
Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its English-speaking environment and affordable tuition fees compared to other countries. However, many international students in Canada rely on part-time jobs to finance their studies. Luckily, international students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during school breaks. There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students in Canada, including graduate assistant jobs, tutoring, sales assistant roles, and freelance work. Additionally, students can participate in cooperative education programs that provide paid work placements relevant to their field of study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum work hours during the semester | 20 hours per week |
| Maximum work hours during breaks | Full-time (40 hours per week + option for overtime) |
| Work permit requirement | Not required if enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution, have a Social Insurance Number, and meet other requirements |
| Minimum wage | Around CA$13 (varies by state) |
| Co-op programs | Paid work placements relevant to the student's course |
| Part-time job opportunities | Sales assistant, tutoring, graduate assistant, store manager, restaurant or cafe worker, babysitting, transcription, search engine evaluation |
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What You'll Learn

Work up to 20 hours per week during term time
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This means that you can work and earn money while studying. There are various part-time job opportunities that can help students support themselves financially.
One option is to work as a graduate assistant, which can take the form of graduate research assistants, graduate general, or graduate teaching assistants. Graduate research assistants are responsible for research-oriented tasks such as web research, laboratory experiments, and fieldwork. Graduate teaching assistants assist professors in their teaching duties, and administrative graduate assistants help out in the administrative office or a specific department.
Another option is to find work through a co-op program. Co-op, or cooperative education, is a program that integrates theoretical classroom learning with practical workplace experience. Students enrolled in a co-op program will have one or more terms (a semester) working in a job relevant to their course. Co-op work placements are usually paid, and Canadian colleges and universities have dedicated staff to support students in their applications and ensure the program is going well.
International students with accounting skills can also look for part-time jobs as store managers or in local restaurants and cafes. Additionally, tutoring is a flexible option where you can set your own rates, with tutors in Canada earning around $16 per hour on average.
There are also various freelance jobs that international students can do, such as writing, translation, or graphic design. Babysitting is another flexible way to earn money, especially on weekends.
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Work full-time during holidays
As an international student in Canada, you can work full-time during the holidays. This is a great opportunity to earn some extra money while building your network and gaining valuable Canadian work experience.
To work full-time during the holidays in Canada as an international student, there are a few things you need to keep in mind and some requirements you need to meet. Firstly, you need to ensure that you are eligible to work in Canada as an international student. This means having a valid study permit and meeting the necessary criteria. Check your study permit to understand your specific case and eligibility.
In Canada, international students are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the regular academic term. However, during school breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, you are permitted to work full-time hours, which is considered to be 40 hours per week, with the option for overtime.
It is important to note that you can work without a work permit if you meet certain requirements. These requirements include being enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program (or a secondary-level vocational training program in Quebec) that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, you must already have started your studies.
If you are eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, you can apply to have the relevant condition removed from your study permit. This process involves a fee, and you must apply for the change before applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is required to work in Canada.
There are plenty of opportunities to find work in Canada as an international student, whether it be through part-time jobs, freelance work, or cooperative education programs that provide practical workplace experience. Remember to manage your time effectively, as you will need to balance your work with your studies and social life.
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Take on freelance work
As an international student in Canada, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks. If you're looking to make some extra money outside of this, taking on freelance work is a great option.
Freelancing allows you to work remotely and flexibly, which can be convenient for students with busy schedules. There are numerous freelance platforms online where you can register and find jobs. However, it's important to note that freelance work may not provide a steady income.
- Writing: If you have strong writing skills, you can find freelance writing jobs online. This could include writing articles, blog posts, or web content.
- Translation: If you speak multiple languages, you can offer translation services. This could involve translating written documents or even providing real-time interpretation services.
- Graphic Design: If you have a creative eye and skills in graphic design software, you can take on freelance projects for businesses or individuals. This could include designing logos, marketing materials, or website graphics.
- Web Development: For those skilled in computer science or web development, you can find freelance work building or maintaining websites for clients.
- Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to students. You can set your rates and work hours, and tutoring can often be done remotely or at a location of your choice.
When starting out as a freelancer, it's important to consider your skills and strengths and look for opportunities that match your expertise. You can also use freelancing as a way to develop new skills and build your portfolio.
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Apply for graduate assistant jobs
As an international student in Canada, one way to make money is to apply for graduate assistant jobs. These positions offer several benefits, including financial support, practical experience, skill development, and networking opportunities. Here are some tips to help you secure a graduate assistant job:
Understand the Benefits of Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships in Canada provide financial aid through stipends, tuition waivers, and, in some cases, hourly rates. For example, Lakehead University offers graduate assistant appointments with a rate of $11,038.32 at the Master's level and $12,037.56 at the Doctoral level for the 2024-25 academic year. This financial support makes your education more affordable.
Develop the Required Skills
Graduate assistantships are designed to help you develop transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and time management. Companies offering graduate assistantships value engaging with talented graduate students to help them enhance their skills and gain industry-specific knowledge. Therefore, focus on developing and showcasing your abilities in communication, leadership, and efficient time management.
Gain Practical Experience
Graduate assistantships offer hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This practical experience is highly valuable and can enhance your resume, making you more attractive to potential employers. Seek out opportunities to gain practical experience in your field of study, whether through internships, projects, or volunteer work.
Build Your Network
Networking is crucial when applying for graduate assistant jobs. Building connections with professors, peers, and professionals in your field can open doors to mentorship and collaboration opportunities. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network and increase your chances of finding graduate assistant positions.
Prepare Your Application
The application process for graduate assistantships typically involves submitting multiple documents, including an application form, academic transcripts, a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Ensure that your application materials are well-prepared, error-free, and highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and interests.
Research and Apply for Opportunities
Several universities and companies in Canada offer graduate assistantships to international students. Explore opportunities at universities such as Lakehead University and partner with companies like IBM Canada, TD Bank Group, Bombardier, RBC Financial Group, Shopify, and Microsoft Canada. Research their eligibility criteria and application processes, and don't hesitate to reach out to the institutions for more information.
Remember, graduate assistantships in Canada can be highly competitive, so be sure to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and potential contributions to the position. Best of luck with your job search and academic journey in Canada!
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Sell unused items online
As an international student in Canada, you can make some extra money by selling your unused items online. This can be a great way to declutter your space and make some cash on the side. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose a Selling Platform
There are several online platforms that you can use to sell your items. Facebook groups, such as Buy and Sell groups, are a popular option, especially for local sales. Facebook Marketplace is also a good choice for selling household items. Additionally, platforms like Craigslist, Kijiji, and Varage are commonly used for selling larger items such as bicycles, furniture, tools, vehicles, and toys. If you want a more specialized service, you can use a company like Sell My Stuff Canada, which has experience in content and estate sales and works with various dealers to ensure your items are properly priced and targeted to eager buyers.
Product Presentation
When creating your listing, it's important to include as many technical details about the item as possible. Be sure to state the price clearly and indicate whether you are firm on the price or willing to negotiate. Include high-quality, clear photos of the item. Natural lighting is best, as it accurately represents the item's color. Clean the item before photographing it to showcase its condition.
Meeting Buyers
Once you've made a sale, arrange to meet the buyer in a public place, especially if you're home alone. Try to plan the meeting at a location that aligns with an errand you already need to run. This saves you time and ensures your safety. If you're selling through eBay, you can simply ship the item to the buyer's provided mailing address.
Pricing Strategies
If you want to sell your items quickly, price them on the lower end. However, if you're aiming to make a profit, price your items based on what similar products are selling for. You can even set the price slightly higher than what you're willing to accept, giving the buyer room to negotiate and feeling like they're getting a bargain.
By following these tips, you can successfully sell your unused items online and generate some extra income as an international student in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. However, they can work full-time hours during holidays.
There are various part-time job opportunities for international students in Canada, including sales assistant roles, tutoring, and graduate assistant jobs. Students can also work as store managers or in local restaurants and cafes.
International students can earn money by selling their unused items online or offering freelance services such as writing, graphic design, or language skills. They can also look for online jobs such as transcribing or search engine evaluation.
International students in Canada can work without a work permit if they have a valid study permit and meet certain requirements, such as being enrolled in a designated learning institution and having a Social Insurance Number.
The minimum wage for students in Canada varies by state but is generally around CA$13 per hour. However, tutors can earn an average of $16 per hour.











































