Let’s be real: surviving in Sydney on a student budget is an extreme sport. Between rent that costs a vital organ, textbooks priced like rare artifacts, and the desire to have some kind of social life, the financial pressure is intense. The standard cafe or retail job is fine, but what if you could earn more per hour, gain better experience, and still have time to study?

This is your definitive guide to the best high-paying and flexible part-time jobs for uni students in Sydney.

The “Smart Money” Gigs: High Pay & Resume Value

These jobs offer the best of both worlds: excellent pay and skills that will actually help you after graduation.

1. Academic Tutor If you’re doing well in your degree, this is the gold standard of student jobs. You’re not just earning; you’re reinforcing your own knowledge.

• The Job: Tutoring high school students in subjects you aced (Maths, English, Sciences) or helping first-year uni students navigate their core subjects.
• The Pay: Excellent. Private tutors can easily charge $40 – $70+ per hour.
• Why it’s Great: You set your own hours, it’s intellectually stimulating, and it looks incredible on a resume, demonstrating mastery of your subject.
• How to Start: Create a simple profile on sites like Studiosity or Superprof, or post on local community Facebook groups.

2. Disability Support Worker One of the most in-demand and rewarding fields right now. It’s more than a job; it’s a chance to make a tangible difference.

• The Job: Providing assistance, companionship, and support to people with disabilities. This can range from helping with daily tasks to providing social support.
• The Pay: Very high. Base rates are strong, and evening/weekend shifts often pay $40 – $55+ per hour.
• Why it’s Great: The work is incredibly meaningful, and you develop crucial skills like empathy, communication, and problem-solving. It’s also very flexible, with many providers offering casual shifts.
• How to Start: You’ll need an NDIS Worker Screening Check and often a First Aid certificate. Look for roles on platforms like Mable or directly with disability support providers.

The “Convenience is King” Campus Jobs

These jobs save you time and travel costs, making them incredibly efficient ways to earn money between classes.

3. On-Campus Roles Working for your own university is a classic student hack.

• The Job: Roles like library assistant, IT support, faculty administrative assistant, or a student ambassador for Open Days.
• The Pay: Good. Usually $25 – $35 per hour.
• Why it’s Great: Zero travel time. Your employer understands your schedule and exam periods. You also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the university runs and make great contacts.
• How to Start: These jobs are advertised exclusively on your university’s internal careers portal (e.g., UNSW’s “Jobs for Students,” USyd’s “Careers & Employability Office”). Check it weekly.

4. Note-Taker for Accessibility Services If you’re already in the lecture, why not get paid for it?

• The Job: Attending your regular lectures and taking clear, detailed notes for the university’s accessibility services, who then provide them to students who need support.
• The Pay: Good. Often paid as a lump sum per course, working out to $25 – $30+ per hour for work you were already doing.
• Why it’s Great: You are literally getting paid to go to class. It also forces you to take better, more organised notes, which will improve your own grades.
• How to Start: Search for “Accessibility Services” or “Disability Services” on your university’s website and look for their note-taker program.

The “Pro-Tier” Classics: Doing Retail & Hospo Right

These are the most common jobs, but there’s a smart way to approach them.

5. High-End Retail Assistant Don’t just work at any clothing store; be strategic.

• The Job: Working in a premium or luxury brand store in the CBD, Chatswood, or Bondi Junction.
• The Pay: Good Base + Commission. Base pay is often higher than standard retail, and sales commissions can significantly boost your income ($28 – $35+/hour effective rate).
• Why it’s Great: The environment is more professional, you deal with interesting clients, and you develop genuine sales skills. It’s a step up from just folding t-shirts.
• How to Start: A clean, one-page resume is key. Walk into stores during quiet periods (like a Tuesday morning) and ask to speak to the manager directly.

6. Barista or Bar Staff in a High-Traffic Area The quality of your hospitality job depends entirely on location.

• The Job: Making coffee or serving drinks in a popular, busy cafe or bar.
• The Pay: Standard wage + Excellent Tips. The base rate is average, but working in a busy venue in Surry Hills, Newtown, or the CBD can add $50 – $150+ per shift in tips.
• Why it’s Great: It’s a very social job, the hours are often outside of uni time, and the tips can make it one of the higher-paying options available.
• How to Start: Get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate. It’s a one-day course and is essential for any job that serves alcohol.