Lana Oconnell
PhD students often need to supplement their income to cover living expenses, childcare, travel, and other costs. While some universities discourage outside work, many PhD students take on side hustles or part-time jobs to make extra money. International PhD students may face additional challenges due to visa restrictions, but there are still several ways they can increase their income. This may include freelancing, consulting, internships, tutoring, competing in competitions with cash prizes, content creation, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Part-time work | On-campus work, such as teaching or research assistant positions, is often permitted by universities. |
| Freelancing | Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer academic writing and copy-editing gigs. Freelancing can also include other skills like graphic design, coding, marketing, or sales. |
| Consulting | Leveraging professional networks to secure paid consulting opportunities with nonprofits and government agencies. |
| Internships | Paid internships provide industry exposure and allow PhD students to utilize their research knowledge in private industries. |
| Private tutoring | Offering tutoring services to students, parents, and private individuals seeking support in exam preparation. |
| Competitions and prizes | Participating in university competitions, startup hackathons, and events with cash prizes. |
| Content creation | Creating digital content, such as videos, blogs, or social media posts, and monetizing through advertising, channel memberships, or product promotions. |
| Passive income | Creating digital products or books that generate revenue over time without continuous time investment. |
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Freelancing
International PhD students with OPT or CPT authorisation can freelance as long as it is related to their field of study and they report all employment to USCIS. Students can look for writing opportunities on campus, where their visas usually allow them to work. They can also explore off-campus opportunities that allow them to write and publish stories without receiving pay, as this would not violate the terms of a typical visa.
International students may also find that their fluency in multiple languages helps them secure translation work. Additionally, freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer a wide range of gigs for academic writers and copy editors, as well as opportunities for those with skills in graphic design, coding, marketing, or sales. PhD students can also leverage their professional networks to find consulting opportunities with nonprofits and government agencies.
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Consulting
As a consultant, you can leverage your academic strengths and expertise in your field to offer services to clients. This could include providing advice, expertise, and solutions to businesses or individuals in your area of specialization. Consulting can be a lucrative side hustle, with rates ranging from $50 to over $200 per hour, depending on your level of experience and expertise.
To get started in consulting, you may need to build a professional network and reach out to former colleagues to let them know you are open to consulting opportunities. You can also create a website, update your social media profiles, and network both online and face-to-face to increase your connections and visibility in the industry. Additionally, you can register with recruitment platforms that specialize in offering temporary roles for students, such as Unitemps, to find consulting gigs.
It is important to manage your time effectively and be mindful of any restrictions or limitations imposed by your university regarding working hours. Consulting can be a great way to gain work experience and build your resume, but it should not compromise your primary role as a PhD student.
Overall, consulting can be a rewarding and flexible way for international PhD students to earn additional income while pursuing their studies. With careful time management and a strong professional network, you can successfully navigate the world of consulting and boost your income during your PhD journey.
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Passive income
- Freelancing: Freelancing is a great way for international PhD students to make a passive income. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer a vast number of one-off and recurring online gigs for academic writers and copy editors. Freelancing allows students to leverage their skills and expertise in various fields, such as graphic design, writing, programming, or marketing.
- Transcribing: Transcribing is another excellent option for international PhD students. It utilizes their language skills and attention to detail. Transcription work can be done remotely, providing flexibility regarding location and schedule. The demand for transcription services is increasing with the rise of online content, podcasts, and video production.
- Selling pre-owned items: International PhD students can also make a passive income by selling pre-owned items such as clothing, electronics, or books. If they are crafty, they can also sell handmade products.
- Teaching/Tutoring: Many graduate students supplement their income by teaching or tutoring. If you live in an area with a wealthy population, parents will pay a premium for tutoring from a professional. You can also give lessons in a skill you have, such as playing a musical instrument.
- Fellowships: There are a variety of academic and professional fellowships that offer funding that can increase your income as a graduate student. Some fellowships can be used on top of your existing funding or student assistantship income. Research fellowships, for example, can provide funding for your dissertation or thesis research.
