Working in Canada as an International Student: New Rules

Are you an international student looking for scholarship options in a country that allows overseas students to work together with their studies as per their flexible study/work policy? Great news! You can indeed work in Canada together with your studies, but there are New Rules you need to know that i explained in this article together with the list of 10 Canadian universities with easy work with studies policy for new admissions in 2024.

Students Can Work in Canada as Per New Canadian Government Policy

Canada, renowned for its world-class education and progressive immigration policies, offers an appealing pathway for international students through its “Earn While You Learn” program. This unique opportunity blends academic excellence with work experience, providing a holistic approach to higher education.

1# Policy for Working On-Campus at Canadian DLI

If you’re studying full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, then you can work right on your campus. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Full-Time Student Status: You must be enrolled in a full-time program.
• Academic Performance: Keep up your grades and stay in good academic standing.
• Work Hours: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the regular academic semester.
• Class Time: Don’t work during your scheduled classes or exams.

2# Policy for Working Off-Campus Work in Canada

Want to work off campus? You’ll need a valid Canadian work permit for that with Canadian University’s NOC. And there are two main types of Canadian work permits for students as explained below:

How to Applying for a Work Permit in Canada as a Student?

To apply for a work permit in Canada as a student, you first need to ensure you have a valid Canadian study permit. Begin by gathering necessary documents, including a letter of support/NOC from your Canadian educational institution and proof of sufficient financial support.

Applications can typically be submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Make sure to check if you’re eligible for an off-campus work permit or a co-op work permit, depending on your situation. Canada’s off-campus permit allows work for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks, while the co-op permit is for students with co-op or internship components in their programs. Ensure all your paperwork is accurate and complete to avoid delays

In summary, as an international student in Canada, you have the opportunity to work while you study, but it’s important to follow these guidelines. Whether you choose to work on or off campus, make sure to maintain your academic standing and adhere to the permitted working hours.

Let’s delve into the exciting world of scholarship opportunities in Canada, particularly focusing on those universities that not only welcome international students but also accommodate them with flexible on/off-campus work policies. These institutions not only provide valuable financial aid through scholarships but also empower students to gain practical experience and support their studies through part-time work.

Canadian Scholarships 2024 With Part Time Work Permission

Balancing part-time work in Canada with educational expenses can be challenging, which is why securing a fully funded Canadian scholarship is crucial. It’s essential to find a university that not only offers substantial financial aid through scholarships but also provides flexible work permissions.

This approach ensures that while you supplement your income through part-time employment, the primary financial burden of your education and living expenses is effectively alleviated by the scholarship, so for that reason i gave you the list of 10 Universities in Canada that allow their students to do on-campus and off-campus work together with scholarship offerings:

1. University of Waterloo: Offers the International Student Entrance Scholarship ($10,000) for undergraduates and a Graduate Scholarship up to $10,000. The International Master’s Award of Excellence is valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of 6 terms​​. International students at the University of Waterloo can apply for a co-op work permit after completing one semester of full-time study.
2. University of Saskatchewan: Known for its water research excellence, it provides the International Excellence Awards ($10,000) and IB Excellence Awards ($20,000). Postgraduate students can avail of the Graduate Scholarship, offering up to $20,000 for PhD students over 36 months​​.
3. McGill University: Offers merit-based entrance scholarships for first-time undergraduate students and modest bursaries for PhD students​​. At McGill University, international students become eligible to apply for a co-op work permit upon successfully completing a full-time semester of study.
4. University of Montreal (UdeM): Provides exemption scholarships for international students in undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, offering up to $21,593.35 per year​​.
5. University of Toronto: Offers the University of Toronto Scholars Programme ($7,500) for undergraduates. PhD students receive a base funding package of up to $28,970, including health insurance coverage​​.
6. University of Ottawa: Offers the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for undergraduates enrolled in French or French Immersion Stream. The International Doctoral Scholarship for PhD students is valued at $45,000 over five years​​.
7. Concordia University: Provides Entrance Scholarships for full-time students entering university studies for the first time​​.
8. University of Lethbridge: Offers external scholarships worth up to $10,000 for undergraduate and graduate programs. The Graduate Research Award can provide up to $21,000​​.
9. University of British Columbia (UBC): Considers all international students for the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards, with a total value of up to $35,000 annually. The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) for PhD students offers a minimum annual support of $18,200​​.
10. University of Alberta: Provides admission-based scholarships like the International Admission Scholarship (up to $5,000), Regional Excellence Scholarship (up to $5,000), and Gold Standard Scholarship (up to $6,000). For PhD, the Graduate Entrance Scholarship offers a stipend of $21,000, plus an additional $10,000 for international students.