Canada is a sought-after destination for study-abroad aspirants due to its English-speaking environment and affordable tuition fees compared to other popular foreign institutions like the US and UK. International students in Canada can enjoy the opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and broaden their perspectives, but many rely on part-time jobs to finance their studies.
International students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions. However, they are allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks.
Here are some of the top part-time jobs available for international students in Canada:
Embark on an exciting weekend adventure as a vibrant sales assistant, navigating through bustling town and city centers teeming with eager shoppers. The dynamic pace of this role is tailored to your chosen workplace, whether it’s a trendy clothing boutique, a charming corner shop, or a bustling supermarket.
Picture yourself in a chic boutique, helping customers discover the latest fashion trends, or in a quaint corner shop, providing personalized service to local patrons. If you prefer the energetic atmosphere of a supermarket, imagine assisting shoppers in finding their favorite products amidst the aisles.
The beauty of this weekend job lies not only in the diverse settings but also in the steady and reliable pay it offers. As a bonus, some sales assistants even enjoy small commissions for the sales they generate, adding an extra layer of reward to your efforts.
So, whether you’re passionate about fashion, love connecting with the community, or enjoy the lively ambiance of a supermarket, this weekend gig promises both financial stability and the opportunity to earn bonuses through your sales prowess. Join the world of sales assistants and turn your weekends into a fulfilling and rewarding experience! A sales assistant can earn 14 CAD per hour.
- Graduate Assistant
Graduate assistant positions encompass three primary categories: Graduate Research Assistants, Graduate General Assistants, and Graduate Teaching Assistants. Administrative Graduate Assistants contribute to the smooth functioning of administrative offices or specific departments. They play a vital role in handling administrative tasks and supporting overall organizational efficiency.
On the research front, Graduate Research Assistants engage in various research-oriented responsibilities, spanning activities like web research, conducting laboratory experiments, and participating in fieldwork. Their role is pivotal in advancing the academic and scholarly pursuits of the department.
Meanwhile, Graduate Teaching Assistants collaborate with professors to enhance the educational experience. They provide valuable support in teaching-related duties, such as facilitating discussions, conducting tutorials, and assisting with grading. This integral role allows them to contribute to the academic development of students and the overall success of the educational programs.
In summary, graduate assistant positions are diverse, encompassing administrative, research, and teaching responsibilities. Each type of assistant plays a crucial role in the functioning and success of their respective departments or offices.
- Store/Restaurant Management
International students with accounting skills can look for part-time jobs as store managers or find other opportunities at local restaurants and cafes.
Running restaurant demands adeptly navigating a dynamic and intricate landscape, where numerous factors must seamlessly align to craft an exceptional dining experience. The intricacies involved can swiftly overwhelm new managers, revealing that the task is far more challenging than it may initially appear. The ability to juggle a multitude of variables simultaneously is crucial in this fast-paced industry.
- Tutor
Specialize in what you excel at! Whether it’s Math, Science, or any subject you thrived in during school, consider leveraging your skills by offering part-time tutoring to elementary or high school students during your free hours.
You have the flexibility to set your own rates, but on average, tutors in Canada earn around $16 per hour. While finding students may require resourcefulness, the prevalence of social media today works to your advantage. Utilize platforms like social networks to connect with potential students, increasing your chances of building a successful tutoring side hustle.
- Tour Facilitator
Numerous students enthusiastically embrace the role of tour facilitators with esteemed travel and tour companies in their native country. This engaging profession not only provides them with an opportunity to explore their passion for travel but also serves as a lucrative avenue for earning extra income. Beyond the financial rewards, these positions often come with enticing incentives, further enhancing the overall appeal for students seeking a dynamic and fulfilling part-time job.
- Ride sharing driver / delivery driver
Becoming a rideshare driver for platforms like Uber or Lyft has emerged as a highly sought-after part-time gig globally. The flexibility to choose your working hours and the attractive pay make it an appealing option. However, the primary hurdle is the necessity of owning a car. If that’s a concern, an alternative worth exploring is becoming a bicycle courier.
Many metropolitan areas boast bicycle-based food delivery services, such as Uber Eats. While the pay may hover slightly below that of traditional car-based rideshare services, averaging around $17 per hour, the significant cost savings associated with using a bicycle offset this difference. Opting for a bicycle over a car not only contributes to a more eco-friendly mode of transport but also eliminates the expenses tied to car ownership.
Consider the advantages: the freedom to work at your convenience, the cost-effectiveness of using a bicycle, and the potential to escape the challenges of dealing with unpleasant customers. Shifting gears towards bicycle courier services offers a unique opportunity to combine a part-time job with the joys of cycling while minimizing financial burdens.
- Dog Walker
A dog walker is responsible for taking clients’ dogs on walks, adhering to predetermined routes and schedules. In addition to walking, they also ensure the dogs receive proper nutrition and hydration. The dog walker is tasked with cleaning up and disposing of waste during the walk. Beyond the basic responsibilities, they offer companionship to the dogs, especially during the owner’s work hours or when the owners are away on vacation. Overall, a dog walker plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being and happiness of the dogs they care for.
- Babysitting
Are you someone who enjoys spending quality time with children and has experience in caring for them? If so, consider exploring part-time nanny opportunities in Canada. Many parents are in search of reliable assistance for tasks such as picking up their kids from school, preparing meals, bedtime routines, and engaging them in activities.
The working hours are typically flexible, and in some instances, you may have the chance to work on your studies while the children are resting, making this an attractive option for students in Canada. If you possess CPR training, it can further enhance your chances of securing the position. Depending on the scope of your responsibilities, the hourly wage may be more competitive.
- Server / bartender
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!
- Barista
Many students find the vibrant atmosphere of coffee shops to be conducive to productivity, coupled with the undeniable allure of caffeine. Coffee shops, appreciative of the flexible schedules students often maintain, are keen on hiring them. While it may be considered one of the more modestly compensated roles, there are notable advantages. Opting to work at renowned establishments like Starbucks can bring additional perks, enhancing the overall appeal of the job.
This list provides just one place to start. Your best way forward is to research local businesses and organizations to see what options are realistically available to you, both on- and off-campus. We hope our list of jobs for students in Canada has helped you in your job search while studying abroad, and we wish you the best of luck in your study abroad journey!
Canada is one of the most popular destinations among international students who aspire to study abroad. Not only does it provide high-quality education, but it also offers various part-time job opportunities that can help students support themselves financially. If you’re an international student studying in Canada and looking to earn some extra cash, then you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the best ways to earn money on a student visa in Canada.
