Part-time Employment Opportunities for International Students in Canada
International students in Canada have several options for part-time job opportunities, depending on their skills, interests, and location. Some of the best part-time job opportunities for international students in Canada include:
On-Campus Jobs**: Many universities and colleges in Canada offer on-campus job opportunities specifically for students. These may include positions such as library assistants, research assistants, administrative assistants, or tutors. On-campus jobs often provide flexible hours and a supportive environment for students. The University of Alberta has the International Student Summer Employment Program (ISSEP), Western University offers the International Student Work Study Program, to name a few of the on campus job opportunities open to international students. Most Canadian universities and colleges will have on-campus work opportunities for their students.
Retail and Hospitality**: Retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and hotels often hire part-time staff, especially in urban areas with high student populations. Positions may include cashier, server, barista, sales associate, or hotel front desk attendant. These jobs can offer flexible schedules and opportunities to interact with customers. Christmas holidays is a time when large department stores like The Bay require additional staff to help with the holiday rush. Mega grocery stores like Superstore, Walmart and Sobey’s are also good places for international students to look for employment as part-time staff are needed for stocking shelves (a night job), delivery work, and cashiers are always in demand. Some universities such as Thompson Rivers University and Memorial University, Grenfell campus are in beautiful resort areas so there are always jobs available in the hospitality industry.
Tutoring**: International students who excel in particular subjects may find opportunities to work as tutors for other students, either independently or through tutoring centers. This can be a rewarding way to share knowledge and earn extra income. Examples of student tutoring work opportunities care:
The University of Waterloo offers a Tutor Training Session so you can be successful at your job.
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) hires student tutors at their Academic Success Centre and provides training to new tutors.
Childcare**: Babysitting or childcare jobs can be a good option for international students who enjoy working with children. Families often seek part-time childcare providers for after-school care or evening babysitting. Indeed lists childcare jobs in the Windsor area - this is just an example of job opportunities throughout Canada. Some Canadian universities, like MacEwan University offers casual employment opportunities in Early Learning, right on campus.
Delivery Services**: With the rise of food delivery and courier services, international students may find part-time work as delivery drivers or cyclists. Companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, and Instacart offer opportunities for flexible, part-time work.
Event Staffing**: Many cities host events, conferences, concerts, and sports games that require temporary staff for tasks such as ticketing, ushering, security, or event setup. International students can often find part-time work through event staffing agencies or directly with event organizers. You can even find event staffing positions right on campus such as the Student’s Union Events Coordinator Position at the University of Alberta.
Freelancing or Gig Economy**: International students with skills in graphic design, web development, writing, translation, or other areas may find opportunities to work as freelancers or participate in the gig economy. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit connect freelancers with clients seeking specific services.
Internships or Co-op Programs**: Some universities and colleges in Canada offer internship or co-op programs that allow students to gain practical work experience in their field of study while earning academic credit. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization. Perhaps the best way to earn money while studying in Canada is through the paid internship and co-op work experience programs offered at almost every Canadian university or college throughout Canada. While the University of Waterloo hold the 1# position as a co-op work experience provider, whether you look to Wilfrid Laurier University, UAlberta, Thompson Rivers University or the University of New Brunswick (UNB) or at any college, you will find co-op work experience or internship opportunities.
As you can see, for a student who is willing to work, there are part-time work opportunities available for international students. It will require searching for a job. But universities and colleges throughout Canada have career offices to assist students in their search and to prepare them for working in Canada. Resume building, cover letters and mock interviews are all part of the training done to prepare international students for the workforce in Canada.
When seeking part-time job opportunities, international students should be aware of any restrictions on their work permits and ensure that they comply with Canadian immigration regulations. Additionally, it's essential to prioritize academics and ensure that part-time work does not interfere with studies or visa requirements.
Currently, for 2025, in Canada, international students can work up to 24 hours per week while studying and full-time 40 hours or more during holidays and breaks.
To find out more about how universities and colleges can help international students find employment in Canada, contact Go 2 Canada Education Services if you reside in Pakistan.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio