“How to Fund your Education in Canada as an International Student: 10 Ways to Support Your Education legally”

Looking to study in Canada on a budget? Learn how to work and find opportunities as an international student with visa restrictions.

Studying in Canada as an international student is an amazing adventure, but it’s important to know about the money stuff. Tuition fees and living costs can be a bit steep, so you’ll need to find ways to make extra money to pay for school.

As a former international student, having experienced these challenges firsthand, I am well-positioned to provide guidance. Although regulatory adjustments and technological advancements have expanded opportunities, the escalating cost of living and tuition fees have intensified the financial burden for current international students.

To address this, I have compiled a comprehensive guide outlining ten legal job opportunities that permit international students with valid work permits. These roles provide insights into potential earnings, which can assist in funding educational expenses during one’s stay in Canada. Please note that the hourly wages provided are approximate and vary based on the city and province.

1. On-Campus Jobs:

International students with a valid study permit can work on campus without needing a separate work permit. These jobs are convenient because you don’t need to commute and they often have flexible hours that fit around your classes.

Typical Jobs: Library assistant, student ambassador, barista at campus cafés, lab assistant or working at the bookstore.

Approximate Hourly Wage: Around CAD $15–$20/hour

2. Off-Campus Work

You are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (like summer or winter holidays).

Typical Jobs: Retail associate, barista, food delivery (e.g. Uber Eats, DoorDash), housekeeper or private tutor.

Hourly Wage: Between CAD $15–$25/hour depending on the role and location.

3. Co-op Programs and Internships:

Many college and university programs offer co-op placements or internships as part of the curriculum. These are paid opportunities related to your field of study and offer both financial support and valuable Canadian work experience. You will need a co-op work permit, but your school’s international student advisor could help you with the paperwork.

Hourly Wage: CAD $16–$30/hour, depending on your field (tech and engineering placements tend to pay more).

4. Scholarships and Bursaries:

You don't have to be an Einstein to get scholarships. Many people don't realize but even an average International students can also get scholarships in Canada. While they’re more difficult and competitive, they’re definitely worth applying for. Start applying before you arrive in Canada if possible and continue looking throughout your program.

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Types of Aid:

   •   Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for academic excellence, leadership or extracurricular involvement.

   •   Need-Based Bursaries: Based on financial need—perfect if you’re struggling to make ends meet.

Where to find more info: Your school’s financial aid office or online platforms like ScholarshipsCanada.com, Yconic, EduCanada or on Government of Canada website

Scholarship Amounts: Ranges from CAD $500 to $15,000/year, depending on the award.

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5. Graduate Assistantships (for Master’s and PhD Students):

If you are enrolled in a graduate program, universities frequently provide Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), or Resident Assistant positions for students residing in the dormitories. These positions may entail a stipend and in some cases, partial tuition or room coverage. To qualify for a TA or RA position, it is crucial to establish a strong rapport with your professors. Hourly Rate/Stipend: Approximately CAD $20–$30 per hour, typically paid as a monthly stipend.

6. Freelance and Online Gig:

Got a marketable skill? Many international students freelance in areas like graphic design, content writing, tutoring, web development or translation.Just ensure that your freelance work aligns with your study permit regulations and the employer is based outside Canada. It’s safest to treat it as supplementary income and not your main source.

Online Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Toptal, Cambly (for English tutoring) are popular platforms.

Approximate Earnings: The earning potential is highly variable, ranging from CAD $10 to $50+ per hour, depending on your expertise, the nature of the project and your clientele.

7. Summer Jobs:

You’re allowed to work full-time during summer break (usually May–August), which is a golden opportunity to save up for the upcoming semester. Apply early—summer jobs get competitive by mid-spring.Common Jobs: Landscaping, amusement park staff, servers, lifeguards, or office assistants.

Hourly Wage: CAD $16–$22/hour

8. Spousal Work Permit:

If you’re married and your spouse comes with you to Canada, they may be eligible for an open work permit—allowing them to work for any employer, full-time. This can be a game-changer for couples, helping share the financial load

Wage Potential: Depending on their experience, they could earn anywhere from CAD $17–$30+/hour.

9. Become an Entrepreneur:

Yes, international students in Canada are permitted to own and operate businesses. There is no legal restriction prohibiting registration, management, or ownership of a company. However, it is essential to note that international students are generally not permitted to work directly for their businesses without the necessary authorization. This includes roles such as delivery services, customer service, inventory management, and other tasks.

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Legitimate Steps to Initiate and Operate a Business:

Step 1: Select a Business Structure: International students can choose from sole proprietorship, partnership or incorporation for their business structures.

Step 2: Register your Business: Register your business name and obtain necessary licenses. Use online platforms like Ownr or register directly through your provincial registry.

Step 3: Apply for a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): A Business Number (BN) is essential for tax purposes, payroll (if applicable) and the collection of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) or Goods and Services Tax (GST). The application process can be completed online through the CRA Business Number Registration website.

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10. Work Legally in Your Own Business:

International students are not permitted to work directly for their businesses without the necessary authorization.

The following options are available for obtaining authorization:

Off-Campus Work Authorization (Study Permit): If your study permit permits off-campus work, you can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. These hours can be utilized to work in your own business.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Eligible international students may apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies. This permit will enables you to work full-time in Canada for a specified duration. This is the most suitable option for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to establish their startups full-time after graduation. For more information on the PGWP, refer to the IRCC website.

Start-Up Visa (Long-Term Option):

If your business possesses promising potential, you may consider applying for Canada’s Start-Up Visa program as a pathway to permanent residency.

However, to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• A designated sponsor, such as an incubator or venture capital firm.

• An innovative and scalable business idea.

For more detailed information on the Start-Up Visa program, please visit the Canada.ca website.

One more thing - Please don't gamble with your future and work illegally:

Financial challenges often force students to work illegally in Canada. I'm not qualified to offer legal advice but I know for a fact that working Illegally as an international student can have serious consequences down the road. Here are the main ramifications:

1. Loss of Immigration Status: You could be found inadmissible to Canada for violating the conditions of your study permit. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could revoke your study permit or deny future applications (study/work/PR).

2. Deportation / Removal Order: You could face a removal order, meaning you'd be required to leave Canada. Once removed, re-entering Canada can be difficult or even banned for a number of years.

3. Future Visa/Permit Rejections: If your immigration record is flagged, it may affect Future study or work permit applications such as Permanent residency (PR) applications or entry into other countries like the U.S., U.K., or Australia

4. Criminal Charges (in rare cases): While not common, if fraud or misrepresentation is involved (e.g., using fake documents), criminal charges may apply.

5. Employer Consequences: Employers who knowingly hire international students illegally can face fines or jail time. You may be exploited (underpaid, overworked) since you have no legal protection.

6. Academic Consequences: Some institutions have a code of conduct that penalizes illegal work activities—this could result in suspension or expulsion.

If you're an international student in Canada and unsure about your work eligibility, it's best to speak to your international student advisor or IRCC guidelines.

Self-funding a substantial portion of your education as an international student in Canada presents challenges, but it is undoubtedly attainable with a meticulously planned approach. Utilize the available campus resources, explore part-time employment opportunities, and investigate scholarships and cooperative programs. Every contribution, regardless of its magnitude, can make a significant impact. Furthermore, these experiences not only provide financial support but also enhance your resume and prepare you to effectively address your future employer’s most pressing question regarding your most notable accomplishments. Additionally, they also give you valuable life skills.