Part Time Jobs In Canada For Students

If you're an international student in Canada, you've probably realized that managing expenses in a new country can be challenging. Between tuition fees, accommodation, food, and daily essentials, the costs add up quickly. That’s why it is good that Canada offers incredible opportunities for students to work part-time, helping you cover expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about part-time jobs in Canada for students, from regulations and top-paying positions to how to send money back home efficiently.

Work regulations for international students

Before diving into job opportunities, it's important to understand the rules. Canada allows international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions, a recent update that provides more earning potential than the previous 20-hour limit.

During academic sessions, you can work up to 24 hours per week, and you can work more than one job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit. If you're working during breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, or a reading week, you can work unlimited hours. This is your opportunity to maximize earnings during vacation periods. 

Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions, so it's important to track your hours carefully, especially if you're juggling multiple jobs. Also, be sure to confirm if your permit specifies whether you can work off-campus or just on campus.

To work in Canada as an international student, you must:

• Have a valid study permit that explicitly allows off-campus work
• Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada
• Be enrolled in a program that's at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate

Why work part-time while studying?

Financial independence

Earning your own money helps cover daily expenses and reduces reliance on family support or loans. For many international students, this financial cushion makes a significant difference in their quality of life.

Professional experience 

Gaining work experience in Canada can be beneficial for your resume, providing you with skills and experiences that are valued globally. Canadian work experience is highly regarded internationally and can open doors to future opportunities.

Networking opportunities

Building professional connections during your studies can lead to full-time employment after graduation. Many students receive job offers from employers they worked with during their studies.

Cultural integration

Working alongside Canadians and people from diverse backgrounds helps you understand local customs, improve your language skills, and integrate into Canadian society more effectively.

Path to permanent residency

Work experience gained through part-time jobs can contribute to the points required for permanent residency applications in Canada, especially under specific categories like the Canadian Experience Class.

13 part-time jobs in Canada for students

Tutoring

If you excel in subjects like math, science, or languages, tutoring younger students or peers can be lucrative. This flexible job allows you to work around your class schedule and is particularly popular among students in STEM fields. You can advertise your services through your university's tutoring center, local community boards, or online platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com. Many parents are willing to pay premium rates for specialized subjects or test preparation, making this one of the highest-earning options for academically strong students.

Web development/IT support

Students with tech skills can find part-time gigs helping local businesses with websites or IT issues. In today's digital world, these skills are always in demand. With remote opportunities available, you can work from home, saving commute time and allowing you to fit work seamlessly between classes. Building a portfolio of client projects while still in school can lead to lucrative full-time opportunities after graduation or even the foundation for your own tech consulting business.

Research assistant

Many universities hire students for research projects, often related to their field of study. This not only pays well but also enhances your academic credentials. Working as a research assistant provides direct access to professors and graduate students, creating mentorship opportunities and potential recommendation letters for graduate school or job applications. The experience you gain can be directly added to your CV and may even lead to co-authorship on published papers, significantly boosting your academic profile.

Freelance writing/graphic design

Creative students can take freelance jobs in writing or design on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. The beauty of freelancing is the flexibility, working from anywhere, anytime. You can start with smaller projects to build your reputation and portfolio, then gradually increase your rates as you receive positive reviews and establish credibility. Freelancing also teaches valuable business skills like client communication, project management, and self-marketing that are essential in today's gig economy.

Server/bartender 

Working as a bartender is a popular choice among students, particularly in towns with a busy nightlife. With tips, servers can earn significantly more than the base hourly rate, sometimes reaching $25 per hour in busy establishments. The fast-paced environment helps you develop multitasking abilities, stress management skills, and interpersonal communication, all highly transferable to any career path. Evening and weekend shifts also align perfectly with typical class schedules, and many restaurants offer free or discounted meals during shifts, which can help reduce your food expenses.

Retail sales associate 

Retail stores, supermarkets, and specialty shops regularly hire students for flexible shifts. These positions teach valuable customer service skills and often offer employee discounts. During busy holiday seasons like Black Friday and Christmas, retailers often need extra staff and may offer overtime pay or holiday bonuses. The experience gained in retail, from handling difficult customers to managing inventory and cash, provides foundational workplace skills appreciated by employers across all industries.

Delivery driver

If you have a valid driver's license, working for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or SkipTheDishes offers flexible hours. You control your schedule and can work during peak hours for maximum earnings. Meal times have the potential to offer the highest earnings with surge pricing and increased demand. However, remember to factor in vehicle expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance when calculating your actual take-home pay, and ensure your insurance policy covers commercial driving activities.

Cafe worker 

Coffee shops are always looking for friendly, reliable staff. These positions offer a social work environment and often come with free or discounted food and beverages. The regular customer base at coffee shops also provides networking opportunities, as you'll interact with local professionals, business owners, and community members who might offer career advice or job leads.

Library assistant

Working in the university library provides a quiet environment where you can sometimes study during slower periods. The position also gives you first access to new resources and materials, and you'll develop relationships with librarians who are excellent resources for academic research and can provide unique insights for your coursework.

Teaching assistant

Working as a teaching assistant within your academic department helps you gain professional experience in the field of study, frequently involving helping professors with grading, research, or lectures. This role deepens your understanding of course material as teaching others reinforces your own learning and reveals knowledge gaps you might have overlooked.

Campus event staff

Universities regularly host events, conferences, and activities that require temporary staff for setup, registration, and coordination. Event work is typically project-based rather than requiring regular weekly hours, making it easy to accept shifts that fit your academic schedule without long-term time commitments.

Translator

If you're multilingual, translation services are in high demand in Canada's multicultural cities. This job leverages your language skills for competitive pay. Building a client base as a translator during your studies can grow into a sustainable freelance business or consulting practice after graduation.

Dog walker

If you like pets, working as a dog walker offers flexible hours that easily fit into your class schedule, plus you get exercise and time outdoors. Many dog owners need regular, reliable service, so you can build a steady client base that provides consistent income, and satisfied clients often refer you to friends and neighbours.

Why you should choose Pesa for international money transfers?

• Competitive exchange rates: Every dollar counts when you're a student. Pesa offers transparent, competitive rates that ensure more of your hard-earned money reaches your loved ones.
• Fast transfers: Unlike traditional bank transfers that can take several days, Pesa enables quick transactions, so your family receives funds when they need them most.
• Low fees: With limited income, high transfer fees can eat into your earnings significantly. Pesa keeps costs low, making it more affordable to send money regularly.
• User-friendly platform: As a busy student, you need solutions that are simple and efficient. Pesa's intuitive platform makes sending money as easy as a few taps on your phone, no complicated processes or long forms.
• Secure and reliable: Your financial security matters. Pesa uses advanced encryption and security measures to protect your transactions, giving you peace of mind.

Conclusion

Working part-time as an international student in Canada offers so much more than just a paycheck. It's an opportunity to develop professionally, integrate into Canadian society, support your family back home, and build the foundation for a successful future, in Canada or elsewhere. Choose positions that align with your interests, skills, and career goals, and don't forget to use tools like Pesa to efficiently manage your international financial responsibilities.