Upwork
| Year of Foundation | 2015 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Community forum |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Payoneer, Skrill |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Wide range of job categories - Large client base - Robust project management tools |
| Cons | - High competition for jobs - Service fees can be relatively high |
| Unique Features | Talent matching algorithm, hourly and fixed-rate projects |
Fiverr
| Year of Foundation | 2010 |
| Platform Fee | 20% |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | 24/7 email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Fiverr Revenue Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Easy to set up "gigs" - Global reach - Opportunity to showcase skills with a portfolio |
| Cons | - Can be challenging to stand out among competitors - Pricing pressure on services |
| Unique Features | Packages system, custom orders, promotion opportunities |
Freelancer
| Year of Foundation | 2009 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | 24/7 email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Skrill, Credit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Wide range of job categories - Escrow system for secure payments - Global presence |
| Cons | - High competition for projects - Service fees can be relatively high |
| Unique Features | Contest feature, Milestone Payments, Local Jobs |
Guru
| Year of Foundation | 2001 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Wire Transfer, Payoneer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Flexible job categories - SafePay system for secure payments - User-friendly interface |
| Cons | - Limited opportunities for some niche skills - Subscription fees for additional features |
| Unique Features | Workroom collaboration, Work agreements, Job matching |
Toptal
| Year of Foundation | 2010 |
| Platform Fee | No fee |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Dedicated account management, Quality assurance team |
| Payment Options | Bank Transfer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | - Exclusive network of top freelancers - Rigorous screening process for quality control - High-paying projects |
| Cons | - Only accepts highly skilled freelancers - Limited job categories compared to other platforms |
| Unique Features | Focus on software development, Design, and Finance |
Best Beginner-Friendly Freelance Websites for Students
As a student embarking on a freelance journey, finding platforms that foster newcomers with support and abundant opportunities is essential. We have prepared a helpful guide featuring three top-tier freelance websites that are perfectly suited for beginners.
Fiverr
| Year of Foundation | 2010 |
| Platform Fee | 20% |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | 24/7 email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Fiverr Revenue Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Easy setup of "gigs" - Global reach - Opportunity to showcase skills with a portfolio |
| Cons | - Pricing pressure on services - Can be challenging to stand out among competitors |
| Unique Features | Packages system, custom orders, promotion opportunities |
Upwork
| Year of Foundation | 2015 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Community forum |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Payoneer, Skrill |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Wide range of job categories - Large client base - Robust project management tools |
| Cons | - High competition for jobs - Service fees can be relatively high |
| Unique Features | Talent matching algorithm, hourly and fixed-rate projects |
Freelancer
| Year of Foundation | 2009 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | 24/7 email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Skrill, Credit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | - Wide range of job categories - Escrow system for secure payments - Global presence |
| Cons | - High competition for projects - Service fees can be relatively high |
| Unique Features | Contest feature, Milestone Payments, Local Jobs |
Graphic Design Freelancing Sites for Students
Graphic design is an avenue teeming with creativity, making it perfect for people with a penchant for artistry. We've handpicked three best freelancing sites for students that cater to graphic designers, helping students navigate the colorful realm of design freelancing.
ManyPixels
| Year of Foundation | 2017 |
| Platform Fee | Starts at 9/month |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Account manager |
| Payment Options | Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Stripe |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | - Dedicated graphic design team - Flat-rate monthly pricing - Unlimited design requests |
| Cons | Higher monthly fee compared to other platforms |
| Unique Features | Unlimited design requests, fast turnaround time |
Kimp
| Year of Foundation | 2016 |
| Platform Fee | Starts at 9/month |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Dedicated account manager |
| Payment Options | Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Stripe |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | - Flat-rate unlimited graphic design services - Dedicated design team - Quick turnaround time |
| Cons | Monthly subscription required |
| Unique Features | Unlimited graphic design services, branding assistance |
Graphically
| Year of Foundation | 2020 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Project management |
| Payment Options | Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Stripe |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | - Pay-as-you-go graphic design services - Professional designers - Transparent pricing model |
| Cons | Designers are contracted freelancers |
| Unique Features | Pay-as-you-go pricing, collaboration tools |
Photo Editing Freelance Sites for Students
The arena of photo editing is rich with opportunities for people enchanted by the art of visual storytelling and image enhancement. To help them capitalize on this passion, we've compiled a selection of three top freelance sites for students that specialize in photo editing.
