Working part-time while studying in Canada is one of the most effective ways international students manage living costs, gain Canadian work experience that strengthens their PR application, and build the professional network that accelerates their post-graduation employment. Since November 2024, the off-campus work limit was permanently increased to 24 hours per week. This guide covers everything you need to know about earning income while studying in Canada in 2026. StudentBuddy supports your full student life in Canada, including finding affordable student accommodation in Canada and scholarships to supplement your income.
International students in Canada can work 24 hours/week off-campus during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is unlimited at any time. At Ontario's minimum wage ($17.20/hour), 24 hours/week generates about $1,650/month gross. Restaurant work with tips can reach $2,000–$2,500/month. Co-op tech work terms at Waterloo average $5,000–$8,000/month. Get your SIN from Service Canada in Week 1.
Work rights in full
| Work type | Term hours | Break hours | Permit needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus (own institution) | Unlimited | Unlimited | No — built into study permit |
| Off-campus employment | 24 hrs/week max | Unlimited | No — built into study permit |
| Co-op / mandatory placement | Programme hours (exempt from 24 hr limit) | As required | Co-op work permit endorsement |
| Self-employment | Not permitted | Not permitted | N/A |
Best part-time jobs for international students — pay and availability
| Job | Hourly rate (CAD) | Tips potential | Flexibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant server | $15.65–$18 base | $5–$15+/hr avg | Medium | Tips can double take-home |
| Cafe barista | $16–$19 | Low | Good | Campus cafes often uncapped on hours |
| Retail / supermarket | $16–$18 | None | Good | Flexible scheduling |
| Campus dining / food service | $16–$18 | Minimal | Excellent | On-campus; no commute |
| Campus library or admin | $17–$21 | None | Excellent | Quiet; study-compatible |
| Private tutoring | $25–$60 | None | Excellent | Scale with subject expertise |
| Delivery (bicycle/car) | $18–$30 incl. tips | High | Excellent | Own vehicle or bike needed |
| Research assistant (RA) | $17–$25 | None | Good | Academic experience + CV value |
| Co-op tech work term | $25–$75 | None | Structured | Best income by far; programme-based |
Realistic monthly income estimates
| Scenario | Hours/week | Rate | Monthly gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario minimum wage part-time | 24 | $17.20/hr | ~$1,650 |
| Restaurant with average tips | 20 | $22 avg all-in | ~$1,760 |
| Private tutoring (3 students 2hr each) | 12 | $38/hr | ~$1,824 |
| Campus RA position | 15 | $20/hr | ~$1,200 |
| Full-time summer (Ontario minimum) | 40 | $17.20/hr | ~$2,752 |
| Co-op tech work term (Waterloo) | 40 | $35 avg/hr | ~$6,000 |
- Get your SIN in Week 1 at Service Canada
Bring passport + study permit. Free, takes 20 minutes. You cannot legally work without it.
- Apply to campus jobs first
Campus employers understand academic schedules, are easy to reach, and on-campus positions are uncapped in hours.
- Update LinkedIn with your Canadian address the week you arrive
Many hospitality and retail managers in Canada check LinkedIn even for casual positions.
- Walk into restaurants and cafes between 2–5pm with a one-page CV
Much of hospitality hiring in Canadian university cities happens through in-person walk-ins, not online applications.
- Register with your university career centre immediately
Many part-time positions posted there are not publicly available and give enrolled students a first-mover advantage.
Working to cover living costs? Affordable accommodation makes your income go further.
Browse StudentBuddy for verified student accommodation priced to work with a student income — filter by city and price to find options near your campus.
Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
There is no separate student minimum wage — international students earn the same provincial minimum as all other workers. Ontario: $17.20/hour (2026), BC: $17.40, Alberta: $15.00, Quebec: $15.90, Nova Scotia: $15.80. Federal minimum (federally regulated industries): $16.55.
Yes. Income earned in Canada is taxable. Most students earning below the basic personal amount (~CAD $15,705 federally) pay minimal or zero federal tax. Filing a return is still required and often results in a GST/HST credit refund. Free tax clinics are available at most Canadian universities in February–March.
DoorDash bicycle delivery requires only the app and a bicycle — no additional permit. Uber Eats bicycle delivery similarly. Car-based delivery and Uber driving require a valid provincial driver's licence. Income is self-employment and must be declared on your Canadian tax return.
Yes. Spring reading week (typically a week in February or March) is a scheduled academic break during which international students on a valid study permit can work unlimited hours. Keep documentation of your reading week dates in case your employer asks.
Private tutoring ($25–$60/hour) is typically the highest-paying work-around option for students in STEM and business fields. Restaurant service with tips can reach $25–$35/hour in busy establishments. Research assistant positions at $20–$25/hour offer good pay plus academic experience value.
