Top 10 Affiliate Programs to Boost Your Sales During Back-To-School Season in APAC Region
Back-to-School Season in APAC Is a Golden Opportunity
Back-to-School (BTS) season is a major annual event across Asia-Pacific, with countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand seeing a surge in both in-store and online purchases. Parents, students, and educators stock up on uniforms, gadgets, supplies, and dorm essentials.
For affiliate marketers, this is one of the most profitable seasons to promote trending products, drive high-intent traffic, and capitalize on peak consumer spending. Whether focused on education, fashion, e-commerce, or tech, these affiliate programs help maximize returns during BTS 2025 in the APAC region.
Back-to-School Season Timeline Across APAC
Most APAC countries begin their academic year between late May and early July, with the BTS shopping season kicking off as early as April and continuing through August. In markets like the Philippines and Indonesia, purchases often stretch into September to cover evolving school needs.
Key Trends:
- Mobile-first and e-commerce-heavy shopping habits
- Increased interest in affordable tech and hybrid learning gear
- Emphasis on sustainable, reusable school supplies
- Rising demand for online learning and certification platforms.
Consumer Spending Insights for 2025 (APAC)
According to Rakuten Insight and YouGov Asia:
- 88% of APAC parents plan to buy BTS items online
- Average BTS spending per household: US$145–$200 (varies by country)
- Top spending categories:
- Stationery and supplies: 40%
- Apparel and uniforms: 33%
- Tech and gadgets: 27%
Top BTS shopping destinations:
- Shopee, Lazada, Zalora, AliExpress
- Travel and education platforms
- Discount marketplaces and mobile apps
1.) Power Up Their BTS Shopping Cart
Shoppers search for one-stop stores that offer convenience, vouchers, and wide selection.
Affiliate Idea: Promote Shopee for its extensive BTS category selections, daily vouchers, and mobile-first user base.
2.) Unlock Flash Deals and Daily Promos
Lazada is known for aggressive sales and BTS campaigns tailored for Southeast Asia.
Affiliate Idea: Recommend Lazada for time-limited discounts, cashback, and back-to-school essentials.
3.) Elevate Their Everyday Looks
Uniforms, casualwear, and BTS fashion are top priority.
Affiliate Idea: Feature Zalora for apparel, footwear, and bags curated for students and young professionals.
4.) Gear Up with Winning Performance
Sneakers, gym shoes, and sports apparel are must-haves during BTS.
Affiliate Idea: Promote Adidas SEA for student-ready, high-performance sportswear and accessories.
5.) Stock Up on Educational Tools
Books and learning resources are core to every student’s toolkit.
Affiliate Idea: Recommend AbeBooks for affordable textbooks, novels, and reference materials with international delivery.
6.) Discover Trendy Supplies and Gadgets
Budget-friendly yet functional items are favorites for APAC shoppers.
Affiliate Idea: Promote AliExpress for bulk stationery, desk organizers, and BTS gadgets.
7.) Score Big on Student Deals
From art kits to school bags, shoppers love unique finds.
Affiliate Idea: Feature DHgate for trending school supplies and seasonal deals at wholesale prices.
8.) Make Their Trips Count
Students and families travel frequently during BTS for relocations or breaks.
Affiliate Idea: Recommend OneTravel for flights and packages tailored to student schedules and school holidays.
9.) Provide Smart Travel Solutions
Affordable airfare is a priority for students returning to universities or colleges.
Affiliate Idea: Promote CheapOair for cheap flights, student fares, and flexible booking options.
10.) Build Skills for Academic & Career Growth
Online learning continues to boom across Asia.
Affiliate Idea: Recommend Udemy for skills development, academic enrichment, and test prep courses.
Why Back-to-School in APAC Delivers
- Major e-commerce traffic spike across key SEA countries
- Mix of practical shopping and aspirational learning tools
- Cross-border and local affiliate options thrive during the season
Affiliate Pro Tips:
- Launch campaigns by early June and maintain visibility through September
- Focus on mobile UX, local languages, and promotional banners
- Target peak payday weekends and local school calendars
Sources:
Rakuten Insight Asia 2025 BTS Report
YouGov Asia Education Spending Survey 2025
Statista APAC Retail Insights
Next up: we reveal the best affiliate programs from e-commerce, tech, education, and travel that are already converting during the BTS surge.