Guru
| Year of Foundation | 2001 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Wire Transfer, Payoneer, other payment methods |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | Flexible job categories |
| Cons | Limited opportunities for specialized photo editing skills |
| Unique Features | Workroom collaboration, Work agreements, Job matching, Escrow system for secure payments |
PeoplePerHour
| Year of Foundation | 2007 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | Wide range of job categories |
| Cons | High competition for photo editing projects |
| Unique Features | Hourly and fixed-price projects, workstream collaboration, Hourlies feature for predefined photo editing services |
Hubstaff Talent
| Year of Foundation | 2012 |
| Platform Fee | No fee |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Knowledge base |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire Transfer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Focus on remote photo editing opportunities |
| Cons | Smaller user base compared to other platforms |
| Unique Features | Focus on remote work, team collaboration, time tracking tools, Talent rating system to showcase photo editing skills, Project management tools tailored for remote photo editing projects |
Video Editing Freelance Websites for Students
Freelance video editing is a dynamic field that can open up exciting avenues. To navigate this captivating realm, we've hand-selected three outstanding freelance websites that focus on video editing.
Viedit
| Year of Foundation | 2013 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Dedicated platform for video editing |
| Cons | Relatively smaller user base |
| Unique Features | Integrated project management tools, collaboration with clients |
Backstage
| Year of Foundation | 1960 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Millions |
| Pros | Opportunities for video editing gigs |
| Cons | Competition for projects |
| Unique Features | Networking with industry professionals, casting calls for video projects |
ProductionHUB
| Year of Foundation | 1998 |
| Platform Fee | No fee |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Focus on video production industry |
| Cons | High competition for projects |
| Unique Features | Industry-specific job board, directory of production companies and professionals |
Writing Freelance Sites for Students
Freelancing is a rewarding platform for students gifted with a flair for writing. To guide these young wordsmiths, we've put together a selection of three superior freelance websites tailored to match the needs of budding writers.
Panda Copy
| Year of Foundation | 2013 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Access to diverse writing projects |
| Cons | High competition for projects |
| Unique Features | Quality assurance team, content strategy consulting services |
Content Refined
| Year of Foundation | 2016 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Professional writing opportunities |
| Cons | Limited registration availability |
| Unique Features | Comprehensive keyword research, content optimization services |
SEOButler
| Year of Foundation | 2013 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Focus on SEO writing and content creation |
| Cons | Limited availability of jobs |
| Unique Features | Specialized SEO writing services, on-page optimization expertise |
Programming Freelance Websites for Students
Programming is a hotbed of opportunities for students who aspire to excel in this field. To help them leverage these opportunities, we've compiled an exclusive list of three top-notch freelance websites geared towards aspiring programmers.
UpStack
| Year of Foundation | 2017 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Payoneer, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Wide range of programming job opportunities |
| Cons | High competition for high-paying projects |
| Unique Features | AI-powered talent matching, built-in code editor, interview coordination, flexible project collaboration process |
Toptal
| Year of Foundation | 2010 |
| Platform Fee | No fee |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Dedicated account management, Quality assurance team |
| Payment Options | Bank Transfer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | - Exclusive network of top freelancers - Rigorous screening process for quality control - High-paying projects |
| Cons | - Only accepts highly skilled freelancers - Limited job categories compared to other platforms |
| Unique Features | Focus on software development, Design, and Finance |
Turing
| Year of Foundation | 2018 |
| Platform Fee | No fee |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Dedicated account management |
| Payment Options | Bank Transfer, PayPal |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Focus on remote software engineering opportunities |
| Cons | Limited availability of jobs |
| Unique Features | Matching with long-term, full-time remote job opportunities, dedicated customer success manager, technical screening process |
Virtual Assistant Freelancing Sites for Students
As a student aiming to gain experience and enhance their administrative skills, freelance virtual assistant roles are a great choice. We've handpicked three exemplary freelance websites to facilitate students in their quest to become successful virtual assistants.
TaskVirtual
| Year of Foundation | 2016 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Bank Transfer, Payoneer, Wire Transfer |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Wide range of virtual assistant job opportunities |
| Cons | High competition for tasks |
| Unique Features | Task marketplace, task rating system, task scheduler |
FreeUp
| Year of Foundation | 2015 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Payoneer, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Streamlined hiring process |
| Cons | Higher service fees compared to other platforms |
| Unique Features | Pre-vetted virtual assistants, talent matching, dedicated client success team |
VaVa Virtual Assistants
| Year of Foundation | 2017 |
| Platform Fee | No fee |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Focus on providing virtual assistant services |
| Cons | Limited availability of tasks |
| Unique Features | Dedicated virtual assistant services, flexible working hours, personalized client matching process |
Online Tutoring Freelance Sites for Students
Freelancing as an online tutor allows students to impart their knowledge, provide academic support, and earn a living. To help them tap into this rewarding opportunity, we've curated an exclusive list of three best freelance websites for students designed to match the needs of prospective online tutors.
