Academic Knowledge Review: A Closer Look at the Freelance Writing Platform

In the world of academic freelance writing, platforms come in many shapes and sizes—some well-known, some newer, and others, frankly, a bit unclear. One such platform that’s been making quiet rounds on the internet, particularly through LinkedIn, is Academic Knowledge (academicknowledge.com). While it carries a professional name and appears to focus heavily on academic writing, there are several grey areas worth noting.

This article offers a balanced and general overview of the platform based on publicly available information and user exploration, particularly focusing on the application process, requirements, and concerns about transparency.

What is Academic Knowledge?

As the name suggests, Academic Knowledge is a platform that connects freelance academic writers with clients who need help with assignments, essays, research papers, dissertations, and similar services. According to its site, the platform’s goal is to “cut out the unnecessary stress” often associated with freelance writing by streamlining the process between clients and writers.

However, despite its seemingly professional branding, the platform raises a few red flags—particularly around outdated application processes and lack of system updates.

Platform Offerings

Academic Knowledge focuses mainly on academic writing tasks such as:

• Essay writing

• Research papers

• Dissertations

• Report writing

• Academic editing

• Proofreading

Although the platform claims to support a wide range of academic disciplines, specifics about the subjects covered or the types of clients they serve are not clearly detailed on the website.

Application Process: Outdated and Confusing

One of the most frustrating parts of Academic Knowledge is its application system. As of the latest observations:

• The website still directs applicants to an outdated online application form, which, according to the site itself, was phased out in June (year not updated).

• Instead of offering a seamless online application experience, prospective writers are now required to send their CVs and resumes manually via email.

• The outdated webpage and broken links create an impression that the site hasn’t been actively maintained, which may raise concerns about its legitimacy or operational status.

This lack of transparency and functionality could deter many professional writers who are used to streamlined and secure platforms.

Requirements for Writers

Academic Knowledge is strict about its entry requirements—at least on paper. Here’s what they expect from potential freelancers:

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s).

• A 2:1 academic grade or equivalent is typically required.

• Applicants must not use AI-generated content, even in cover letters. The platform explicitly warns against using tools like ChatGPT to craft CVs or writing samples.

• Do not send essays or writing samples with your application unless specifically requested.

The focus on academic credibility and human-written materials shows that the platform is trying to uphold quality standards. However, their means of vetting writers may seem old-fashioned, especially when the rest of the application experience is far from modern.

Payment and Compensation

One of the few clearer aspects of Academic Knowledge is their payment structure, albeit with its own caveats:

• Invoices are automatically generated on the 16th of each month within the platform.

• Payments are made either directly to bank accounts or via Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international workers.

• This may present a challenge for freelancers from countries where international banking is limited or unreliable, as PayPal and other global freelance-friendly payment systems aren’t supported.

Pros and Cons of Academic Knowledge

✅ Pros:

• Focused on academic writing—ideal for writers with formal education backgrounds.

• Clear emphasis on quality, rejecting AI-generated content.

• Monthly invoice system for regular payment cycles.

❌ Cons:

• Outdated and confusing application process.

• Inaccessible website sections and broken links.

• Lack of transparency around actual job availability, pay rates, and client volume.

• International payment limitations.

Final Verdict

Academic Knowledge may be a legitimate academic writing platform, but it is currently difficult to recommend with confidence due to its outdated site, sketchy application interface, and minimal public feedback. The fact that its application system hasn’t been updated despite changes announced over a year ago reflects poorly on its operational upkeep.

While it may offer opportunities for academic writers—especially those with strong credentials—freelancers should proceed with caution. Do your own research, consider contacting the platform directly via email, and avoid sharing sensitive personal information without verifying the platform’s credibility.

Should You Apply?

If you're an academic writer with a formal degree and are exploring new platforms, you may try applying to Academic Knowledge at your own risk. Just be prepared for a less-than-modern application experience and ensure you're aware of the potential payment limitations for international workers.