Savanna Hoffman
As a university student in Canada, there are numerous ways to make money. From on-campus jobs to internships and freelance work, students can find opportunities to earn while studying. Many universities offer career centres to help students find jobs, prepare for interviews, and even provide financial aid through scholarships, grants, or bursaries. Part-time jobs are a common way for students to earn, with work available in retail, restaurants, or seasonal jobs in tourism or resorts. On-campus jobs like teaching or research assistant positions offer flexibility and a chance to work within academic departments. Students can also explore virtual job fairs, find paid internships, or offer freelance services like tutoring, music lessons, or writing. Additionally, side hustles like ride-sharing, food delivery, or selling items online can provide extra income. Social media influence and affiliate marketing are other modern avenues to consider. Lastly, scholarships, student loans, and family support can help manage expenses, and saving habits can ensure a less stressful university life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| On-campus jobs | Administrative jobs, technical roles, sales and service staff, residence reception attendant, teaching assistant, research assistant |
| Off-campus jobs | Retail, restaurants, seasonal jobs, ride-share services, food delivery, tutoring |
| Scholarships, bursaries, and grants | Merit-based entrance scholarships, academic performance-based scholarships, community involvement-based scholarships |
| Paid internships and co-ops | Paid project stipends, enhanced learning, industry experience |
| Freelancing | Tutoring, music lessons, writing services, blogging, streaming on Twitch, online surveys |
| Selling used items | Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Amazon, ThriftBooks, Rover, Wag |
| Social media influencing | Affiliate marketing, partnerships, ad revenue |
What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
There are various on-campus job opportunities available for students. These include administrative jobs, such as helping with university office operations or providing IT support. Many campus cafes, restaurants, and shops also hire students for sales and service roles, which can help build customer empathy. Residence reception attendants are also often needed to provide services to visiting parents and new students.
Another option for on-campus work is to become a teaching assistant or research assistant within your academic department. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may have access to these more advanced opportunities. These roles can provide valuable experience and help you build relationships with professors and other students.
In addition to these regular on-campus jobs, universities sometimes offer paid academic studies that students can participate in. Check campus job boards to see if any departments, such as psychology, economics, or sociology, are looking for paid volunteers. These studies can be a great way to earn money while also contributing to research.
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Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships Canada and Disability Awards are two well-known sources of scholarships and bursaries. Over 80% of Canadian schools also provide merit-based entrance scholarships for students with strong academic records. Additionally, many charitable trusts, employers, and diversity-focused agencies provide financial aid to qualifying students annually.
It is important to note that applying for scholarships and bursaries can be time-consuming, but the payoff can be significant. Be sure to research and identify the opportunities that align with your qualifications and interests, and submit your applications before the deadlines.
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Gig economy apps
Ride-sharing
Apps like Uber and Lyft enable students to provide rideshare services using their own cars (or even bicycles) at their convenience, making a decent income. These apps offer flexible work, allowing students to choose when and how much they want to work.
Food and Grocery Delivery
Food delivery platforms like UberEats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash, as well as grocery delivery apps like Instacart, offer similar flexibility. Students can choose their own availability and deliver food or groceries in their free time. This can also be a great way to get some exercise if you're delivering by bicycle.
Freelancing
Freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com allow students to offer their skills and services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Students can find freelance work in various fields, including writing, graphic design, programming, and more. This provides an opportunity to build a portfolio and gain valuable experience while earning money.
Surveys and User Testing
Taking online surveys is another way to make money in your spare time. Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and UserTesting offer rewards for completing surveys or testing websites and apps. This can be a convenient way to earn some extra cash, but be sure to research reputable platforms to avoid scam websites.
Pet Care
Apps like Rover and Wag connect pet owners with trusted pet care providers. If you enjoy spending time with animals, you can offer services such as dog walking or pet sitting through these apps. This can be a fun and rewarding way to earn money while getting some fresh air and exercise.
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Freelancing and tutoring
Freelancing is a great way for university students in Canada to earn money while balancing their studies. It allows you to work on your own schedule and choose projects that fit your availability. As a freelancer, you can offer services in areas where you have skills and expertise. Here are some ideas for freelancing and tutoring that you can consider:
Online tutoring and teaching
With the rise of online learning, you can find opportunities to tutor students remotely. Many online platforms connect tutors with students worldwide, offering flexible work and the ability to set your rates. You can teach a variety of subjects, from academic subjects like math and science to language education, depending on your qualifications and expertise. Some platforms may require prior teaching experience or specific certifications, so be sure to review the requirements before applying.