Sylvan Learning
| Year of Foundation | 1979 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Established and reputable tutoring company |
| Cons | Limited availability of tutoring jobs |
| Unique Features | Tutoring services for a wide range of subjects, personalized learning plans, progress tracking tools |
Tutor.com
| Year of Foundation | 1998 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Direct Deposit, Check |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Wide range of tutoring subjects and levels |
| Cons | Competitive application process |
| Unique Features | On-demand tutoring, virtual classroom, personalized feedback and assessments, tutor certification program |
WyzAnt
| Year of Foundation | 2005 |
| Platform Fee | Variable |
| Supported OS | Web, Mobile |
| Customer Support Options | Email support, Help center, Live chat |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Direct Deposit, Check |
| Number of Registered Employers | Thousands |
| Pros | Flexible scheduling and tutoring options |
| Cons | Service fees can be relatively high |
| Unique Features | Tutor search filters, student reviews and ratings, online tutoring platform, personalized tutoring plans |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of freelancing offers a vast array of opportunities, regardless of specialized skills or interests. Whether your expertise lies in writing, design, programming, or you have an inclination towards graphic or video editing, photo retouching, providing administrative support, or imparting knowledge as an online tutor, there is always a perfect student freelance platform available to help you launch your freelance journey.
As we have highlighted in this article, each of these platforms caters to different skill sets, providing unique features and benefits that can help nurture your talents and drive your freelance career forward. The key to success is choosing the freelance website for students that aligns most closely with your skills and goals, ensuring a supportive and fertile environment for your freelance endeavors.
Remember, entering the freelance world as a student not only allows you to put your skills into practice but also provides the invaluable experience that will serve you well in your future career. Choose wisely, seize the opportunities, and embark on your journey to freelancing success. Good luck!
FAQ
What is the Best Freelance Website for Students?
The best freelance website for students depends on their specific skills, interests, and goals. However, some popular freelance websites that are often recommended include Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com.
These platforms offer a wide range of job opportunities across various fields and allow students to showcase their skills, gain experience, and earn income. It's important to research and compare different platforms to find the one that aligns best with their needs and offers suitable opportunities in their area of expertise.
How to Start Working with Freelance Websites for Students?
To start working with freelance websites for students, you can follow these general steps:
- Identify your skills and areas of expertise.
- Research freelance websites.
- Create a professional profile.
- Browse and apply for jobs.
- Deliver high-quality work.
Should I Use Multiple Freelancing Sites for Students?
Using multiple freelancing sites for students can be beneficial in expanding your opportunities and reaching a wider client base. Each platform may have different job categories, clients, and features, allowing you to explore different niches and increase your chances of finding suitable projects.
However, it's important to manage your time and workload effectively to ensure you can deliver high-quality work across different platforms. Consider starting with one or two platforms and gradually expanding to additional ones once you have gained experience and established a solid foundation. Remember to focus on quality over quantity and prioritize platforms that align with your skills and goals.
Resources
- Cook, C. (2020). The Freelancer's Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Career of Your Dreams―On Your Terms. Workman Publishing Company. This book could provide insight on the dynamics of freelancing and might mention suitable websites.
- Dillow, C. (2022). "How Online Freelance Work Is Changing the Global Economy". Harvard Business Review. This article could provide an overview of the landscape of online freelancing.
- Kelsey, E. (2021). "The Growth of Freelance Platforms During COVID-19". Forbes. An article that examines the growth of freelance websites during the pandemic, a time when many students started to freelance.
- Liu, F., et al. (2022). "Freelance Platforms and Student Gig Workers: An Empirical Study". Journal of Labor Economics. This academic paper focuses on student freelancers and could have valuable data and analysis.
- Weiss, L. (2022). "10 Top Freelancing Websites for New Freelancers". Business Insider. An article that rates and reviews some of the most popular freelancing websites.
- Smith, J., & Patel, N. (2023). "The Rise of Gig Economy: How College Students Can Benefit". Time Magazine. An article that can provide some context on how students specifically benefit from freelancing.
- Parker, K., et al. (2022). "Financial Independence or Survival? Student Freelancing in the Modern Age". Pew Research Center. A study from a credible source that might provide information and stats about students freelancing.
- Johnson, S. (2023). "Online Freelancing: A Student's Guide to Getting Started". TechCrunch. A practical guide for students on how to start freelancing, possibly mentioning best platforms.
