10 part time jobs for international students in Canada

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - students using computer 1080px
Reading time: 6 minutes

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.

Related Content

  • Group of friends taking a selfie.
    Your guide to PTE test centers in Perth
    By PTE Author

    Whether you need to prove your English for an education, work, or migration visa application, we’re here to make your PTE test booking in Perth quick, easy, and stress-free.

    Find your perfect test center in Perth

    Perth offers multiple test centers equipped with modern facilities to ensure a smooth testing experience. Popular test centers include:

    • Navitas English Perth on Newcastle Street

    • Pearson Professional Center on William Street

    • New North Perth test center on Fitzgerald Street!

    Wherever you are in Perth, there's a PTE test center near you — check availability and book now.

    Why choose PTE?

    PTE is the faster, fairer and simpler English language test.

    • Get your results typically in just 2 business days

    • Our unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise reduces the risk of bias

    • Test all your language skills in just one short, computer-based test

    Tips for success

    Prepare for your PTE test like a pro:

    • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time

    • Bring a valid ID for verification

    • Practice with mock tests to build confidence

    • Stay calm and focused – you’ve got this!

    Don't wait — book early!

    Popular test dates fill up fast so book your PTE test in Perth today! Secure your spot at a convenient location and start the journey to your education, work, or migration aspirations.

  • [Asset] Friends walking along a beach
    G’day opportunity: Why so many people are moving to Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    From world-famous beaches to stunning coral reefs, hopping wildlife to bbq-loving locals, it’s no wonder that Australia claims two top ten spots in the Global Liveability Index. 

    Whether you’re looking for bustling cities or quiet countryside, Australia is full of potential, with education, career opportunities and a sense of community being the biggest draws.  

    But how did people choose their new life down under? We talked to over 3000 PTE test takers who’ve migrated to Australia to find out why they made the move and what they love about their new home.  

    High-quality education

    According to our survey, over 64% identify Australia’s high-quality education system as a major pull. Australia takes in a huge number of international students, with over 810,000 enrolled to study in Australia from 2023.  

    A warm welcome and support for their existing international student population only encourages more to apply, creating a strong international community.  

    Those looking to study in Australia have a choice of more than 40 universities offering huge choices in academic programs.  

    On a student visa, you have the option to work part-time during your studies, allowing international students to support themselves while learning, and making Australia an affordable option for those looking to study in an English-speaking country.  

    Career opportunities

    One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Australia is the number of career opportunities. Top sectors shaping the economy and providing great employment opportunities include mining (14.3%), health and education (12.8%), and finance (7.4%).  

    Our PTE test takers told us they were able to find well-paid work, with some even going on to start businesses and buy a home down under. More than nine in ten (91%) are working full-time, with 72% employed in skilled professions with a median income of $93k.  

    Over 87% said they were looking to progress their careers in Australia, suggesting they’re feeling fulfilled in their work and optimistic about their long-term career options in the country. PTE Academic is recognized by a wide range of professional bodies for their skills assessments, including engineering, nursing and midwifery and accounting to name a few. This opens many doors for pursuing a career in Australia.   

    Sense of community

    A warm welcome and sense of community are what makes a new place become home. Beyond education and career opportunities, social integration was one of the main advantages of migrating to Australia.  

    We found that 84% of people that had moved to Australia say they’ve successfully built community connections, with 89% having experienced acts of kindness from others. Movers also report wanting to contribute to their new communities, with more than 1 in 10 taking part in volunteer activities.  

    This two-way integration makes Australia an attractive place to put down roots and become a part of the country’s diverse social fabric.

    A long-term move

    So many respondents shared their positive experiences of moving to Australia, with 8 in 10 saying Australia met or exceeded their expectations and 9 in 10 encouraging others to make the move and join them.  

    Many see it as a long-term move with 70% wanting to stay and gain permanent residency.   

    From education and employment opportunities to vibrant international communities, it’s easy to see why so many English-speakers are saying “G’day” to a new chapter in Australia.  

    Making it happen with PTE

    It takes ambition and commitment to start a new life abroad — along with the right support.  

    Our survey found that 66% of migrants felt their success at work in Australia was down to their English language skills.  

    PTE Academic is recognised by the Australian government for all visa categories and is accepted by 100% of universities in Australia.

    Designed to be faster, fairer, and simpler, 87% prefer PTE over similar tests. So, if the Great Australian Dream sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step with PTE.

  • [Asset] Smiling student
    Practice for PTE with Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Are you preparing for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and looking for an effective way to practice? Look no further! Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests are your ticket to a more confident test day. These free mock tests are designed to give you a realistic experience of the PTE, helping you understand the test format and identify areas for improvement.  

    What Are Guided Practice Tests?

    Smart Prep offers Guided Practice Tests for both PTE Academic and PTE Core. Each category includes five tests: one short test that provides a condensed version of the exam, and four other tests focused on individual skills — speaking, writing, listening, and reading. These tests are available for free through Smart Prep as long as you create a myPTE account. Each skill-specific test contains the same number of questions as the actual exam, guiding you through the process with sample answers and feedback. 

    How to use Guided Practice Tests effectively

    For Speaking and Writing questions:

    1. Create an exam-like environment: 

    • Remove any distractions from your workspace. 

    • Ensure your microphone is working properly. 

    • Start the test in a quiet setting.

    2. Read the introductory page: 

    • Understand how many questions are in each section. 

    3. Follow instructions carefully: 

    • Pay attention to any preparation time allowed for each question. 

    • Record yourself during the preparation time if applicable. 

    4. Record your answers: 

    •  Stick to the time limits (e.g., 30-40 seconds for Read Aloud). 

    5. Self-review: 

    • Listen to your recorded answer. 

    • Note what you did well and areas for improvement. 

    6. Compare with sample answers: 

    • Click on the sample answer button to listen to and read the sample response. 

    • Compare your answer with the sample, focusing on aspects like fluency and content.   

    7. Iterate and improve: 

    • Move on to the next question and repeat the steps. 

    • Give yourself ample time to review and understand the sample answers. 

    For Reading and Listening questions:

    1. Read instructions carefully: 

    • Understand what each question is asking for. 

    2. Attempt the question: 

    • Submit your answers after completing each question.   

    3. Review feedback: 

    • Check which answers were correct and which were incorrect. 

    4. Revise incorrect answers: 

    • Try to understand why your initial answer was wrong. 

    • Re-attempt the question until you get it right.  

    5. Analyze your performance:

    • Note any patterns in the types of questions you find difficult. 

    • Focus your study time on these areas. 

    The Benefits of Guided Practice Tests 

    Practicing with Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests will help you: 

    • Identify weak areas: Understand which types of questions you find challenging. 

    • Improve skills: Focus your preparation time on areas that need the most work. 

    • Build confidence: Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. 

    • Enhance performance: Use sample answers to learn what a good response looks like and how to achieve it. 

    Why Smart Prep? 

    Smart Prep offers a structured, comprehensive, and user-friendly approach to PTE preparation. By using Guided Practice Tests, you’ll gain valuable insights into your performance and know exactly where to focus your efforts. Whether you find reading difficult or struggle with speaking fluently, these practice tests will guide you on your preparation journey.

    So, what are you waiting for? Start using Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests today and take the first step towards acing your PTE!

    Happy studying, and good luck on your PTE journey!