Renowned quality of life and high-quality education options are just two reasons why 621,656 individuals held a study permit in Canada as of 2021. The country expects a surge in international students in 2023, reaching up to 753,000.
If you plan to contribute to that growth and study in Canada soon, these part-time jobs can help. University fees are still expensive in Canada, and securing a part-time job for international students is one of the best ways to finance your education and living expenses.
High-Paying Part-Time Jobs For International Students In Canada
1. Delivery Driver
Driving for Lyft or Uber has become one of the most popular part-time jobs among international students in Canada. The pay as a delivery driver is great, plus you get to work whenever you like.
The basic requirements for this job are a driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and proof of work eligibility (study or work permit is allowed).
Average salary: $18 per hour
Become a Delivery Driver With Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the best food delivery platforms available in thousands of cities worldwide.
You can sign up to become a delivery driver with Uber Eats if you have a valid driver’s license, a 2- or 4-door car less than 20 years old, proof of vehicle insurance, and are at least 21 years old. You will also need to pass a background check.
You can deliver as many or as few hours as you want on your schedule and cash out earnings easily. You also keep 100% of the tips you get. This side gig is a great way to bring in extra income.
2. Barista
To become a barista, you need to possess excellent customer service skills, communication skills, and the ability to work well with others. It’s an excellent part-time job for international students as you’ll learn how to make great coffee, plus earn tips!
Average salary: $15.34 per hour
3. Server
Working as a server isn’t the highest-paying part-time job for students, but it’s one of the easiest ways to enter the food and restaurant industry. There’s no standard education or training required to be a server in Canada — as long as you’re knowledgeable of food service regulations, you can start working as one.
Average salary: $15.20 per hour
4. Dog Walker
Since it doesn’t have educational qualifications or require formal training, working as a dog walker is one of the best jobs for students in Canada. As the name suggests, this job will require you to walk dogs for clients based on agreed-upon schedules and routes.
Create a profile on dog walking apps, such as Rover, Wag!, and Fetch! to find your first client!
Average salary: $15 per hour
5. Bartender
A bartender is a popular option among international students who want to earn because it offers flexible working schedules. A beverage service certification and completion of secondary school may be required before you can work as a bartender in Canada.
Average salary: $15.34 per hour
6. Sales Associate
Does the idea of helping customers excite you? Working as a sales associate might be ideal for you. To become a certified sales associate in Canada, you must complete 35 hours of pre-requite education and take an exam from the Canadian Professional Sales Association or CPSA.
Average salary: $18.29 per hour
7. Teaching Assistant
Consider working as a teaching assistant if you have experience teaching or are interested in making a name in the educational field.
You need to meet minimal requirements to become a teaching assistant, like having at least one year of experience in the field and having exemplary communication and organizational skills.
Average salary: $18.24 per hour
8. Nanny
A job as a nanny is one of the easiest part-time jobs in Canada. A nanny’s primary tasks include looking after children, arranging their schedules, transporting them to and from school, and completing some household chores, like cleaning and doing the laundry.
Average salary: $14 per hour
Related: Legit online jobs for students in Canada.
9. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers undertake banking activities, produce financial reports, process payments, and record different transactions, like sales revenues, purchases, and invoices. To become one, you must be good with numbers and have excellent organizational and time management skills.
Average salary: $23.09 per hour
Highest Paying Freelance Jobs For International Students
10. Freelance Writer
Do you have strong literary skills? If yes, start looking for employers in need of a freelance writer. It’s one of the best jobs for students in Canada, as you’ll have the freedom to decide where and when you’re going to work. It also gives you the flexibility of choosing clients and the number of projects to cater to.
Average salary: $21.95 per hour
11. Tutor
If you’re confident about your experience and knowledge in different subjects, working as a tutor might be the best part-time job for you. As a tutor, you can choose which subjects to teach, how many students to accommodate, and what time you will work.