Freelance writing and content creation
If you have a knack for writing, you can offer content writing services to companies or individuals. This may include writing blog posts, articles, social media content, or even academic papers. As a content writer, you can work remotely and create content for clients in various industries, such as marketing, education, or technology. Building a portfolio of your writing samples can help showcase your skills and attract potential clients.
Design and marketing
Students with a creative flair can explore freelance opportunities in design and marketing. For example, you can design marketing materials, logos, websites, or social media content for businesses. These roles often require a strong understanding of design principles and software skills. Building an online portfolio that showcases your design aesthetic and skills can help attract potential clients.
Other freelancing ideas
- Editing and sub-editing: If you have an eye for detail and strong fact-checking skills, you can offer editing services for written content.
- Online marketing: You can help businesses increase their online presence and engagement through social media strategies, SEO techniques, and digital campaigns.
- Music lessons: If you play a musical instrument, you can offer music lessons to beginners or intermediate-level students.
Tips for freelancing:
- Create a portfolio: Build a portfolio that showcases your skills and talents to potential clients. This can include personal or academic projects that highlight your abilities.
- Find your niche: Identify the specific skills or services you want to offer and focus on polishing those skills to stand out in the market.
- Continuously pursue clients: Be proactive in finding new clients and revenue streams. Networking and marketing yourself effectively are essential for attracting freelance work.
- Manage your time effectively: As a student, balancing your studies and freelance work is crucial. Ensure you can devote enough time to both without compromising your academic performance.
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Paid internships
To find a paid internship, you can start by checking with your university's career centre, which can help you find opportunities and prepare for interviews. You can also look for virtual job fairs and explore online communities for international students in Canada, where you can find job tips and advice.
Another option is to design relevant education or skills training projects with potential employers, which can provide you with paid project stipends while also enhancing your learning and building your network.
Additionally, keep an eye out for paid academic studies conducted by university departments. These are often advertised on campus job boards and can be a great way to earn money while contributing to research.
Remember to be clear about your role and time requirements during the application process to avoid over-committing, and don't be afraid to negotiate work dates around your exam seasons or projects.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make money as a university student in Canada, including:
- Part-time work: Many students work part-time in retail, restaurants, or cafes.
- On-campus jobs: Universities often hire students to work in libraries, cafeterias, or bookstores, or as tour guides.
- Teaching or research assistant: Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may be able to find work as teaching assistants or research assistants within their academic departments.
- Paid internships or co-op programs: These programs offer work and industry experience and can pay more than the minimum wage.
- Scholarships and bursaries: There are many financial aid opportunities available to students, which can help cover tuition costs.
On-campus job opportunities vary depending on the university, but some common options include:
- Administrative jobs: Helping with university office operations or providing technical support.
- Residence reception attendant: Providing service to visiting parents and new students.
- Campus cafes, restaurants, and shops: Staff are often needed for sales and service.
Off-campus job opportunities for students can include:
- Retail or service industry jobs: Restaurants, cafes, and retail stores often hire part-time employees, providing valuable customer service experience.
- Gig economy apps: Apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, or GigHound allow students to earn money on their own time by delivering food, performing odd jobs, or grocery shopping.
- Freelancing: Depending on your skills, you can offer freelance services such as tutoring, music lessons, or writing.
Yes, there are several other ways to make money as a university student in Canada:
- Sell your skills or possessions: If you have a car or bike, you can sign up for ride-sharing or food delivery services like Uber or DoorDash. You can also sell your used items online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark.
- Monetize your social media: If you're active on social media, consider becoming an influencer and monetizing your channel through affiliate marketing, partnerships, or ad revenue.
- Paid academic studies: Universities sometimes offer opportunities for students to participate in paid academic studies, often within the psychology, economics, or sociology departments.
When looking for job opportunities, consider the following:
- Understand employer expectations: Be clear about the time requirements of the job to avoid over-committing. Negotiate work dates around exam seasons or projects.
- Look for flexible opportunities: On-campus jobs or virtual jobs often provide more flexibility to work around your class schedule.
- Prioritize your studies: Only take on as much work as you can handle without sacrificing your academic performance.
