Can You Work On & Off Campus In Canada While Studying?

Unlike certain countries that don’t allow international students to work while in University, Canada is one of the many places that allow you to do so.

Working and studying at the same time can bring about a range of benefits for students such as earning money that can be used for rent, transportation, and living expenses.

Considering how expensive living in Canada can be for the average student, the extra income would come in handy.

But aside from making the extra cash, there are a lot more benefits to working part-time than just earning money.

So let’s get into it!

4 Benefits To Working As You Study In Canada

1. Money To Offset Living/Study Fees

Did you know that Canada is the 18th most expensive country to live in?

While some may be able to afford the cost of living and are receiving regular allowances from their parents, other students may be supporting themselves or choosing to fund their own expenses abroad.

With that in mind, it’s a given that many students would want to take up part-time jobs while in university to get by.

Aside from offsetting living expenses and tuition fees, working while studying will also teach you a lot about money management skills.

When you start making your own money, you tend to become more mindful of spending your hard-earned cash and managing your money more efficiently.

2. Build Real Working & Cultural Experience

Working part-time at your study destination is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture while dipping your toes in the working world at the same time.

This way, you’ll truly learn how to live like the locals by learning habits or cultural norms that your colleagues and employers practice daily.

Since most entry-level part-time jobs are more customer-facing, you also would get the opportunity to interact with the locals in your neighbourhood, make new friends, and possibly even learn a few phrases in their native language.

Yes, your barista or retail assistant job may not exactly be the role or industry you’re considering post-graduation.

But at the end of the day, you would still gain transferable skills that can be applied to a diverse number of jobs in the professional world.

3. Fit Seamlessly Into Your Future Internship

Having work experience of any kind is similar to having a trump card. With the skillset you’ve developed at your part-time job, you’re already one step ahead compared to your peers that are just entering the workforce fresh out of university.

When a prospective employer looks into your resume, this adds plus points to your name and increases your chances of securing your dream internship in the future.

What’s more, employers tend to be more impressed by university students who worked and studied at the same time due to their ability to juggle both responsibilities and manage their time effectively.

With your previous experience, you would have little to no problem adjusting to working life and already have an idea of what it’s like to work with a team.

4. Immersion To A New Environment & Pick Up Languages Faster

Packing your bags and moving to an entirely different country to pursue higher education can be a daunting feat for anyone, especially for students who made the big move on their own.

Through daily interactions with employers, colleagues, clients, or customers, students may find that working part-time can help them get acquainted with their new environment a lot easier.

What’s more, you might also pick up the local language quicker than expected.

On top of that, the community aspect of having a part-time job can be helpful to students experiencing feelings of isolation and homesickness.

The Criteria For Working On & Off Campus

While Canada does allow its international students to work as they study, there are still respective conditions to adhere to for both on-campus and off-campus jobs.

1. Off-Campus: 20 Hours A Week

Students working off-campus jobs can only start work once their study program has started. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Students must be studying full-time at a valid designated learning institution (DLI)
• The student’s study program must be at least six months long and would eventually lead to a degree, diploma, or any other relevant certificate
• Students must be enrolled in a post-secondary program (academic, professional, or vocational)
• Students must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

As for the required working hours for off-campus jobs, students can work up to 20 hours a week and are allowed to work more than 1 job to meet the minimum number of hours required.

2. On-Campus: No Limit

Similar to off-campus jobs, students also need to have started their study program to apply for on-campus jobs. Here are the following eligibility requirements:

• Students must be studying full-time at a valid designated learning institution (DLI)
• Student must have a valid study permit
• Students must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Unlike off-campus jobs, there is no limit to the number of working hours for on-campus jobs provided that you continue to fulfil the eligibility requirements on campus.

Depending on the school, students working on-campus jobs are also allowed to work off-campus simultaneously.

If you’re interested in going beyond off-campus and on-campus jobs and learning about post-graduation work opportunities, here is a resource you might be interested in! (Link to Article 13) 

Preparing For The Future With IDP

From the university application process, and accommodation preparation, to planning for your future career post-graduation, IDP is here to help you at every step of the way.

With tailored guidance from our educational counsellors, students can embark on their overseas education journey with confidence.

Book your free counselling session today to get started!