In Canada, the average cost of living for an international student is S12,000 CAD per year. So, it makes sense to both work and study in Canada to help cover some costs - as well as to enrich your professional experience abroad.
Now, what’s the job market like for international students? There are plenty of jobs out there that will allow you to work while you study. In this blog, we’ll outline our 10 top picks for part-time student jobs in Canada:
1. Jobs on campus
What you could make: about $11.45-$16 CAD/hour across Canada
Looking for a job close to university? Well, why not work right at your university? There are a whole range of jobs for international students on campus - such as at the athletic center, the library, or with an organization whose work you care about.
And, getting a job on campus isn’t just convenient. It also lets you become even more involved in the student community - as well as help you network with other students and professors you may not have otherwise met through your studies.
How much you make will depend on where you work on campus. However, you will make at least minimum wage. This is different in each province but ranges between $11.45 and $16 CAD/hour across the country.
2. Barista
What you could make: $13.26 CAD/hour on average across Canada
Canadians love coffee. In fact, Canada is actually one of the largest coffee-consuming countries in the world. So, what better place to experience Canadian culture than at a coffee shop? Working as a barista will not only teach you how to make some delicious hot drinks, but also give you the chance to practice your English skills as you chat with customers.
Canada’s famous coffee chain, Tim Hortons, is by far the most prevalent coffee shop in the country. There are more than 5000 Tim Hortons restaurants worldwide (and the big majority of them are in Canada!).
3. Snow Removal/landscaping
What you could make: $20 CAD/hour on average across Canada
If you don’t mind the cold, snow removal might be a great high-paying job for you. This involves shoveling snow from sidewalks and driveways, as well as putting salt down on walkways or stairs so people don’t slip and fall. Since it doesn’t snow all-year-round, snow removal companies often work with the same people to landscape in the spring and summer, or rake leaves in the fall - it’s a four-season job!
4. Sales assistant
What you could make: $17 CAD/hour on average across Canada
Being a sales assistant is a great way to practice your language skills in a fast-paced environment. As a sales assistant, you’ll operate the cash register and support customers in the store. It’s a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, but you likely won’t have to work very early mornings or late nights.
5. Server
What you could make: $12.20 CAD/hour on average across Canada
The restaurant industry is a great place to work in Canada. Tipping is part of Canadian culture - it’s common to tip 15-25% - so you can expect to get paid quite well. In fact, some servers at busy restaurants can make hundreds of dollars in tips a night! It’s one of the reasons being a server is so popular among students who work and study in Canada.
6. Tour guide
What you could make: $15.50 CAD/hour on average across Canada
Are you an energetic people person? Being a tour guide could be a great opportunity. Whether you work with a museum, walking tour company, or tourist attraction, you’ll get to share the knowledge you have of your new city. You also have the chance to meet interesting people from around the world, and perhaps even give tours in your own language to tourists from home.
7. Dog walker
What you could make: $13 CAD/hour on average across Canada
If you’re used to having a dog at home, it can feel weird to be without your furry friend while studying abroad - we get it! So, why not try out dog walking? It’s great exercise, and better yet, spending time with a dog can help reduce stress. Sounds like the perfect job to us.
8. Teaching assistant
What you could make: $25.15 CAD/hour on average across Canada
Being a teaching assistant is a popular job for university students in Canada - especially since it’s a position that gives you professional experience in your industry. As a teaching assistant you’ll help with lectures, marking, and support students in their studies, and professors usually require you to be a graduate student or have experience in the course.
9. Residence advisor
What you could make: about $7500-$9000 CAD/2 semesters
A residence advisor is an undergraduate student who lives in residence with fellow students (usually 1st years) and is responsible for their well-being on campus. They act as role models, help to build community, and plan team-building events for students. It’s an excellent job to put on your resume to demonstrate those important leadership skills. Plus, many residence advisors get a rent subsidy - which is a good benefit.
10. The National Research Council Student Employment Program
What you could make: $563-$1274 CAD/week (when working full time)
The Student Employment Program by Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) is an opportunity open to international students studying full-time at Canadian educational institutions. It offers you the chance to work at a Canadian research facility for four months. You will contribute to research and development projects in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, math), business, marketing, finance, and more. Learn more about the program here.
How many hours can I work?
If you are a full-time student at a designated learning institution, you can work up to 20 hours each week off-campus during the semester. Then, during scheduled breaks (like during summer vacation) you can work full time. Unlike in the UK, you can also be self-employed as an international student in Canada.
You might be interested in our blog: How to apply for a Canadian student visa
Where should I look for work?
There are plenty of websites that can help you look for work in Canada. The Government of Canada’s Job Bank is designed specifically for people aged 15-30 to look for both full-time and part-time jobs. There are also websites like Indeed, Workopolis, and Monster.
Overall, there are many job opportunities for international students in Canada. And after you graduate, you can also apply for a Canadian post-graduation work permit – which may allow you to stay in Canada to work for up to three years.
Read more about Canada’s post-graduation work permit our blog, and learn more about how PTE Academic can help you succeed in Canada today.
