Besides world-class education, Canada offers part-time and full-time employment opportunities for foreign students. International students have long preferred to study and work in Canada to gain experience in a multicultural environment and make some extra savings. This also allows them to pay for their living expenses and the cost of education in Canada.
As more foreign students express their interest in studying and working in Canada at the same time, the country offers them the opportunity to do so with set rules and guidelines. Are you looking for more information on how to study and work in Canada simultaneously? You are in the right place. But first, let us explore what makes Canada a popular study destination.
Let’s dive right in…
Why Canada is So Attractive for Filipino Students
Youngsters from the Philippines have long been choosing to visit Canada, as it is an attractive destination for higher education. Notably, as per recent Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, the Philippines has been one of the top four source countries for international students to Canada. Many colleges and universities in Canada also understand the popularity of the country among Filipino students. This is why they are setting up their offices in the Philippines as well and luring young Filipinos with the perks of studying in Canada, which are plentiful.
Firstly, there is a need for more international students to address Canada's labour shortage. Canada has the kind of population that contributes to the demand for younger talents in its job market. The Philippines is also an important source of talented international graduates for Canada that help the country grow its labour force, improve productivity, and address the impact of its ageing population. These factors explain why there are many opportunities to work and study in Canada for Filipino students and other eligible graduates.
Work Opportunities for Students in Canada
There are many opportunities for temporarily working students in Canada to become permanent residents and help address shortages in the country's labour market. There are also opportunities to work and study in Canada at the same time on a part-time basis. Canada is one of the few countries that allows eligible foreign students to work part-time for 20 hours a week while their classes are in session. Lately, IRCC has lifted the 20-hour restriction on a temporary basis, allowing the students to work off campus for any number of hours during their semester. The relaxation of the 20-hour restriction for working students in Canada will be over at the end of 2023, though.
You need to have a valid study permit and pursue a qualification with a full-time course at a Designated Learning Institution in the country to qualify for the temporary Canada work and study opportunity. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can also study and work in Canada on a full-time basis during your holidays or scheduled breaks from study.
Top Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
| Off-Campus Jobs |
Approximate Hourly Salary (in CAD) |
| Tutor | $15 |
| Sales assistant | $17 |
| Dog walker | $20 |
| Nanny | $14 |
| Server | $15 |
| Off-Campus Jobs |
Approximate Hourly Salary (in CAD) |
| Busser | $15 to $20 |
| Customer Service representative | $12 to $18 |
| Call Center Jobs | $18 to $25 |
| Accounting Office assistant | $20 to $ 25 |
| Counter or Kitchen helper | $15 to $20 |
Top Cities to Study and Work in Canada
| City |
QS Ranking | Employer Activity |
| Montreal | 14 | 67.2 |
| Toronto | 15 | 78 |
| Vancouver | 20 | 72.4 |
| Ottawa | 55 | 31 |
| Québec | 106 | 25 |
There are more top cities where you can comfortably study, work, and live in Canada. Take Calgary city in Alberta, for instance. One of the major young cities in Canada, Calgary is rife with education, lifestyle, and career opportunities. When it comes to higher education, it is among the least expensive cities in Canada for international students. As per recent data from Statistics Canada, the tuition cost for foreign students in Alberta is lower at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels as compared to some of the other major educational destinations in the country.
Further, the city in Alberta has low living expenses, around 330 days of sunshine, and a population that speaks over 100 languages. These are some of the factors that explain why Calgary is among the best places to study, work, and live in Canada.
Advantages of Working Part-Time
Getting a high-paying part-time job appears to be the best option for most foreign college students to afford their tuition, rent, and other expenses. The intriguing aspect is that Canada allows eligible students to work part-time while studying without a work permit. Being a working student in Canada offers extra perks as well. For example, some companies in Canada provide employment perks to part-time employees. Tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, health, and dental care, discounted stocks, and employee discounts are examples of such advantages.
Legal Requirements to Work in Canada
As someone who wants to study and work in Canada, it is essential to look into all the legal requirements, rules, and regulations to avoid any potential legal troubles. This is especially important to avoid the risk of getting expelled from your university or being deported. The following are a few basic rules for international students who wish to study and work in Canada:
- International students are allowed to work on- or off-campus if their study permit includes the condition to work.
- International students are allowed to work part-time when they start studying in Canada.
- International students must also meet all language and skill requirements to qualify for work.
- If international students want to do an internship or co-op as a part of their studies or independently, they need a valid work permit.
Students who complete a full-time Canadian university course may also be eligible to work in the country with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This may be procured through the embassy of the concerned governing body after fulfilling the requirements.
Want to know more about how to study and work in Canada? Fill out the inquiry form on this page, and our expert guidance counselors will get in touch with you for the next step!
