Platform work

Paid research studies and surveys

Take part in academic studies (Prolific) and market research surveys for small payments.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Anyone 18+ who wants a small, legitimate top-up. Do not treat it as a main income.

In South Africa: Available.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 1 hours a week · age 18+
  • A way to receive payments from abroad

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

This is usually pocket money: helpful, but rarely enough to live on by itself.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

Secondary sources: R200–R600/month for most users (JustMoney). Low confidence.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R0
Every month
Data and airtime.
Payment fees
Usually PayPal (FNB withdrawal route costs several percent).
Margin
N/A.

How it is paid: Per study. Our viability score for it: 43 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Sign up to Prolific; track earnings for 2 weeks
    • Check payment methods work for South Africa before you start
    • Never pay to join a survey site

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Sign up on Prolific and check you have an accepted ID (often a passport)
    • Set up PayPal + FNB withdrawal profile
    • Fill in your profile fully so you qualify for more studies

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Decide if the hourly value is worth it
    • Track what you earn per hour so you know if it is worth it

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Use only as a top-up
    • Treat this as pocket money and keep looking for steadier work

Payout thresholds apply. First income usually takes 3 to 30 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Paid research studies and surveys: from sign-up to your first cash-out

23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Researchers and market research firms.

Research participants.

Is there demand?

Prolific accepts South African participants (18+, verified with a valid photo ID from your country of residence; its accepted ID list names passports and does not list the South African ID card, so you may need a passport). Secondary sources report most survey users earn a few hundred rand a month.

ProlificMarket research panels

Getting customers

Sign up; studies are offered to matching profiles.

Work handed out by an app or platform

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Very low income
  • You may need a passport to verify on Prolific
  • Fake survey sites harvest data: use known platforms only

Competition: Studies fill quickly.

Room to grow: None.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn; keep records of every payment received.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start paid research studies and surveys in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R0. Recurring costs: Data and airtime.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 14 days, and between 3 and 30 days. Payout thresholds apply.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn; keep records of every payment received.

Sources (5)

Free tools for this

Test paid research studies and surveys with your own numbersCompare overseas payout feesEstimate the tax on this side income

Not sure this is the one?

The free test ranks every option against your skills, time and budget.

Take the free test

Read next

Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy