Many international students who are studying abroad depend on part-time work to help pay for their education. You might be wondering if it’s possible for an international student to work while they study in Canada. The answer is yes—as long as they get government authorization or approval. In Canada, some part-time jobs just need you to work certain evenings and weekends, while others provide you more freedom to choose your own hours.

Explore your alternatives for part-time employment by reading on, and take a look at these ten fantastic Canadian student jobs!

1. Teacher’s Assistant (C$15.65/hour)

Many schools and professors hire teacher assistants (TAs) to support them in various tasks throughout the term. Duties may include tutoring and helping students, creating lesson plans, and updating paperwork and student grades. Applicants are often required to have completed a year of university or college, have excellent organization skills, and experience in a specific course.

The best part about being a TA? You don’t have to leave campus. Keep in mind, you must not only stay on top of the course you’re helping to teach but also your own studies.

2. Server or Bartender (C$11.00/hour + tips)

Of all the jobs for students, the most common is a server or bartender, mainly due to the flexible schedule it offers. The food service industry is always hiring part-time staff, and is especially worth pursuing as an entry-level job. However, more often than not, it requires working nights and weekends.

While the hourly wage isn’t the greatest, servers and bartenders receive tips. Depending on your sales, you can make anywhere between $75.00 and $200.00 in tips a night, and quite possibly even more. The standard tipping rate in Canada is between 15% and 20%, but tips depend on the establishment, time of day, and day of the week. However, if you choose to serve or bartend in a city with a large student population, there’s a high chance that the establishment will be busy on weekends. Yes, this means more work and potentially a longer night, but it also means more tips!

3. Uber or Lyft Driver (C$14.00–C$25.58/hour)

Being an Uber or Lyft driver (also known as a delivery driver) is one of the most popular jobs for students in Canada. For those unfamiliar with Uber, it’s a rideshare company connecting drivers with riders through a smartphone app.

To be an Uber driver for part-time work in Canada, you must be 21, have a dependable car, and have a smartphone. If you have all this, you’ve landed yourself a fun job that you can work whenever you please! One thing to note is that the most popular hours are early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Similar to a server or bartender, if you’re in a city with a large student population, you’re sure to drive more driving on weekends. Of course, the pay also depends on how frequently you drive.

4. Tutor (C$15.00–C$20.00/hour)

Do you have an interest in certain subjects? Do you enjoy teaching others? If you answered yes to both of these questions, tutoring might be a good fit for you. You can tutor students in elementary school, at the university/college level, or anywhere in between. You can choose to do this independently or join a tutoring program at school. Not only will you practice the skills you already have, but you will develop more. You may even learn something new! 

The pay is entirely dependent on the nature of the subject. Some tutors earn up to $50.00 an hour, especially if the subject is a difficult one. If tutoring is of interest to you, it’s best to do a little research to gauge the rate you should charge.

5. Freelancer (C$25.60/hour)

There are many different types of freelancers. A freelancer can be a writer, web designer, graphic designer, the list goes on. You can do freelance work in nearly every industry. For the sake of time (and space), we’ll focus specifically on freelance writing.

If you enjoy writing or editing, this is a great option for you. Not only can you decide the topic you write about, but you also decide where and when you write, be it at home or elsewhere. If you have time between your school assignments, why not exercise your skills while getting paid for them? This is a great way to gain experience and build your resume if you plan to have a career in writing. If you’re looking to get started, try UpWork, 99Designs, or Fiverr.

6. Nanny (C$14.67/hour)

Do you enjoy spending time with children and have experience caring for them? If so, you can be a nanny for part-time work in Canada. Many parents seek assistance with their children, whether it be picking them up from school, preparing meals, putting them to sleep, or simply entertaining them.

Hours are typically flexible, and in some cases, there are opportunities to work on your homework while the children rest, making this a popular choice for jobs for students in Canada. If you happen to have CPR training, there’s an even higher chance of you landing the job. Depending on your responsibilities, the hourly wage may run higher.

7. Barista (C$11.41/hour)

Many students love working in a coffee shop! The environment is enjoyable, and how can you say no to caffeine? Coffee shops love to hire students due to their flexible schedules. Although this is one of the lower-paying jobs on the list, it still has its bonuses. If you choose to work at a company such as Starbucks, students receive impressive perks that may make working there worthwhile.

8. Dog Walker (C$14.16/hour)

Does it get any better than getting paid to hang out and walk dogs? Being a dog walker for part-time work in Canada may require a little more flexibility than other jobs, as some work on-call. But overall, there isn’t much of a time commitment. You may be required to walk a dog anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes, regardless of the weather. However, depending on your responsibilities and how many dogs you walk, you may be able to charge more. You can also consider offering pet-sitting services while the owner is away to increase your income. If being a dog walker sounds good to you, try Rover!

Read Also: Online Jobs for Students in Canada

And, hey—if dogs aren’t your favorite animal to be around, try being a pet sitter instead. Maybe you can look after someone’s cats, a snake, or even a pet tarantula!

9. Translator (C$21.16/hour)

If you happen to know a second, third, or fourth language, you can certainly put it to good use as a translator! To be a translator, you must speak, read, and write a language fluently. You’re required to have these additional skills as you may be involved in facilitating written communication between individuals, working on documents, and more. Jobs may be offered in an organization, or you may choose to work independently.

10. Salesperson or Retail Worker (C$12.42–C$50.00+)

If you’re good at talking to people, a job in sales may provide you with the income and flexibility you’re hoping for. Working as a salesperson also provides you with a variety of transferable skills. However, payment is entirely dependent on where you work. Some businesses offer commission-based sales, which allow you to have more control over your income. To break this down, if you sell more, you make more—it’s as simple as that!

On the flip side, working in retail is another good option to explore. Follow your passion; whether you like shopping at clothing stores, bookstores, or electronics shops, retailers are often hiring for part-time positions with fairly flexible schedules. Working in retail is also a great way to develop skills in customer service, marketing, and even management and organizational skills. 

Which Courses Are in Demand in Canada for International Students?

A popular choice for overseas students is Canada. Students from all over the world are drawn to the nation by its reputation for excellent education, its hospitable and cosmopolitan society, and its breathtaking natural beauty.

Studying in Canada guarantees a secure and fascinating cultural experience in addition to excellent academic prospects. Canada shows itself to be the perfect location for individuals looking for a genuinely fulfilling educational experience because of its exceptional academic reputation combined with its diverse and welcoming environment.

Selecting the Best courses to study in Canada for international students is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your academic and career journey.

Here are the key factors you should consider when making this important choice:

• Personal Interests and Career Goals

Begin with your personal interests, passions, and long-term career goals. What subjects or fields excite you the most? Consider the courses that align with your interests, as studying something you are passionate about can enhance your overall learning experience and motivation.

• Job Market Demand in Canada

Research the Canadian job market to identify in-demand professions and industries. Look for courses that lead to careers with good employment prospects in Canada. Government and industry reports can provide valuable insights into job trends and labor market demand.

• Program Quality

Look at the quality of the programs offered by different universities and colleges.

Consider factors such as:

• Reputation: Research the academic reputation of the institution and the specific program you are interested in.
• Faculty Expertise: Look for programs with experienced and qualified faculty members in your chosen field.
• Resources: Assess the availability of resources like libraries, laboratories, and research opportunities that are relevant to your course of study.

• Cost of Education and Scholarships

Carefully review the tuition fees and living expenses associated with your chosen course. Consider your budget and financial resources. Look at the availability of scholarships, grants, and financial aid for international students. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

Canada’s diverse and high-quality education system attracts students from around the world. These are some of the most popular courses for international students in Canada:

1. Computer Science and Information Technology

Computer science and IT programs in Canada provide complete training in programming, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Graduates are in high demand in the technology sector.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees typically range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Graduates can secure positions as software developers, data analysts, and IT consultants, often with competitive salaries.

2. Engineering

Engineering programs cover diverse specializations, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. These programs offer hands-on learning and prepare students for dynamic careers.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees generally range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Engineers are in high demand in Canada, with opportunities in the construction, technology, and manufacturing industries.

3. Business and Management

Business and management courses focus on leadership, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. They equip students with the skills needed for success in various industries.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees vary but typically fall between CAD 20,000 and CAD 35,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Graduates can explore careers in finance, consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with opportunities for career advancement.

4. Health Sciences (Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine)

Canada’s healthcare programs are renowned for their quality. Health science programs provide students with clinical experience and a strong foundation in healthcare.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees for health science programs can range widely, from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Graduates in healthcare often find rewarding careers in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.

5. Finance and Accounting

Finance and accounting programs offer comprehensive training in financial management, auditing, and investment analysis.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees typically range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Graduates contribute to environmental conservation efforts, working in government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector.

6. Environmental Science and Sustainability

With a focus on sustainable practices and environmental conservation, these programs prepare students to address global environmental challenges.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees typically range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Graduates contribute to environmental conservation efforts, working in government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector.

7. Arts and Humanities

Arts and Humanities programs explore human culture, history, literature, philosophy, critical thinking, and communication skills.

• Estimated Fees: Tuition fees generally range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
• Job Prospects: Graduates often pursue careers in academia, journalism, cultural institutions, and various creative fields.

Conclusion

International students can choose from a wide range of top courses in Canada, all of which promise a distinctive and rewarding educational experience. There is a course designed to fit your interests and goals, ranging from the greatest technological programs to healthcare excellence and the creative arts. Since Canada welcomes students from all around the world with open arms, we advise students to investigate these options while taking their hobbies, professional objectives, and financial constraints into consideration.