Top 10 Affiliate Programs
1. Shopee – APAC Region Affiliate Programs
A leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia offering a wide range of products from fashion and electronics to groceries at competitive prices.
Category: Marketplace
GEO: Many geo
Payout: Up to 16%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 7 day(s)
Hold Period: Up to 90 day(s)
2. Lazada – APAC Region Affiliate Programs
Shop everything you need on Lazada, Southeast Asia’s go-to online shopping destination for electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
Category: Marketplace
GEO: Many geo
Payout: Up to 60%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 30 day(s)
Hold Period: 45 day(s)
3. Zalora – APAC Region Affiliate Programs
Zalora is your fashion hub in Asia, offering trendy apparel, shoes, and accessories from top local and international brands.
Category: Fashion
GEO: Many geo
Payout: Up to 5.6%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 7 day(s)
Hold Period: 90 day(s)
4. Adidas SEA Affiliate Program
Adidas offers performance-driven sportswear, sneakers, and activewear that blend style, comfort, and innovation for all lifestyles.
Category: Fashion
GEO: Many geo
Payout: 6%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 30 day(s)
Hold Period: 90 day(s)
5. AbeBooks Affiliate Program
AbeBooks is a global online marketplace for books, art, and collectibles, featuring rare, used, and out-of-print titles from trusted sellers.
Category: Entertainment, Books
GEO: Worldwide
Payout: 3%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 90 day(s)
Hold Period: 50 day(s)
6. AliExpress Affiliate Program
AliExpress connects shoppers to affordable goods from global sellers, offering everything from gadgets to clothing with worldwide shipping.
Category: Marketplace
GEO: Worlwide
Payout: Up to 9%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 3 day(s)
Hold Period: 30 day(s)
7. DHgate Affiliate Program
DHgate is a B2B e-commerce platform that provides bulk deals on electronics, fashion, beauty, and more direct from Chinese manufacturers.
Category: Marketplace
GEO: Worlwide
Payout: Up to 15%
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 30 day(s)
Hold Period: 60 day(s)
8. OneTravel Affiliate Program
Book flights, hotels, and travel deals with OneTravel, a trusted platform for affordable travel planning and last-minute bookings.
Category: Travel
GEO: Worldwide
Payout: Up to $24.50
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 90 day(s)
Hold Period: 60 day(s)
9. CheapOair Affiliate Program
CheapOair helps travelers find discounted flights, hotels, and car rentals worldwide perfect for budget-conscious globetrotters.
Category: Travel
GEO: Worldwide
Payout: Up to $24.5
Type: CPS
Cookie lifetime: 90 day(s)
Hold Period: 60 day(s)
10. Udemy APAC Affiliate Program
Udemy is a global learning platform offering thousands of online courses in tech, business, design, and more anytime, anywhere.
Category: Education
GEO: APAC
Payout: Up to 10%
Type: CPA
Cookie lifetime: 30 day(s)
Hold Period: 60 day(s)
Final Thoughts
As the back-to-school season kicks off across the APAC region, affiliate marketers have a golden opportunity to drive conversions and boost commissions. With students, parents, and educators actively searching for school supplies, tech essentials, fashion, and travel deals, this is one of the most lucrative times to promote high-performing affiliate offers.
By tapping into trusted platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Zalora, Adidas, and more, you can align your campaigns with the real-time needs of your audience whether they’re restocking stationery, upgrading devices, or refreshing their wardrobe. And with travel and e-learning on the rise, programs like OneTravel, CheapOair, and Udemy are perfect for rounding out your seasonal strategy.
Leverage urgency, savings, and convenience in your messaging to stand out during this high-traffic period. With the right affiliate mix and compelling content, the back-to-school season in 2025 could be your most profitable yet!