Average salary: $23.56 per hour
12. Translator
For someone who can speak, read, and write at least two languages fluently, working as a translator is an easy way to make money. You can work as a translator in an organization or find clients on your own.
Average salary: $28.54 per hour
13. Web Developer
This part-time job is ideal for international students with graphic design or computer science majors. It’s a job for a specialist, as you need an in-depth understanding of the user experience or UX, and it’s one of the highest-paying part-time jobs for students.
Average salary: $30.59 per hour
14. Editor/Proofreader
Put your editing skills to good use by working as an editor or proofreader. These roles allow you to make unlimited income as you can cater to clients regardless of their location. You can also choose your working schedule, making it easier for you to manage your student load.
Average salary: $25.25 per hour
15. Graphic Designer
Your knowledge and experience in using design and photo editing software can help you earn as a graphic designer. This is another part-time job for international students in Canada as you have full control of your schedule, and you get to work anywhere.
Average salary: $24.56 per hour
How to Find a Job as an International Student in Canada
As a student permit holder, you may be able to work on- or off-campus without getting a work permit. To start earning from one of the highest-paying part-time jobs for students, follow these steps:
- Update your resume. Many employers in Canada will require a cover letter in addition to a resume. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re qualified for the position.
- Network everywhere. Attend every event in school and use them as an opportunity to network. Outside of school, continue networking with everyone you meet.
- Check online. When looking for the best jobs for students in Canada, the internet is your ally. Check the following sites to look for jobs around Canada: Canada’s Top 100, Career Builder, Eluta, Toronto Jobs, and Workopolis.
- Go for Internships and Volunteering. Proactively volunteer for internships for companies you want to secure a part-time job. By showcasing your willingness to work, you’ll have better chances of getting hired.
Pros and Cons of Working as an International Student
Before searching for the best jobs for students in Canada, it’s important to look at the bigger picture and consider the pros and cons. This information helps manage your expectations and determine if working as an international student is the best option for you.
Pros
- More money: Securing high-paying part-time jobs for students in Canada means having more money. With daily expenses and student loans piling up, being able to earn money on the side is a great motivator for international students to work.
- Professional experience: Earning from part-time jobs as an international student gives you unmatched experience and exposes you to a professional working environment. These will add value to your profile and help you secure a job after college.
- Time management: Juggling responsibilities between a part-time job and school is one of the best ways students can learn about time management. Having the ability to manage your schedule is crucial to ensure that neither responsibility is compromised.
- Communication skills: Working in a professional setup early is an opportunity to expose yourself to an environment that will require you to communicate with others. Over time, this will significantly improve your communication skills.
- Networking skills: Part-time jobs help enhance your networking skills because you’ll have to collaborate with different people from all walks of life. Additionally, the networks you build when working part-time can help you build a career in the future.
Cons
- Lack of time: You’ll likely see yourself pressed for time when you work part-time as an international student. Besides school and work, you also have to make time for your loved ones and socialize. But as long as you know how to manage your time, this shouldn’t be a reoccurring problem.
- Stress: Securing one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada for students while meeting the responsibilities of college can lead to stress and, eventually, burnout. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid stress when working part-time, like sticking to a schedule, getting enough rest, and finding time to de-stress.
Stay Informed
Finding a part-time job as an international student in Canada can feel overwhelming. There are several steps involved in the process, not to mention having to adjust to living in a new country.
Consider this article as your guide as you start your journey to finding the best part-time jobs for international students in Canada. Being equipped with the essential information will make you feel in control of the situation, thus, helping lower your stress.
FAQs
Web developer, translator, and editor or proofreader.
Common low-stress high-compensation jobs available in Canada are art directors, environmental scientists, purchasing managers, audiologists, and biomedical engineers.
Even without a degree, you can still earn 6-figures working as a real estate agent, web developer, computer programmer, makeup artist, or construction manager.
Yes, as there are plenty of options to choose from. As long as you’re enrolled as a full-time international student and have a valid study permit, you can work on or off campus.
Related: Best work-from-home jobs in Canada.