- Consulting: If you have a strong professional network, you can reach out and land consulting opportunities with nonprofits and government agencies. Depending on your level of work and research experience, you can command an hourly rate of $50 to more than $200.
- Renting out a room: If you own a home, you can rent out a room to tenants. While this option may require some initial effort to find tenants and manage the property, it can provide a steady passive income stream.
- Investing: If you have the financial means, investing in stocks or different businesses is another way to generate passive income. However, it's important to be aware of any legal restrictions and tax implications.
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Part-time jobs
There are numerous part-time job opportunities for international PhD students, both within and outside academia. University-based jobs are a popular choice, as they often provide flexible work opportunities that fit around your academic schedule. These can include teaching, tutoring, marking exams, running workshops or laboratories, and working in student services. For example, you could assist international students with academic English. University jobs are often a good choice as they usually do not require travel and can provide valuable skills for your future career.
Outside of academia, there are numerous ways to earn money. Online work, or the 'side hustle', has become increasingly popular in recent years, providing flexible opportunities to earn money from home. Freelancing is one such option, where you can utilise your skills to provide niche services and command a higher wage. Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr offer a range of gigs for academic writers and copy-editors, allowing you to work in your free time. Additionally, if you are fluent in multiple languages, you could work as a freelance translator, earning up to $29 per hour.
Other online opportunities include user testing, where you provide feedback on websites or apps, or consulting, where you can utilise your professional network to land consulting gigs with nonprofits and government agencies.
If you prefer more traditional part-time work, there are options such as babysitting, event organisation, painting houses, or even playing music at events. These jobs can provide a good income without a set time commitment, and some may even allow you to study while working, like babysitting.
Lastly, some PhD students take on part-time jobs within their universities but outside their departments. For example, you could work in the audio department, lending out equipment, or take on a role as a sub-warden in student halls of residence. These roles often provide a good income with the convenience of being located on campus.
While part-time jobs can provide a much-needed income boost, it is important to carefully consider your workload and ensure that your primary focus remains on your PhD studies.
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University competitions
University-based research competitions are a great way for PhD students to earn money. These competitions are often sponsored by universities or academic institutions, and they provide an opportunity for students to showcase their research skills and expertise.
Participating in these competitions can bring several benefits to PhD students. Firstly, they offer a chance to gain recognition and visibility within the academic community. Winning or placing highly in a university-wide competition can enhance a student's reputation and may even lead to future career opportunities. Secondly, research competitions provide a platform for students to present their research ideas and contributions to a broader audience, potentially attracting the attention of faculty members or external sponsors. This can be especially advantageous for international PhD students who may face challenges in networking and establishing connections within a new academic environment.
Additionally, university research competitions often come with monetary incentives. While the prize money may vary depending on the competition's scope and significance, it can provide a valuable source of income for PhD students. Some universities may offer cash prizes, scholarships, or research grants to the winners, helping to alleviate financial burdens and support their studies.
To find these opportunities, PhD students can explore the following avenues:
- University Websites: Academic institutions often advertise research competitions and grants on their websites. Regularly checking the university's webpage for updates can help students stay informed about upcoming competitions.
- Departmental Notices: Departments usually disseminate information about research competitions and grants through email newsletters, bulletin boards, or faculty announcements. Staying engaged with departmental communications can help students learn about relevant opportunities.
- Academic Advisors: PhD students can consult their academic advisors or supervisors, who often have insights into upcoming competitions within the university or across academic networks. They can provide guidance and support in identifying suitable competitions and may even serve as mentors throughout the application process.
- Student Networks: Building relationships with fellow PhD students can be advantageous. Networking with peers can provide information about diverse research competitions, and students can also collaborate to form teams for group competitions.
While university research competitions can be lucrative, it is essential to remember that they may not be the most frequent source of income. These competitions often have specific themes, eligibility criteria, and deadlines, so students should carefully review the requirements before applying. Additionally, students should be mindful of their time management, ensuring that their participation in these competitions does not interfere with their primary research responsibilities.
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