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Studying and working in Canada for international students
Studying in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia is the top choice of international students. Every year, millions of students come to these countries for higher education, but we cannot ignore the high education fees that remain a key obstacle for international students. This is why students prefer to work while studying abroad. Among all these countries, Canada remains one of the most preferred destinations for international students for its world-class education, multicultural cities, and work opportunities while studying, which may sometimes lead to permanent residency.
Benefits of studying and working in Canada for international students:
Globally Renowned Universities & Colleges: Canadian institutions are globally renowned for providing world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, state-of-the-art labs, and modern technologies, and consistently rank at the global top for research, academic excellence, and student support.
Work While Study: The Canadian government permits international students to work on- and off-campus, which helps them support their education fees and gain work experience.
Post-Study Work Permit: International students who graduate from eligible programmes can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which helps them gain official work experience in Canada that may help them with long-term immigration pathways.
Multicultural Country: Canada is world-famous for being a multicultural country that welcomes millions of foreigners every year for educational purposes, immigration, and more. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa are diverse cultural cities, and the educational campuses have strong international student services.
Affordable, Safe, & Peaceful: Canada is considered one of the worldâs safest countries and is renowned for its high standard of living. Moreover, tuition fees are comparatively lower than in many other top countries like the USA, UK, Australia, etc., making Canada an affordable choice for students.
Part-time Job Opportunities: Part-time jobs for students in Canada are available on-campus, off-campus, online, and seasonal. Mostly, students choose to work as library assistants, research or teaching assistants, IT support staff, retail associates, cashiers, baristas, restaurant servers, tutors, social media managers, event staff, etc. The majority of the international students earn money while studying in Canada by taking part-time jobs to support their education costs or earn some extra cash for a better standard of living.
Things to Remember:
In Canada, international students are permitted to work alongside their studies without needing a separate work permit. They may work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.
You will need a valid study permit to work while you study in Canada. Depending on your eligibility, you can work either on campus or off campus.
If your course requires an internship, you can take part as a co-op student, but you will need a co-op work permit.
To work in Canada, you must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). SIN can be obtained in person, online, or by mail, and it is free.
Graduates must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of completing their programme. This permit authorises employment with any employer and contributes toward permanent residency eligibility.
Options for obtaining permanent residency include Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Your pay in Canada will vary depending on the employer and the skills required for the job. Minimum wages range between CA$14 and $19 per hour, depending on the province or territory.
Requirements to work while studying in Canada
Most international students in Canada are allowed to work while pursuing their studies. The rules differ depending on whether you are working on campus or off campus.
On campus includes any job within your university or college grounds. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides detailed guidelines on on-campus employment.
Off campus refers to work opportunities outside your institutionâs premises, anywhere in the city or town where you live.
You do not need a separate work permit to work off campus if you meet the following conditions:
You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
You are enrolled in:
a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme, or
a secondary-level vocational training programme (Quebec only)
Your programme:
lasts at least six months, and
leads to a diploma, degree, or certificate
You have officially started your classes.
You hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Work limits for international students:
You may work up to 24 hours per week during:
regular academic sessions,
intensive programs with no scheduled breaks,
your final semester (if youâre studying part-time), or
as a graduate student who has finished the required coursework.
You may work full-time during:
official school breaks (winter, summer, spring holidays), or
after completing your programme, provided youâve applied for a work permit that allows you to stay on after studies.
What is a co-op programme?
A co-op programme (or cooperative education programme) is a structured work component that forms part of your academic studies. These opportunities can take place either on campus or off campus.
For instance, if you are enrolled in a co-op degree in Environmental Studies, your programme differs from the regular Environmental Studies degree because it allows you to spend several months each year (typically 3 â 4 or more) gaining practical work experience in your field. This offers an excellent chance to apply your classroom learning in a real Canadian workplace.
To participate in a co-op programme at a college or university, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit if:
You hold a valid study permit.
Work experience is an essential, built-in part of your study programme.
Your designated learning institution (DLI) provides a letter confirming that all students in your programme must complete a work placement to graduate.
The co-op or internship makes up 50% or less of your entire programme.
You cannot apply for a co-op work permit if your studies involve:
English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) courses.
General interest or personal enrichment courses.
Preparatory courses are meant to qualify you for another academic programme.
In those cases, you would need a regular work permit instead.
Internships in Canada
An internship offers practical, hands-on training in a real work environment. As an intern, you work under the guidance of a supervisor who supports your learning and development. This experience helps you build the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your chosen career or profession. For internships, the required work permit is the same type issued to co-op students.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
What is a SIN?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required if you want to work in Canada, access government programs, or file your taxes. This nine-digit number is issued after you apply, and you must have a valid study permit to be eligible.
Important: Your SIN is private information. Keep it secure, as you are responsible for protecting it.
How to Apply for a SIN?
You can apply for a SIN online, in person, or by mail. There is no fee to apply.
1. Apply Online
Submit your application by uploading copies of your documents, including proof of legal status, identity, and address. Processing typically takes up to 5 working days.
2. Apply In Person
Visit your nearest Service Canada Centre to apply directly. Youâll need to fill out the application form (available online or at the centre) and present your documents. If you qualify, your SIN will be issued on the same day.
3. Apply by Mail
Mail your completed application form and original documents to the Social Insurance Registration Office. Since originals are required, itâs best to send them through registered mail. Your documents will be returned securely the same way.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible international graduates to stay in Canada and work after completing their studies. Because it is an open work permit, you have the freedom to work for any employer and even change jobs if you wish.
The PGWP gives you the chance to gain Canadian work experience, which can also support your path to permanent residency. Applications must be submitted within 180 days of finishing your program, and processing generally takes place within that period.
Important Note: You can only receive a PGWP once in your lifetime, and its validity can range from eight months to three years, depending on the length of your programme.
Our Take
Studying in Canada can be an excellent opportunity for your education and career, but success depends on planning. Use your DLIâs international office as your first stop for program-specific questions and always check IRCC for up-to-date immigration rules. Build a realistic budget, learn how work permissions apply to your situation, and treat part-time jobs and co-ops as stepping stones to longer-term opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Ans: Tuition fees usually fall between CA ÂŖ13,000 and CA ÂŖ35,000 per year. For postgraduate programmes, fees typically range from CA ÂŖ30,000 to CA ÂŖ42,000 annually.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Ans: International students in Canada are allowed to work during their education without needing a separate work permit. You may work on campus, off campus, or through a co-op programme.
What is a co-op programme?
Ans:
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