Studying in Australia is exciting, but it’s far from cheap. Between rent, groceries, and those “quick coffee runs” that turn into brunch, expenses pile up fast. And if you’re living in student accommodation in Australia, you already know how every dollar counts. In today’s time, money-making apps for students in Australia are changing how students earn. 

It is flexible, practical, and totally doable alongside classes. And here’s the best part. You can do it all with just your phone and Wi-Fi. So, while you focus on your studies, let your side hustle to take care of the small stuff. In this guide, we will talk about the best money-making apps in Australia.

Why Students Should Use Money-Making Apps in Australia?

Living on a student budget in Australian cities isn’t exactly easy. Between rent, groceries, and that random night out, your expenses just add up. That’s where money-making apps for students in Australia come in. They are easy, flexible, and surprisingly profitable when you use them right. The following are the various reasons why these apps are a big deal:

• According to Finder, 73% of Aussie students now use at least one money-making app to supplement their income.
• Freelance and gig platforms in Australia are growing at nearly 10% each year. All thanks to remote work trends.
• The average student side-earner makes $150–$400/month. Now this depends on your skills and consistency.
• Even smaller survey apps (like Google Opinion Rewards or Swagbucks) can pull in an extra $20–$40 a month. They are enough to cover your weekly groceries if you’re living in Australian Student Accommodation.

What are the Best Money-Making Apps for Students?

From quick survey apps that pay you for sharing opinions to freelancing platforms that let you turn skills into solid cash, these tools are changing how students hustle. The best part? You don’t need fancy gear or hours to spare. Just a phone, Wi-Fi, and a bit of consistency:

Freelancing Platforms: Upwork & Fiverr

If you’ve got a skill, writing, editing, tutoring, design, or just a knack for social media, freelancing’s kind of the smarter way to earn. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have quietly become two of the most reliable money-making Apps. The following are the key features of Upwork and Fiverr:

• No boss, no clock-ins. You can literally work from your dorm, uni library, or a noisy cafe near your student accommodation.
• Students at Monash, UNSW, and UQ report earning between AUD $25–$60/hour on Upwork once they’ve built a few reviews.
• On average, consistent freelancers pull in AUD $300–$600/month, which easily covers groceries, transport, or even a chunk of rent.
• Think of Upwork as your digital resume. It’s where you find proper clients, often long-term.
• Fiverr’s all about speed, quick, creative tasks that don’t take hours. Perfect for international students who can’t take on full-time shifts due to visa limits.

On-Demand Task Apps: TaskRabbit

Some folks just like moving around, doing real things, and seeing instant results. That’s where TaskRabbit comes in. It is probably one of the most practical money-making apps. It is kind of like your local gig marketplace. You open the app, pick a job nearby, show up, and get it done. And boom, you will have cash in your pocket. Simple as that. The following are the key features of the TaskRabbit app:

• You will have to do small tasks like helping someone move furniture, delivering groceries, or hanging up fairy lights before a party.
• Some jobs take ten minutes; others might last an afternoon. You pick what fits your mood and schedule.
• The app lists gigs based on your postcode. So, you will find stuff close to your student accommodation.
• Quick tasks like deliveries or setup gigs usually pay AUD $30–$50. Bigger jobs like furniture moves or day-long help can reach AUD $100 +. It can sometimes get more if it’s last-minute or heavy lifting.
• Great physical break from study time; keeps you active instead of glued to your laptop. Perfect for weekends or mid-semester breaks when you want fast, no-strings cash.
• There’s no fancy gear needed; just show up and be reliable. The app rates you, so the more consistent and friendly you are, the more gigs you’ll get offered.

Survey & Reward Apps – Google Opinion Rewards, Swagbucks, Freecash

Not everyone’s got hours to spare for freelancing or physical gigs. Sometimes you just want something quick and mindless that still pays a little. That’s where survey and reward apps like Google Opinion Rewards, Swagbucks, and Freecash come in. They do not demand much. Just a few spare minutes here and there while you’re waiting for class, laundry, or the bus back to your student accommodation. The following are the key features of these apps:

• They reward you for small online tasks. You just have to answer surveys, test new apps, or watch quick ads.
• Most surveys are short, 2–5 minutes tops. And they pay you in points that you can redeem for PayPal cash, Google Play credit, or gift cards.
• You don’t need a fixed schedule; it’s pure flexibility. Open the app whenever you’ve got downtime.
• On average, Australian students make between AUD $20 and $40 per month, depending on how frequently they participate. Dedicated users who complete every available survey can even cross AUD 60+ a month.
• Payments are smooth; Google Opinion Rewards pays directly to your linked account. At the same time, Swagbucks and Freecash let you choose between cash and vouchers.
• Super low effort, and you can multitask. There are no skills required. Plus, there are no commitments, no pressure. The apps are lightweight and mobile-friendly, so they don’t hog your phone’s memory or data.

Micro-Investment Tools: Raiz & Pearler

Here’s where things get clever. Most students think of money-making apps as quick-cash gigs. But apps like Raiz and Pearler take that idea one step further. They don’t just help you earn money; they quietly help you grow it. Even if you’re not a finance nerd (yet), they’re a smart way to start building long-term habits. That too, without needing a huge balance or complicated jargon. The following are the key details of Raiz and Pearler apps:

• Think of it as your digital piggy bank with an investment twist. Every time you buy something, say that AUD $4.80 flat white from a cafe near campus, Raiz rounds it up to AUD $5.00. And then it invests the 20-cent difference automatically.
• You can also make one-off or weekly deposits starting from just AUD 5, and it’s all managed through the app.
• The money gets invested into diversified exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This means your spare change is quietly compounding while you study, eat, or binge Netflix.
• Pearler’s more like your next-step platform once you’re ready to invest with intent.
• You can start with AUD $5–$10, buy “fractional shares,”. And you choose portfolios that match your comfort level, from low-risk ETFs to long-term growth bundles.
• It’s made for beginners, with a super-simple dashboard. They track your returns and explain basic investing terms.
• Everything runs automatically. So, you can literally set-and-forget while focusing on classes. You can pause, withdraw, or change plans anytime you want. There are no penalties, no hidden catches.

What are the Tips to Maximize Your Earnings While Living in Australia?

Studying in Australia isn’t exactly cheap. Between rent, utilities, takeaway coffees, and the occasional weekend plan, it’s easy to see your bank balance vanish before the semester’s even halfway through. But here’s the thing, you don’t need a nine-to-five job to stay financially stable. Small money saving habits, a bit of discipline, and the right apps can make a massive difference, especially when you’re living in student accommodation in Australia and want to make every dollar count:

• Use Your Downtime Wisely: Those small gaps between lectures or laundry cycles? They add up. Use that time to fill out surveys. You can complete quick online tasks, or try reward apps.
• Balance Quick Cash with Long-Term Growth: The smartest students don’t just earn, they plan. You can easily combine fast-payout apps such as TaskRabbit or Google Opinion Rewards. That too with slow-burn tools like Raiz or Pearler. The first helps with daily expenses. While the second one quietly builds savings.
• Set Weekly Earning Goals: Keep it chill, not stressful. Maybe you can go for one freelance project or three surveys a week. Consistency always beats intensity. Having a small routine like this keeps your side income flowing.
• Network with Other Students: Some of the best gigs don’t come from apps. They come from people. Chat with your flatmates and classmates. Many students living together in student accommodation in Australia share freelancing contacts.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s not about making big money, it’s about making smart moves. The best money-making apps for students in Australia help you earn flexibly. Save consistently and feel a little less stressed about next week’s rent. So yeah, you don’t need to hustle 24/7.

Just use your time wisely, pick the apps that fit your lifestyle, and let your phone work for you. Because financial freedom doesn’t start after graduation, it starts right where you are. Ready to level up your uni life? Find budget-friendly, fully furnished rooms near top universities only on University Living.

Frequently Asked Questions