There are lots of ways you can help pay for your education. You
can find some great bursaries or scholarships, and even take out
a student loan - but have you considered working?
Here are some great ways for you to earn some money while you're
still in school (or about to enroll in school).
Work-Study Programs
Work-Study is when you work on campus if you're a full-time
student. Usually universities allow a maximum of 12 working hours
a week, because anything more than this has been shown to affect
a student's ability in academics. The rate of pay is about $10 an
hour, with vacation pay and benefits. These jobs can be anything
from working in the food services to administration. You can
apply to the International student work-study program if:
- you have a valid student permit
- you have at least 60% of a full course load in your semester
- you are in satisfactory academic standing
Do I need a special visa permit?
A student visa in Canada is a temporary
residence permit, but it has a number of advantages that other
permits do not have. If you have a student visa, you may work on
campus or do research for a professor without a work permit. So
with just a student visa, you can still work
on-campus.
If you work WITH a work permit,
however, you may obtain a higher score on your application
because you have added Canadian work experience.
If a student wants to get a summer job or part-time job
off-campus, they would not be able to work at
first, but after completing six months of study, that person can
apply for an off-campus work permit. That would allow the student
to work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during summer
off-campus. The student visa makes this possible.
Co-op and Internship Programs
This can be considered a work placement. Depending on what school
you go to - and your program - you can have a range of employers
to choose from or you will be assigned to a job. These jobs are
great because they relate to your program of study and give you
some great experience. These "work terms" count as credits in
your program. Some schools have a pool of employers while some
schools request that you search for the job on your own. Either
way, when you are placed in a job it must be ensured that you are
qualified enough for the position.
Co-ops are usually paid and internships are usually unpaid - but
it can also be the other way around. Co-ops also usually
alternate between semesters
Part-time Jobs
You can find lots of jobs in the workplace. Often times, your
school will have a bulletin board or website with local places
needing employment. You can work in food services such as
restaurants and coffee shops; you can work in retail, such as
clothing or sports stores. You can be a camp counselor in the
summertime, or a lifeguard/swimming instructor at swimming pools.
You can work at a bookstore, library, flower shop, boutique - you
name it!
If you're tech-savvy, you can find jobs in programming, web
design, or computer help (especially in university residences).
Speaking another language is also a definite boost to your resume
- Canada is a multicultural society and being able to talk to
customers in other languages is great for business!
What are the advantages of working while in
school?
You get great job experience, especially if you plan on living in
Canada permanently. You can build a network of contacts and other
people to socialize with who aren't necessarily in your program.
Most of all, you help pay for your tuition and living expenses.
There's nothing like the feeling of satisfaction when you pay for
your education and earn it, too.
What are the disadvantages of working while in
school?
If you have a part-time job at the same time you're taking
classes in school, this might interfere with your work. Just make
sure you don't work too many hours per week, or else it might
affect your academic performance and opportunities to study. As
long as you are prepared to prioritize your studies and your job,
you will be fine.
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